Meet Maisha Abdullah | Multi Disciplined Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maisha Abdullah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maisha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The main thought process behind starting my own business was first putting myself in control of what I am required to do or not do. And that decision not be in the hands of someone else who many times did not have my best interest in mind. However of course when working for yourself there are times when things must be done that you would rather avoid, but they are generally for the betterment of you and the business as a whole.

Secondly I always wanted my creativity to be at the center of my day to day activities and sometimes working for someone else meant sacrificing that in a big way. I never wanted to have a job again that was not related to my skills and talents or stifled my growth.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In addition to creating accessories, fashion I am an Illustrator and Graphic Designer so my designs are a combination of those skills applied. I design from scratch utilizing allot of upcycled materials which is a unique aspect that I am proud of. My designs speak to many types of fashion styles which is the exciting part about designing and a big part of why I enjoy it so much.

However it didn’t start this way. On the way to work one day decided if I didn’t turn around right then and there I would be stuck in that life for good, and a decision needed to be made. I drove off the road and went to the jewelry supply store and never went back. In the beginning I really didn’t know what I was doing and it was awful. I was scared but knew I couldn’t turn back. I knew I had to muster up the skills I’d learned over the years and make it work. I’m a determined person and when I know something needs to get done I make myself figure it out. I didn’t want my designs to be like everything else out there but limited tools and supplies meant I had to really dig down bring things from my mind to life.

With this I’ve learned that once I make any decision to do something it will be done. But this has also created a big practice of patience as well as developing faith. Seeing my struggles for what they are and not seeing myself as a person whos failing because of those struggles. You really have to take stock of yourself on a regular basis. See the patterns in your life and analyze the choices you make. Tweaking and redefining yourself along the way to keep growing.

What I would want people to know about my brand and story is that this all does not add up to just things that I sell. This is the development of me as a person from and child who uses the gifts I’ve been given to connect with the creator. Every time I hone in and do this thing called making art, it ties me back to that source for that time being. It is what I have to do to feel alive and you reap the benefits of it with the things I then offer to you. And in the days to come I intend that I can offer this opportunity to other creatives as my company grows.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m vegan so let’s pretend my friend is as well.

Day one consist of a visit to the Atlanta Botanical garden is a must and we could wrap up with lunch at a cozy vegan spot green sprout. For dinner we could order a vegan Pizza box from the Vegan Paesano @yochilife.

Day two breakfast at Bluebird Cafe, then hit the beltline for a bike ride and a drink or two from any restaurant along the way. For dinner and drinks we’ll head to Herban Fix for great fine dining in Midtown.

Day three we can pack a lunch from some of my homemade vegan foods because I am also a bomb cook. We’ll head out to the Chattahoochee for some whitewater rafting which is amazing! We can that evening head to Ponce City market, grab food from any one of the great restaurants within and then head to the rooftop for drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would definitely have to shout out my parents. They were the first creatives and people who taught me how to be strong and self sufficient. Their combined skills and talents have in large part made me who I am. They never curbed my creative interest as a child which sometimes happens with creative children. They have always supported my decisions completely!

Website: https://www.honeybeloved.co/

Instagram: @honeybeloved14

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maisha-abdullah-92902313/

Image Credits
Photographer: William Anderson (A Friend of Mine Photography) https://afriendofminephotography.pixieset.com/