Founder Hala Abdallah of Saudi-based jewellery brand Ofa is making waves in the industry.
What inspired you to launch Ofa?
My architecture background mixed with the limited options of designer jewellery back then inspired me to launch my brand. I knew I am capable of doing something great, I didn’t know where to start but eventually figured it out.
You collaborate with Dubai’s best artisans to create handcrafted jewellery – tell us about the key collections.
Our Core collection is inspired by the Arabian sword, a symbol of pride and strength. We named it “Etincelle”, it means a spark of a new idea in French. The main idea was for the pieces to look like sparkles and it fit perfectly with what this collection meant to me. “Fouq” is our Saudi dedicated collection, it’s full of beauty, pride , and it’s -in its essence- a show off of our design and craftsmanship. We do drops for different occasions like Valentines, Eid and more.
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How would you best describe the Ofa aesthetic?
Elegant and modern. It is very eye catching even though it’s not the biggest, however, it creates impact. We have been copied by many brands on instagram and we take it as a compliment.
How does Ofa reflect your personal style?
It’s directly inspired by my style, as I design what I want to wear. With the bigger pieces I designed what I wanted to buy.
You design every piece from the original sketch to the final result – talk us though the creative process.
Personally I go off of things that means to me. The process is derived by true love for these meanings and I don’t know any other way to do it. First, I do what I love, sports, art and more. I make sure I have times where I’m doing nothing, because with feeling good plus doing nothing, I get all my design ideas, hence I design mostly on weekends. I have a sketch pad and sticky notes in every room and every bag it’s crazy. Whenever I see something I sketch what I see in my head on the nearest pad. After I sketch it all and create a design brief, my team will draw the 3D renders and print models for me to see the final result, before we order the first sample. This stage has a lot of back and forth. But once the wax model looks right , we order a gold sample.
You create bespoke pieces – can tell us about the customisation process.
When we receive a request through email from clients requesting changes to existing pieces, we provide them with a 3D render and a quote, once approved the process takes around three to six weeks.
The highest quality of gemstones and materials are sourced – tell us more.
All of our stones are natural and sourced from all around the world. We provide a certificate with all our pieces. And like no other brand, our boxes are made out of wood and faux leather. Completely a decorative piece to be used forever, too.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t try to fit in. Be ok with people not liking you for no reason. Listen more than you talk.
How do you empower women through your jewellery?
Women are powerful already. Her buying her own jewellery from another woman who started her own jewellery brand, it is a beautiful women power exchange.
What lies ahead for the future of the brand?
More of everything. More designs, more points of sales, stronger ties with our clients, bigger team.
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This is ‘The Abundance Issue’ – how do you focus on an abundance mindset?
I operate fully on an abundance mindset in everything I do. I make sure to go out of my way to help if someone is in need. I share my resources and connections with anyone who asks. I don’t gatekeep, because I want to always feel that I’m doing well because I’m on a high positive energy, not because of the secret I’m hiding from my circle. I make sure I support entrepreneurs even those who never supported me, because I know it comes back to me one way or another, even if it’s not through them.
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