ShareBy Alena Ann Vinod
In recent years, Kuwait has seen a remarkable shift in its business landscape, with small businesses at the forefront of this change. Among the trailblazers are three expat women — Moumita Bhattacharya, Hema Aakute and Aaliya Sageer — who have built successful jewelry-making businesses in Kuwait with family and community support.
The loss of a source of income and her affinity for jewelry inspired Bhattacharya to start a small business. Despite caring for a newborn and her ailing father, she pressed on and overcame 14 years of obstacles, becoming a connoisseur of artificial jewelry.
The 46-year-old MBA Marketing graduate has created jewelry for major shows in Kuwait, participating in over 50 exhibitions organized by the Indian Embassy. With a particular focus on German silver and recyclable materials, she merges her passion for jewelry with environmental consciousness. “Every woman should follow their passions and do something for themselves,” she said.
Aakute, a teacher, began creating jewelry as a hobby, intending to gift her creations to students and loved ones. When people offered to pay for her work, she decided to turn her hobby into a business. Aakute’s journey is guided by a spiritual calling to bring joy to others and help the less fortunate through donations to orphanages and charities.
“Giving is such a big part: it can be anything — you give a smile, and you get that smile back, the happiness back,” said Aakute, a mother of two. Her efforts have expanded to the point where stores now ask to sell her jewelry, and she is developing a website to reach customers across Kuwait.
Sageer’s journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. With her family’s encouragement, the 21-year-old student started selling clay jewelry, inspired by anime, bakeries and fruit baskets. She noticed that aesthetically pleasing designs sold best and consistently improved her craft. “I’ve always been quick on my feet so I knew I could handle problems as they came,” said Sageer.
Her father actively supported her by delivering products across Kuwait. “My dad would drive all over Kuwait on the weekends, helping me deliver the products. He got a commission for doing this, but he was happy to drive me around for free since he wanted to support me,” she shared.
Family support played a vital role in the success of all three women. Bhattacharya’s friends and family were her driving force during her 14-year journey, especially after becoming a mother and losing her father. Her business name commemorates her late father. Similarly, Sageer relied on her father’s support in her early business days. For Aakute, her business allowed her to bond with her daughter, Grace, who photographs the jewelry and manages Instagram orders while her mother creates the pieces.
The three entrepreneurs emphasize that self-employment comes with its challenges. Bhattacharya highlighted the importance of perseverance, advising others to “always give your hundred percent!”
Bhattacharya, Aakute and Sageer shared their expertise with Kuwait Times, offering valuable insights into starting a small jewelry business.
To successfully launch such a venture, the initial investment can range from KD 50 to KD 350, depending on factors like materials, delivery methods, profit margins and packaging requirements. A home-based business can be effectively promoted through social media, particularly when offering personalized items that reflect individuality and originality.
The trio emphasized that a business can stem from any skill or passion, such as baking, drawing or other unique talents, as customers are drawn to authenticity and creativity. Establishing a business may take anywhere from a few months to several years, with word of mouth and social media promotions playing a pivotal role. They credit their success to the unwavering support of their loved ones.
Once the business is established, Bhattacharya, Aakute and Sageer advise focusing on attracting the target audience by staying updated with emerging jewelry designs and social media trends. Persistence is key, as business owners must experiment with strategies and products to find what resonates with customers. Offering bundle deals and discounts can also boost sales.
The trio agreed that networking and building strong connections are essential for business growth. Above all, they highlighted the importance of hard work, dedication and faith as the foundation for long-term success.
