career makeover success stories

© Aila Design

Young Kuwaiti Amal Khourshid owns the hip fashion label Aila Design that makes the awesome bags shown above. But it is a mere coincidence that Amal ended up as a fashion designer since she was working in the financial services industry before.

Because we truly like Amal’s designs we were interested to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey so far. If you are as curious as we are, here is the Q&A!

Where are you from and were did you grow up. Did you study Fashion Design?

I am Kuwaiti. I lived mostly in Kuwait, but I also lived in London and Lebanon (where I am currently based). I never studied Fashion Design, but Fashion has always been my obsession since I was a kid.

What were you doing before AILA Design and is this your first business?

It is my first business. I am 28 years old. I majored in Banking and Finance and minored in Economics in the Lebanese American University in Beirut. I first started my career as an investment banker. I worked in Retail and Corporate Banking and then moved to Investments until I realized that Fashion is my main interest from which I can't get detached.

Was it difficult to start a fashion label?

To be honest, it all just started out as a hobby. I had no plans whatsoever to start a fashion label. I had just moved from London to Beirut and was looking for a job in my previous field.

I by coincidence found myself out of curiosity in a leather store,and bought a genuine python skin (I have a weakness towards exotic leathers). Then I thought why not design it myself and for once I would be able to exactly have every detail I liked combined all together in a clutch. I by coincidence also met the right person to put it all together. I gave him the design and details and we went along. It turned out a beautiful piece and I got asked several times for a similar one.

I started taking orders, and then I considered why not start a proper collection myself. I displayed my maiden collection in Kuwait and it was a great hit, which encouraged me to pursue my career.

I thought it would be hard at first, and I was so scared of failing or for people not to like my collection, but then I also thought there are risks in life to be taken for success to come along. I learned that experience comes along the way.

Any « artistic genes » in the family?

My sister has her own line of clothing. But I think it all started from our mom. She is so into designing and recreating. She is an interior decorator originally but she also always used her imaginations and designs on clothes and accessories. Since we were young we would see her turning an old dress into a new one by redesigning it, or detach some old accessories and re-changing them completely.

What inspires you?

I get inspired by many different things. I am personally a great fan of the 70's and 80's looks. I love adding an oriental twist to my designs when it is possible. The Parisian style inspires me as well.

Why bags?

I simply love bags. I am an addict. I always used to find something missing in a design or something could be done differently. It all started out as a hobby.

Any personal favorite bags?

Just like many girls, my all time favorite (non Aila bags) are the classical Chanel bags and the Kelly Hermès bags.

Any plans to expand beyond bags?

I am a perfectionist, so until I perfect what I am doing, I won't be expanding beyond bags and small leather goods. Shoes might be the next step; shoes and bags always compliment each other.

Where do you sell your bags?

I currently sell in Kuwait, Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Sultanate of Oman, Sierra Leone (Africa), and Belgium as well as soon in the UK. And online on Goji Boutique.

What has been the most exciting moment so far?

My most exciting moments are when I see ladies I don't know carrying my bags in public. It makes me feel like I have made an achievement. Or when I am displaying at an exhibition, and see the amazement in my customers’ eyes.

Any advice you would give to aspiring fashion designers?

Don't let any obstacle stand in your way if you feel you are good at something and can do it. You can only know what you are capable of until you try it out and forget about failure. As Coco Chanel said: « Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable. »

Isn’t this another great and inspiring story of a stunning career makeover?  We believe Amal’s story is another showcase for know what and where.com as it demonstrates the great entrepreneurship behind.

If you got inspired to pursue your true calling or if you want to share your story with us, please contact us!

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