A few months ago, I met Yumnah Najah at a networking event while she was showcasing a few gorgeous jewelry pieces. When I walked over, and found out she was the owner of the line, I was really impressed. Uniquely crafted and on-trend, Yumnah Najah Hand Painted Jewelry is head turning and strikingly clever. There’s nothing like a young woman who’s laying her own foundation, and leading the way for other young entrepreneurs.
Wonder how she does it? So did I! Here’s a little Q&A with Yumnah….
What were you doing prior to jewelry designing, and has this always been something you wanted to do?
Before I started jewelry design I was in high school. I started developing the line the summer after I graduated. I was able to graduate high school a year early, so that gave me some freedom to take time and really work on some projects, like the jewelry line, that I really loved and allowed me to be free to create. I have always been into art, design and fashion, but prior to the jewelry line my main focus was interior design. Jewelry design is something that I realized I had a passion for once I realized it allowed me to blend a lot of my interest together.
When did Yumnah Najah Hand Painted Jewelry launch, and what was your inspiration for the brand?
During my last year of high school I started painting again, and during that same time I started looking for bold, bright accessories to wear. I couldn’t find anything to match the idea that I had in mind, so I decided to merge my love for painting and my love for accessories and create a jewelry line. I started experimenting with different materials and painting techniques and in November of 2010 I officially launched my first collection and my website.
During my last year of high school I started painting again, and during that same time I started looking for bold, bright accessories to wear. I couldn’t find anything to match the idea that I had in mind, so I decided to merge my love for painting and my love for accessories and create a jewelry line. I started experimenting with different materials and painting techniques and in November of 2010 I officially launched my first collection and my website.
How would you compare the current Spring/Summer 2012 line to some of your previous lines? What makes it different?
A lot of the pieces in the Spring line feature grid like design patterns that where inspired by the painting style of Piet Mondrian. I was also inspired by a lot of the bold and whimsical patterns and prints from the 70′s and that can be seen in a lot of the designs. This line was very different for me, because I included a lot more rings and necklaces and incorporated a lot more beading.
What are some of the pros and cons to being a young entrepreneur?
I think in general, when you’re young you’re still in the process of really defining yourself and figuring out what unique contributions you want to bring to the world. So when you’re a young entrepreneur, you have a lot of days when you might doubt yourself or feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. Just remember to keep calm and be patient with yourself. Be open to change if you realize that you’re not doing what you love. Use the fact that you’re young to your advantage…you have time to discover and change up what you want to do.
What advice would you give to any young aspiring entrepreneurs?
Have confidence in your ideas and don’t be afraid to make mistakes! There are going to be so many things that you don’t know, but don’t let the thought of failing keep you from trying. If you have an idea that you’re passionate about, stay focused and if you mess up, try to see every mistake as a blessing and a great learning experience in the long run. Also,don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from someone in your field who you admire…it’s always great to get advice from someone who has experience.
What’s next for the brand?I hope that Yumnah Najah Jewelry will expand beyond accessories at some point, but even with expansion, I want the Yumnah Najah brand to continue to represent elegance, creativity and individuality.
Go now>>>http://www.yumnahnajah.com/