Crafting dreams

interview

In a society where men dominate the woodworking industry, Nadia Humaiyun is breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes as a pioneering woodwork artist and entrepreneur. Her unique journey is not only transforming her own life but is also inspiring countless women across Pakistan to embrace entrepreneurship and pursue their creative passions.

Nadia holds a Masters’s degree in Digital Humanities and has worked in the corporate sector for a few years. Recently, she has transitioned into online teaching, which offers flexibility to manage her work, married life and woodworking and interiors.

“Woodworking for me is a creative outlet, sometimes a way for me to design and improve things my way, sometimes to create awareness and educate those interested in specific furniture types and at other times, just a hobby.

But that said, I also take the opportunity to share my woodworking creations through Instagram,” elucidates Nadia. In an exclusive interview with You! Nadia shares her passion for this craft. Read on...

You! How did you develop the love and aesthetics for woodwork?

Nadia Humaiyun: My love for furniture and woodwork developed organically through a combination of my innate passion for interiors, home improvement, and antique and vintage items, along with a growing interest in furniture. As I delved deeper into the world of furniture, I discovered the exceptional craftsmanship and artistry of country and colonial era pieces, recognising them as the pinnacle of furniture making. This realisation stirred a concern about the declining quality of modern, disposable furniture and sheet goods. I believe that furniture should be more than just functional objects; it should be collectible, heirloom-worthy, and able to narrate stories across generations. The vision of creating furniture that commands attention, invites interaction, and evokes emotions became my inspiration. With a desire to preserve the essence of the past and craft lasting pieces, I took it upon myself and began creating, imbuing each piece with the dedication and passion that stems from my appreciation for the art form.

You! How difficult was your experience in breaking barriers through an industry primarily dominated by men?

NH: To be honest, it’s something that’s not dominated at all in our country. There’s a lot of furniture making and carpentry, but it’s very different from what I’m trying to achieve and create awareness about. Not taking anything away from the conventional and commercial woodwork, there is a certain appeal to how furniture should be made and owned. So, if we take that into consideration it’s difficult to find the right resources, learning and guidance, and one has to go the extra mile for that. But maybe, that also makes the craft much more worthwhile. Apart from that, I have only ever received appreciation from others for my work.

You! Generally, women-led startups often struggle to secure funding. Have you found this to be the case? What strategies do you recommend using to successfully secure funding?

NH: Generally, any startups or services or products that don’t appeal to masses, and are only for a niche to start with, struggle to achieve funding. Mine is capital intensive and import dependent, and self-financed. This is unfortunate, because I am sure there is massive interest and willingness and skill in our people, and this lack of funding becomes a deterrent. I think there should be art and crafts lessons, classes, schools, workshops, where people can at least start and have that push towards seriously thinking about investing in it; and for VCs (venture capital) to see the level of interest to turn their attention towards them.

You! Why did you decide to explore country furniture rather than mainstream, commercial furniture?

NH: Colonial era and country furniture, Early American, William and Mary, Queen Anne, Chippendale and Shaker furniture styles, to name a few, are considered to be the epitome of real woodworking. From timber selection, to its treatment, to planning, designing, joinery to finish, everything is made in a way that carries timeless charm, and exudes warmth and authenticity that modern pieces often lack.

Furniture pieces likes Queen Anne secretaries, Windsor chairs, Country hutches, lady’s writing desks, spice boxes, high boys, stools, chests, trestle and drop leaf tables, are iconic and used to be prized possessions. If some of these designs are reproduced, they are not made to original specs and joinery. These pieces not only speak of craftsmanship and tradition, but also carry an air of nostalgia and a reminder of a bygone era.

You! How do you enable women and the surrounding communities to become a part of your business?

NH: I currently only have online presence and I engage with a lot of females on exchanging ideas. Production is currently an individual effort. However, I have received keen interest from females for organising workshops to teach them, and that’s something I am currently working on.

You! What are the key practices entrepreneurs should incorporate to build an enabling environment and an empowered team?

NH: I think when you are taking a road less travelled, you must have a lot of passion and belief; and a good support system. Everything can flow from there.

You! Has your digital presence helped you to scale up your work?

NH: I am on Instagram (@nadia.humaiyun) and set up my profile a few months ago; after I thought I have enough woodworking skill under my belt. I have a decent following, which helps to not only educate and guide others, but also to get input and ideas for myself. I engage with a lot of fellow woodworkers from across borders which help with new ways of work and capacity building. I have been approached by tool manufacturers and I’m currently working with one, on designing and improving woodworking tools for the local market.

You! What energises you the most at work?

NH: My workshop is at my home rooftop and has a lot of natural light. Chirping of birds, rustling of leaving, a distant train passing by is my background music mostly. Sometimes, it’s the sound of rain drops jingling on my workshop’s corrugated roof. And the thought of breaking my routine, going to my workshop, adding the sound of chisel paring the wood or the handsaw cutting through a plank, just adds to the whole experience. It disconnects me from everything else.

In addition to working towards completion of a project, finding better ways to work, making mistakes but ability to overcome them, learning new things, and then shipping an order and receiving appreciation - is something that’s extremely rewarding .

You! How do you manage to strike a balance in personal and professional life?

NH: The fact that my workplace is literally 20 steps away is helpful. I work at my pace, which is important because that way I enjoy my work. I have the luxury of working at any time, or not going to work at all on some days.

My husband is a fellow enthusiast. I sometimes encourage my kids to learn the craft as well and help them on a basic level. On many days, workshop time is family time. Right outside the workshop, the rustic bench serve as the breakfast table in sunny winters. I believe it’s a unique professional life with its own kind of flexibility.

You! Which woman has inspired you the most and why?

NH: My mother is my inspiration - she has taken up a number of roles, housewife, educationist, entrepreneur, designer, and excelled in all. She carries a lot of energy and is a great communicator. She has always motivated me, pushed me and pitched ideas to me which, all of them, at some point sounded too crazy. I hope that I am an influence on others like she is!

You! What awaits you in the near future? Do you plan to branch out to something else?

NH: I plan to learn, attempt and make more and more country furniture, including the pieces I have mentioned. I want to raise awareness among those that have a similar taste, and offer any learning and insights to others.

You! There must’ve been tough times. How did you persevere through it all?

NH: Sometimes I feel daunted by a new project, which is on a completely different skill level. Then there are mistakes, which are at times demotivating and make you shelf the project. It takes a lot of effort to take it up again. But I guess that is a natural process, and then the will to learn and make something new gets you back in it.

You! What are your tips for aspiring female entrepreneurs?

NH: I am extremely pleasantly surprised to see the talent and skill of Pakistani women ever since I started engaging with them online. I think we are the ones that took a first step, and that first step includes overcoming our fear of being judged, work-life balance, criticism and learning something new. First step is hard, but it should not discourage us.