This week, we speak to Ani Han, Creative Director and founder of Enso Design Lab, a minimalist jewellery brand that believes in incorporating the art of meditation through its design.
Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible wellness, fashion and beauty entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome
Her goal is not only to create beautiful objects but also to inspire people to live mindfully, emphasising the importance of meditation and an eco-friendly approach. Deeply rooted in minimalist design, while focusing on sustainability and fine craftsmanship, the pieces are aimed around timeless designs.
Her daily practices of meditation and close connection with nature enable her to maintain a high level of creativity and inspiration, which is reflected in her unique and meaningful designs. Ani sees her role as a designer as that of a mentor and guide, helping people reconnect with the simplicity and beauty that are often lost in the hustle and bustle of modern life.
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To delve into her journey as a wellness entrepreneur, Emirates Woman spoke to her to see how she launched her supplements brand.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Art was always my favorite subject. Since childhood, I loved drawing and creating. It was my way of expressing myself and finding peace. Art helped me understand myself and the world better. Every art class was a celebration for me, a chance to immerse myself in a world of colors and shapes where only my imagination ruled. This passion grew with me and became an integral part of my life, forming the foundation for my work at Enso, where I continue to express my emotions and thoughts through design.
What was your first job?
Oh, that’s an interesting story. Despite my love for art, societal pressure pushed me toward a more “safe” path. My parents and acquaintances believed that a career in banking would be more stable and reliable. I enrolled in university to study anti-crisis management for banks. It was a challenging time because my heart was drawn to art. But I decided to maintain my connection to creativity. I found ways to learn quickly and efficiently, freeing up time for drawing and studying design. Art was always my refuge, even while studying a complex and unrelated field. Eventually, I graduated with honors, which was surprising to me. But the most important thing was realizing how essential art was to me. After university, I started working at a prestigious company but quickly realised it wasn’t my path. The sense of dissatisfaction and lack of meaning made me reassess my priorities. I decided to leave that job and devote myself to what I truly loved. I started with small projects, learning and developing. The feedback on my work and the support from others convinced me I was on the right path. This step required courage but opened up new horizons for me. Now, as the Creative Director at Enso, I’m incredibly happy. This journey showed me that following your calling is the way to deep satisfaction and joy in life.
What inspired you to launch Enso Design Lab?
I was inspired by Enso Design Lab’s philosophy, their aesthetics, and their commitment to creating mindful and sustainable products. Enso combines minimalism, high quality, and deep meanings, which align perfectly with my values. At Enso, I found the ideal place to realize my ideas and philosophy through design. Here, I saw the opportunity to create not just beautiful things but items that bring harmony and mindfulness into people’s lives.
What are the key elements of your role?
As the Creative Director at Enso Design Lab, my job is to immerse myself in the world of ideas and bring them to life daily. I strive to find harmony between beauty and functionality so that things not only please the eye but also bring joy in use. Creating concepts is like meditation for me. I draw inspiration from nature, art, and philosophy, allowing these elements to intertwine into unique ideas. Every product should tell its own story and evoke an emotional response, turning everyday moments into something special. Materials play a crucial role in my process. I choose them with particular attention to tactile sensations and durability. They must be pleasant to touch, sustainable, and beautiful, to bring pleasure and serve for a long time. Managing the design processes is an art of balancing creativity and practicality. Every product must not only look beautiful but also perform its function. We think through every detail to make our items convenient to use and easy to care for. I actively collaborate with our team to ensure each project reflects our high standards and shared vision. At Enso, we create products that help people find harmony and mindfulness in their everyday lives. My goal is for each product not only to adorn life but also to make it deeper, richer, and more joyful.
Talk us through your daily routine.
My morning starts early and calmly. This is my time to feel harmony and prepare for the day. I begin with meditation, which helps me find inner peace and clarity. Then, I go for a walk, breathe in the fresh morning air, and enjoy the moment. After that, I move on to work. The first thing I do is take a notebook and write down everything that comes to mind. This helps me clear my mind and start the creative flow. Then, I share these ideas with my team because I believe the most amazing things are born from collaboration. I approach life mindfully, trying to find joy and balance in each day. I’ve realized that you can accomplish everything while staying in harmony with yourself and the world around you. Today, after my morning rituals and work, I happily came to this interview to share my thoughts
What are some of the products and services you provide to your clients?
At Enso, we create unique accessories and jewelry that embody minimalism, the highest quality, and deep philosophical meanings. Our main line includes stylish leather accessories and elegant jewelry. But I love expanding horizons and creating capsule collections for homes and office spaces. Leather items for these spaces bring coziness and harmony into everyday life. We pay special attention to materials, ensuring each product is not only beautiful but also functional, bringing joy and tranquility. Every one of our items embodies the pursuit of balance and mindfulness, turning it into a part of our clients’ stories, adding a touch of harmony and beauty to their lives.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Inner peace is truly important. In silence, we find answers unique to each of us. Our path is not someone else’s, but our own, charted by the heart. You are the main person in your life, and the most important thing to do is to truly get to know yourself. Dive deep into your “self,” find the answers you’ve been seeking there. Don’t be afraid to walk unexplored paths. Open up to new experiences, trust your inner voice. Obstacles? They’re just opportunities for growth. The main thing is to listen to yourself and follow your passion.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Throughout different stages of my life and career, I met people who supported and guided me with their words. However, one of the most memorable pieces of advice came from my art teacher while I was in Spain. She said that creativity doesn’t require special talents. If you feel genuine passion for what you do, that’s your greatest gift. These words became a powerful source of inspiration for me, allowing me to release my creative energy and think outside the established boundaries.
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And what is the worst?
As for the worst advice, it came from my academic supervisor shortly after graduation. He accidentally met me on the street and, learning that I hadn’t pursued a banking career, insisted I stop engaging in “non-serious” activities and choose a more stable direction. At that time, I had doubts about my chosen path, but I’m glad I didn’t follow that advice. It’s important to understand that true guidance comes from within, and our inner intuition is often the best advisor.
What are your goals for the future?
My goals for the future are to continue the deep and inspiring journey with Enso Design Lab. I see our growth through the introduction of new technologies and the use of innovative materials, ensuring our products remain not only beautiful but also sustainable. I strive for constant learning and development as a designer, creating things that bring joy and help people find inner peace. Design, for me, is a way to make the world more harmonious and brighter. The future of Enso Design Lab is a story of love for art and attention to detail, of striving for mindful consumption. I dream that our products inspire people to live mindfully, respect nature, and find inner harmony. Every item we create is not just a thing but a reminder of the beauty and meaning of life, turning each day into a special moment.
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