Would You Quit Your Full Time Job to Start an Art Empire? I Sat Down With @MozArtSupplies to Find Out How
by Hanan in Culture & Lifestyle on 23rd May, 2018
credit @artbysinch
I sat down with Safeeya Habaik-Ullah and got to know a little more about her budding art empire, giving me the low down as to what it takes to quit a full-time job and build a new startup business from scratch, what it’s like working with her husband, and where she finds her daily inspo. Learn a little more below!
1. Tell me a little bit about your business, what triggered the creation of MozArt?
MozArt Supplies is an online art supplies and stationery business. My husband, Moazzam and I, along with our friend Ameen, started it up two-and-a-half years ago. We sell high-quality supplies suitable for all, whether a student, art hobbyist or professional artist. We’re still only a small business but the aim, God willing, is to grow into a one-stop shop for all your art needs.
MozArt was born out of Moazzam’s desire to break out from the corporate world and have more control over his work life. We both had a keen interest in art and the idea of starting our own business seemed alluring, but it wasn’t as if we jumped straight into it. That seemed too risky. Instead, we worked on MozArt for almost a year while simultaneously working our day jobs (Moazzam in consulting and myself in healthcare). We would come home and work late into the night and on weekends. Once we could see that MozArt had potential and just required a bigger investment of our time that’s when we both decided to go full time on it.
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2. What’s it like working with your husband?
It might not be for everyone, but it works out well for us alhamdulillah. We both work on different sides of the business, which helps to keep things running smoothly as we have our own areas of ownership and it stops us stepping on each other’s toes. Also, we both bring different things to the table which gives a nice balance, more often than not Moazzam will be the one swept up conjuring new ideas while I’ll be the one to lend a little reasoning ha!
3. Top countries to visit for inspo?
Well, we’ve just come back from a trip to Japan and I must say I am buzzing with inspiration. The Japanese take their crafts seriously and I feel we could learn from their philosophy that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing well. And when it comes to stationery everything is aesthetically pleasing; clean, chic and minimal (think Muji). I must admit I was in stationery heaven!
Purple hues. @izunee at it again, this time using our Single and Dual Brush Pens.
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4. What’s your long-term vision for MozArt?
We want MozArt to become a community art hub (God willing). A place to inspire and help nurture the next generation of artists. We’re in the process of building a network of artists collaborating with us in creating resources and tools that will enable our support to go beyond just the purchase and to help our customers along their artistic journey. We’re also keen to champion charities that are making a real difference. We’ve teamed up, and provided art supplies to, Tracy’s Kids, a charity that uses art therapy to help young cancer patients cope with the emotional stress and trauma of cancer. (A worthy cause definitely worth checking out.)
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5. Do you think art is for everyone?
Definitely. We all lead such hectic lives and I think art is a great way to relieve stress and help us feel rejuvenated. Just look at how popular adult coloring books have become recently. People are looking for a way to meditate and find zen in their everyday. You don’t have to be a Picasso it’s all about having fun.
Aloha weekend ???? #oceanart Created by @beckystarsmore with MozArt Komorebi Watercolors
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House plant family ???? @cfnatycf.design with MozArt's Komorebi Paints
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6. What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business?
Two things. First, you’ve got to be passionate about your business idea. Being laissez faire just won’t get you through that daily grind. Second, keep an open attitude. A new start up will no doubt throw unexpected obstacles and opportunities your way and you have to be ready to adapt and learn on the go.
7. ‘What does a ‘day in the life of Safeeya’ look like?
Well, what’s great about running your own business is that no two days look alike. Today I could be spending the day developing our product line and organising a photoshoot and tomorrow the focus may shift to working on our marketing or social media outreach. The flexibility (especially working from home) keeps things exciting but it also means self discipline is key. Although my tasks may vary I try to stick to a routine when it comes to my work hours. I’ve learnt the hard way that if you don’t keep a routine your business can easily spill over into your personal life and invade your downtime. I find waking up early and working whilst fresh works best for me.
Let love bloom. . Made with Mozart Brush Pens by @bmello.art
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MozArt is always keen to collaborate with artists, and they’re currently also looking to work product testers to help develop their range, so anyone* interested in the opportunity to try out free art supplies in return for honest feedback please contact social@mozartsupplies.com *You must be based in either the EU or USA.
Follow the couples colourful journey at www.mozartsupplies.com and find their Instagram at @MozArtsupplies.
Hanan
Hanan has a Masters in Media in the Middle East from SOAS University. Trainee of the Muslim Women in Media institute Annual Cohort at UC Davis, California. Her interests lie in ethical fashion, modern-day slavery, and when not making Youtube videos she is somewhere in between Ballet and Kickboxing. King Julian is her spirit animal.
