This month we will feature various Saudi talents who are exceptional at what they do. Some work from home and others started their own business. These young Saudi’s are creative, innovative and entrepreneurs at heart.

Our first talent is founder of Toki Crafts, Yara Abdulrahman.

Toki crafts Is the the name I chose for my small business. “toki” mean bunny in korean language, my business is about accessories, keychains, plushies, pillows, and many other things that i make myself, 100% handmade.

When did you start? I started around 2 years ago, I was taken in by the amazing crafts I saw online! I was specifically attracted to plushies and these tiny adorable charms and sculptures that were made using something called “polymer clay”. I wondered, how do they do it ? how is it even possible ? I was very curious and intrigued to try these crafts myself…and so i did! It was and still difficult to find all the materials here in riyadh, but thank god, I managed to find some things to let me start.

How did you start? I started by searching for tutorials (lessons) on how to use that magical clay, sew and many other things, so I started following those step by step lessons. I learned that the polymer clay is a clay like plastic material that you can shape anyway you want, then put it in the oven at specific degrees to harden.

What did you do? I use this material (polymer clay) to make accessories, keychains, cellphone charms, broaches, hair clips. It comes in many colours and can be varnished at the end for a nice, glossy finish.

And I was also learning how to sew, I had never liked hand sewing before and couldn’t understand it, but now it’s a very entertaining activity for me. I started by sewing small keychains and plushies to sewing on t-shirts and bags. I also tried my hand at painting on shoes & t-shirts.

My beginning wasn’t so wonderful, but I learned with lots of pratcice and tries.

Who supported you? I got many positive responds from friend and family which encouraged me to get out there and show the world what I can do and hopefully make money out of it. So what started as a hobby and experiment turned to a business!

When did you start? Last year, around April I founded a facebook group to start with. I had a slow beginning…

How did your idea grow? I could say that my business “bloomed” around December, the same time I joined my first bazaar. I got more exposure and people got to know toki crafts. Since then, I joined another bazaar and now thanks to Allah, I have many more customers.

I’m thankful to allah for all that he has given me, friends and family to support me and guide me and love for this craft and patience.

What do you make?

1. Accessories (necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hairclips, broaches)
2. cellphone charms.
3. Key chains.
4. plushies.
5. pillows.
6. painting on shoes and t-shirts
7. sewing on bags and t-shirts

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