On a journey of passion, dedication and unwavering determination in the captivating world of fashion, Mariam Al-Samhan unfolds the inspiring story of Grade boutique. What once started as a simple hobby back in 2012 has blossomed into a remarkable success, representing the essence of Kuwaiti excellence, which embodies an inspiring experience where hobbies transform into thriving investments, all masterfully crafted with a touch of the Al-Samhan sisters’ Kuwaiti spirit, showcasing the essence of local brilliance in every beautiful piece.

“Our love for fashion was the driving force behind our decision. We began by selling a few items on Instagram, positioning ourselves as a new local brand. In fact, we were one of the first Kuwaiti women to venture into this type of business,” explained Mariam Al-Samhan. Grade boutique is entirely Kuwaiti, with the Al-Samhan sisters serving as designers and managers. In 2017, the two sisters decided to open their first boutique in Kuwait City. A year later, they realized the potential for growth and expansion, which led them to relocate their store to Shuwaikh.

Photo shows an outdoor sign for Grade boutique.

Mariam Al-Samhan checking an item from Grade boutique.

Mariam Al-Samhan designing in Grade boutique.

Mariam Al-Samhan working on a new item for Grade boutique.

Mariam Al-Samhan's style and design samples.

During this period, Grade boutique earned its current name, as the founders were opting for a more solid and cohesive name. “Our boutique’s aesthetic is minimalist and simple, reaching for a wider range of people rather than limiting ourselves to specific category. We are also open to collaborations in the future and are introducing a new line of activewear”, Mariam said. She highlighted that attention to detail and quality is important in each piece, as seen in their meticulous underlays and neat knitting and finishing techniques.

“Although Grade boutique primarily focuses on women’s clothing, we do offer seasonal pieces for men. In addition to clothing, we also offer bags and are working for a line for men’s clothing and other lines as well,” Mariam said. She also spoke about the challenges she faces. “The need to constantly stay updated and find innovative ways to stand out could be the hardest part; however, we pride ourselves on our quality and continuously strive to maintain and improve it. Our items are primarily season-based — Summer-Spring and Fall-Winter.” She then said that in the near future, Grade boutique is introducing a line for beauty products to further expand their range of offerings.