Crayon in hand, Latifa Al Hamed started her creative exploration early in life. Now a confident 17-year-old, the Emirati teenager has made a fun side business out of painting and selling Tom’s shoes. In fact her artsy shoes have caught the whimsy of young girls in her community and she’s already amassed a beeline of back orders.
Latifa says she is the most creative amongst her siblings. “Art has always been a constant in my life ever since I was a little girl – I always had a box of crayons around and I always tried to make sure I coloured within the lines.” She said it was this love for art that motivated her to set up a business called ‘Inspired Artists’.
So what inspires a teenage artist to become a young entrepreneur? Latifa says her grandfather was definitely her biggest inspiration. The businesses her grandfather set up span a wide range of industries. “His success story is what encouraged me to dream. My grandfather started small working at a bank. Look at where he is now, he’s a successful, well- known and highly respected business man.”
Inspired Artists
Latifa’s custom hand- painted Tom’s are a sensation amongst her peers. It all started one day when she returned home from school and discovered that she had no canvas at home to paint on. Determined to try something new, she started painting her Tom’s, which were also made of canvas. After she was done she posted a picture of her masterpiece on Instagram. Soon all her friends began asking her to customize their shoes and it was then that Latifa got the idea to start up a small business. She approached her mother who provided her with money to get started. “I’ve already paid my mother back all the money she had invested in me. I want to be fully independent,” says Latifa proudly.
Apart from art, Latifa enjoys sports. She is in her school’s football team and also loves snowboarding whenever she goes on vacation.
Her Artistic Journey
“I’ve faced a lot of challenges I must say! Especially since I’m still in school,” says Latifa.
Dividing her time between studies, school projects and her business is a difficult task but Latifa says she works hard to make sure none of her commitments suffer. As her shoes gain popularity, Latifa makes sure that her success does not distract her from her studies. “A pair takes an average 2-4 hours to paint, which makes it really difficult sometimes within my tight schedule.”
Despite everything, Latifa is thankful for the great response to her work, which keeps her focused and motivated. ”The response since I’ve started has been great! Without my family and friends from school I wouldn’t be here right now; they’re the ones responsible for all the publicity that I’ve got. I’m really thankful to have so much support.”
Bright Future
“I named my company “Inspired Artists” so I’m not limited artistically. I want to have room to expand. I’ve always wanted to open my own gallery for local artists here in the UAE and someday I hope to start an art institute. It has always has been my dream and someday I will pursue it!”
Her advice to young people who have businesses and are still in school is to never get distracted from completing their education. “Everything starts small, it may be difficult initially but do not give up no matter what: set a goal and work towards it just like I did. Take it slowly, one step at a time and if it’s something you really want, then you will achieve it for sure.”
By Sanah Chauhan
