Eye-catching accessories

interiors

When it comes to home décor, artefacts are a wonderful way to add character and a sense to your living space. These small objet d’arts dictate the mood of a room, making it feel like a reflection of your eclectic style.

Similarly, no home decor is complete unless its garden has been accessorised. The serene beauty of the garden calms our mind; however, this natural beauty can be enhanced with garden accessories. By carefully selecting ornaments that complement the style of your garden, you can create a harmonious and visually pleasing environment.

Karachi-based Moina Haleem is one talented artist who creates pretty artefacts and home accessories to brighten up your space and garden. In a short span of time, Moina has been successful in making her products popular among her ever-increasing clients. In an exclusive interview with You! Moina talks about her love for home and garden ornaments. Read on…

What made you interested in garden accessories?

I have been inclined towards art and nature since I was a teenager. In 2021, after my son finished his Acrylic Pour Painting project, a lot of the paint was left over, so, I came up with the idea of using it on my planters for names and messages for family members’ birthdays and other occasions. Everyone loved it and encouraged me to sell them as gifts.

When did you establish your brand and what has been the response so far?

It was spring in 2022, I got in touch with the Horticultural Society. They had a vacant stall in their upcoming flower show. I grabbed the opportunity along with my two sons (who work with me). That was our official launch. We made our Instagram page, flowgardenpk. We got a tremendous response since the launch of our products. We have participated in various shows and events since then. We have already been part of two Crafters’ shows in Karachi.

Tell us about your journey?

Our journey encompasses struggles and challenges. However, by embracing our circumstances and commitment, we have learnt that there is always a silver lining, even in the toughest of times.

We started with specially designed clay planters and hand painted decorative bowls. Next, we did wooden products, trays, cake platters, coaster sets and gift boxes - all hand painted with chalk and acrylic paints and varnished in the end for durability. Presently, we are working with Epoxy Resin, producing a variety of household items. Right now, we are in the process of developing our website.

How do you ensure the craftsmanship and quality of each piece?

My pride in my work ensures quality control. Each piece is carefully inspected by our production team from beginning to end.

How would you describe your style?

We had started with the vision of not having a typical commercial look - be it design, colour palette, etc. Our goal is to provide a ‘zen effect’ through our work reflecting our slogan - Flow Garden - ‘where art and nature meet’. Our most popular designs depict natural scenes using leaves, air and water in motion through various mediums and patterns.

What is your favourite piece?

It’s hard to pick one, because each piece has been made with dedication and love. However, my favourite piece is a painted clay basket of an outdoor scene filled with greenery, which says, ‘I Gardening’.

What do you love most about your work?

The pace and the connection with nature. I worked as a teacher for almost 12 years; I can now choose my work time as I please.

In your opinion, how much influence do the objets d’art have on the atmosphere of a room?

Immense. It’s just like wearing the right clothes, accessories, makeup to any occasion. One can either look great or unappealing. Sometimes a room with a lot of expensive objects and artefacts looks like clutter, giving an overbearing feeling. On the other hand, a room with well thought-out accessories, artefacts and colour combination welcomes you with open arms.

How can one accessorise their own garden?

A garden should be a beautiful and an invigorating place of a home. If your garden is big, having a water feature or a bird house is a great way to adorn your garden. Even a small garden can be made interesting by hanging family members’ names all around. Or painted on pots and small rocks spread around the garden. One should feel a sense of calm and whimsy in their green space, as a garden should make you smile.

What motivates you to continue innovating and creating new designs?

I think the sheer joy of creating something unique keeps me going.

How is your own house decorated?

I have worked hard to create a fusion of classic and modern designs - preserving precious memories from our past, whilst blending in modern pieces of creativity.

What has been your proudest moment?

For me, my proudest moment was our launch at the HSP (Horticultural Society of Pakistan) flower show in 2022. It was a very close date and we were just getting started with our journey. Within 10 days or less, we were able to design our logo, get a banner, business cards and implemented our vision. We got a very encouraging response which sparked our passion going forward. One of my fondest memories was having my mother there proudly with us.

What are the current trends in international market with regard to home furnishing and accessories?

People these days are experimenting more with cultural art as well as a fusion of modern designs - from subtle pastel colour palettes, to minimalistic aesthetics. There is a sense of meaning remerging in the crafting world with more thought going into a personalised home.

Do you believe in buying expensive stuff for your house or you think one can beautify one’s home creatively within limited budget if one has good taste?

I feel one can beautify one’s home creatively if one has good taste. In Pakistan, where labour is cheap in comparison with the rest of the world, we can get things made according to our budget or choices easily.

Any interior tip you would like to share with our readers?

Go for a comfortable and fresh look with a sense of clean, open spaces. This way you can have a classic yet modern look. Last but not least, indoor plants may help in creating a healthy environment.

What advice would you give to other women looking to start their own business?

Do it, don’t wonder. Believe in yourselves and then take that leap of faith. Put in the hard work and wait for the results. It will pay off in the end.

How do you maintain a work-life balance while managing your business?

Prioritising my home life was essential to find the balance. Through trial and error, I have learned to separate the two. It has brought me more peace as well as productivity.

What are your goals for the future?

Taking our brand forward with greater concepts of creativity as well as exploring other avenues for our business. This is just the beginning; a lot needs to be done.