womanthismonth.com | APRIL 2026 INTERVIEW 3 Your work spans interior styling, product design and visual art. What first drew you to creative work, and how did that early interest develop into a professional path? I began my creative journey as an interior stylist and decoupage artist, working in these fields for nearly a decade. Over the years, I explored several creative disciplines, spending about 13 years experimenting before beginning my professional path in design. I have also been an art collector for more than two decades. As an interior stylist and decorator, I was always searching for unique pieces to enhance a space, which inspired me to start creating my own designs. I wanted to blend art with functionality and add a distinctive touch to interiors. You founded Vintage House Decor as a platform for your design work. What was the original vision behind it, and how has it evolved as your creative practice has grown? Vintage House Decor started as a platform focused on interior design. Over time, as my creative practice evolved, it naturally expanded to include multidisciplinary design and art pieces. Today, it reflects a broader vision where interior styling, functional design and art come together. Many of your projects sit at the intersection of art and functional design. When approaching a custom piece or interior space, what typically guides your creative process? Every project begins with understanding the client’s requirements, which form the foundation of my creative process. From there, I take inspiration from the overall mood and character of the interior. I aim to create pieces that feel naturally connected to the space while balancing artistic expression with functionality. You have built much of your career in Bahrain. How has living and working in the Kingdom shaped your perspective as a designer and artist? Living and working in Bahrain has had a strong influence on my perspective as a designer. The Kingdom’s multicultural environment allows me to experience different aesthetics and cultural influences, which naturally inspire a more eclectic approach in my work. Additionally, Bahrain is known as a hub that welcomes diverse artistic expression. The country places great value on developing artistic and design talent, creating an inspiring environment for artists and designers to explore new ideas. Your chapter in the book Begin It Now is titled A Journey from Desperation to Passion. Tell us a bit about the story behind this chapter. What inspired you to share it? My chapter in Begin It Now was inspired by my personal journey and the turning points that shaped my career. In April 2025, after being named a winner of the Woman Changing the World Global Award in the Creative Industries category in London, I was invited to share the story of how my professional journey began for inclusion as a chapter in the book. My story began during a difficult period in my life that pushed me to reflect and discover my true passion. Although my background was in IT, I realised it was not where my heart was. After about 13 years of exploring different fields, I found myself undeniably drawn to interior decoration, art and design. I wanted to share this story because it captures how difficult times often lead us to discover our real purpose. I hope it can serve as a reminder that it is never too late to pursue your passion and build the path you truly believe in. What did contributing to the book make you think about or realise as you revisited your journey and ideas? Contributing to the book was a very reflective experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to look back at my journey and realise how the challenges I went through helped shape who I am today. Revisiting those moments reminded me that perseverance and self-discovery are essential in finding your true passion and purpose. The anthology Begin It Now will also be included in gift bags for nominees at the 2026 Academy Awards in Hollywood. How does it feel to know that your story may reach such a wide international audience? It is truly an honour to know that my story may reach such a wide international audience. Being part of Begin It Now and knowing it will be included in the 2026 Academy Awards gift bags makes the experience even more meaningful. It feels incredible to know that my message about having the courage to pursue passion will resonate with an even broader readership. Bahrain is home to a growing creative community, with more women exploring careers in art, design and entrepreneurship. What message would you share with young women in Bahrain who may be considering a creative path but feel uncertain about taking the first step? My advice to young women who feel uncertain about pursuing a creative path is to step out of their comfort zones and take the time to discover themselves. Real success comes from understanding who you are and what genuinely inspires you. Keep exploring and searching for what gives your life meaning. A career may have its limits and stages, but discovering your passion is something that can stay with you for a lifetime. When you find what truly excites you, it becomes a lasting source of purpose and creativity.
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