Founders of MAZED Jewelry
Crafting Timeless Elegance with Modern Flair.
In the captivating world of contemporary jewelry design, innovation and creativity often flourish in the hands of emerging talents. Today, we are privileged to introduce you to two dynamic entrepreneurs who have ventured into the realm of jewelry with a unique vision. Minwa Shaya AlShaya and Deemah Jassem Alansari, both 24-year-old Kuwaiti trailblazers, are the brilliant minds behind the exquisite jewelry brand, “Mazed.”
Minwa Shaya AlShaya brings her expertise with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Kuwait University, while Deemah Jassem Alansari holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the same institution.
Their journey began as childhood friends, which eventually led to the inception of their jewelry brand. “Mazed” emanated from their awe and fascination with the beauty they created, transforming ‘amazing’ into ‘Mazed.’ In this interview, we delve into their remarkable journey, exploring their creative process, philosophy, and aspirations.
Join us as we unravel the world of Minwa and Deemah, young visionaries determined to make their mark in the vibrant world of jewelry design.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
I am Minwa Shaya AlShaya a Kuwaiti 24 years old. Founder of mazed jewelry business.
I am Deemah Jassem Alansari a 24 years old Kuwaiti, who’s interested in jewelry and designing jewelry.
Tell us about your education.
Minwa Shaya AlShaya (MSS): I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Kuwait University.
Deemah Jassem Alansari (DJA): I have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Kuwait University and worked on many projects that helps the environment. The most popular one is solar energy to fuels, which is a book. I believe in renewable energy and going green.
How and when did you both meet?
MSS: We’ve been best friends since middle school and then we came with a jewelry brand idea together.
What got you interested in jewelry design?
MSS: Actually, I love designing and I can see it’s something very interesting to create and design a pieces that will be worn everyday like our jewelry.
DJA: I always wanted to have a special limited jewel for myself. Sometimes buying jewelry and then asking if I can change its shape or add a stone to it would be much nicer. After that, I realized that I could make my jewelry.
What inspired you to launch your label and how did you name it?
DJA: When we started making our first pieces, we were AMAZED at how beautiful they were so from amazed we got MAZED which came from amazing and amazed.
What was your biggest fear when going out and starting your own line?
MSS: Launching a jewelry design in a competitive market can be tough to think how to be popular and unique.
DJA: At first, my fear was how people would accept it. Would they love it or not, and how to go out and reach customers who are interested in jewelry.
How do you choose your colors? What does color mean to you when you use it in your work?
MSS: Believing that each customer has their own favorite color and getting a piece with your name and favorite color will make it more special.
DJA: I believe everyone has his favorite color and this color means a lot to them. Some customers have a lucky color and some of them have a story for each color. So, this is where we got the color idea.
What’s your creative process like? How do you turn your ideas into fully developed designs?
DJA: At first, we think of the design after that have a short meeting to talk about each design and how to develop it or make a better version of it until we reach the point that we both love the design and agree to do it.
What materials do you use for your designs?
DJA: We use gold 18k and silver gold plated.
Is custom designed jewelers a passing trend or is it here to stay? What are the advantages of custom pieces over off-the-shelf ones?
MSS: Custom design jewelry is something different and special that will last for years. What makes it different than other jewelry is that it can consist of your name or your beloved ones with your favorite color.
DJA: Custom design pieces are always and will always be a trend. I remember when I was 6 years old, I had a necklace with my name on it. So, named pieces are always on the market, but the idea is how to develop this trend in a way that can match the current trends.
What inspires you the most when creating new pieces of jewelry?
MSS: When you get client’s feedback and the way they loved our pieces, inspired me the most to get them many more designs to be in love with.
DJA: Places and random pieces in new places I go to get my new ideas for a new piece. Maybe you will find it kind of strange but random things can inspire me to draw a new design.
If you had to define your collection in one word, what would it be?
MSS: I would say its “Timeless”
DJA: Amaze
What role does each of you play in the business and how do you decide that?
MSS: For me, I’m responsible for creating content for our Instagram page and keeping on track with the financials. On the other hand, Deemah is handling the economic part and planning schedules. We both do the designs together.
What is your greatest achievement so far?
MSS: My greatest achievement so far is completing my degree with honors. It was a lot of hard work, but I’m really proud of what I accomplished.
DJA: Seeing the support of family and friends and having 200+ orders in 2 months is a huge achievement for me.
What’s your jewelry philosophy? How do you like to wear your favorite pieces?
MSS: My jewelry philosophy is all about expressing individuality and personal style. I believe that jewelry is more than just accessories. It’s a way to tell a story and make a statement. Whether it’s a delicate necklace or a customized bracelet, jewelry has the power to enhance our confidence and reflect our unique personalities. It’s about finding pieces that resonate with us and bring joy every time we wear them.
DJA: My philosophy is to match your jewelry with your mood. Every mood has its special pieces and different layouts.
What’s next? What’s your vision for the future of your brand?
MSS: Our vision in the next years is to inspire and empower individuals by creating unique and meaningful pieces that capture the essence of self-expression and personal style. We strive to blend timeless elegance with modern trends, using high-quality materials and to create jewelry that tells a story and resonates with our customers. Our vision is to become a go-to destination for those seeking distinctive and beautifully created jewelry that celebrates individuality and captures the magic of life’s precious moments.
DJA: I see Mazed as a huge jewelry store in the market of jewelry and accessories.
What are some of your other hobbies?
MSS: Other than jewelry I’m so into flowers and in the art of arranging blooms, discovering new varieties, and learning the language of flowers. This hobby brings a sense of joy.
DJA: I have been playing table tennis since middle school and participated in many competitions and got first place. To this day my favorite thing to do when I need to relax is to play table tennis. I also love public speaking and I participated in debates in Arabic and got first place in 2017.
Your message for us at CP magazine
MSS: I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the CP magazine. It was a pleasure meeting you and discussing the brand in detail. Thank you CP magazine for your time and consideration throughout the interview process
DJA: Thank you CP magazine, for this amazing interview and thank you for supporting young Kuwaiti girls who try to reach the world with their small ideas but a huge passion!
Creative Director: Jameel Arif (@jameelarif)
Photographer: Gorgy (@gorgy_8)
