In a market dominated by mass-produced jewellery, Faudia Ramjohn, a 25-year-old Production Technician and the mastermind behind “Hana” is on a mission to revolutionize the local jewellery industry with her intricate wire-wrapped pieces. With a deep passion for craftsmanship and a commitment to providing unique and meaningful accessories, Faudia’s small business is quickly gaining recognition for its artistic vision and detail.
Hana, which emerged in 2020, represents the culmination of Faudia’s self-taught skills and creative prowess. Inspired by the beauty of nature and the intricacy of wirework, Hana captures the essence of handmade craftsmanship in every meticulously crafted piece.
During her interview with the Guyana Standard, the young entrepreneur was happy to share that the name “Hana” holds multiple meanings from different cultures, symbolizing “flower” in Japanese, “number 1” in Korean, “craft” in Hawaiian, “bliss” and “happiness” in Arabic, and “moon” in Albanian—a nod to the diverse influences that shape Faudia’s designs.
For Faudia, the decision to start her own jewellery business stemmed from a desire to share her art with a wider audience. What began as a personal outlet for self-expression evolved into a means of connecting with people on a deeper level. Faudia’s creations resonated with others, inspiring her to transform her passion into a business that could bring joy, inspiration, and solace to those who encounter her art.
Reflecting on this journey, she shared, “Creating art has always been a deeply personal and fulfilling journey for me. It started as a means of self-expression, a way to explore my innermost thoughts and bring my imagination to life. But as I shared my creations with friends, family, and even strangers, I witnessed the powerful impact it had on them. My art resonated with people. It was this realization that sparked the idea of turning my passion into a business.”
Like most success stories, her path was not without its challenges. Balancing her life as an Offshore Production Technician in the oil and gas industry while running her own business posed difficulties. Faudia noted, “Balancing the demands of offshore work and running a business can be challenging due to limited time availability. This requires careful time management and the ability to communicate and prioritize effectively”.
Luckily her adaptability and flexibility were able to play a crucial role in managing her time effectively. She even shared that during her offshore assignments, she maximizes downtime and utilizes technology to stay connected with her customers remotely.
Persons may be wondering – What sets Hana apart from other options available in the market? For Faudia, her emphasis on individuality and personalization is the answer. Faudia collaborates closely with her clients, seeking to understand their preferences, stories, and aspirations. This intimate connection allows her to craft pieces that truly reflect their unique style and personality. Meticulous attention to detail defines each item, as Faudia employs the ancient art of wire wrapping to transform precious gemstones, beads, and other materials into wearable works of art.
She said that building strong relationships with her customers is important to her and she usually goes beyond regular customer service and assisting, creating an environment where customers feel comfortable sharing their stories and emotions. By treating them with warmth and care, Faudia aims to establish connections that transcend the traditional buyer-seller relationship, resulting in cherished friendships that span the globe.
She was delighted to share that she has begun to achieve global reach, as her jewellery has found its way to numerous countries around the world, transcending borders and captivating individuals across diverse cultures. From the United States to Brazil, Scotland and even to Japan, her creations have travelled far and wide, serving as a testament to the boundless possibilities that art and craftsmanship can achieve.
As for finding inspiration for her designs, they come quite naturally to Faudia, drawing from her work experiences, travels, and interactions with people and artists worldwide. Every observation, from the patterns in nature to the intermingling of cultures, they all hold the potential to shape her artistic vision. It is the ability to find beauty in the simplest of things that fuels her creativity, allowing her to transform everyday observations into exquisite pieces of jewellery.
One notable instance that exemplifies this inspiration is a captivating pair of earrings she crafted using gold and blue gemstones. She explained, “This design was born from a moment of contemplation while offshore, surrounded by the vibrant hues of the environment. As I gazed at the yellow rails juxtaposed against the vast expanse of the ocean, I was struck by the striking contrast they created. This interplay of colours sparked an idea that I translated into an exquisite piece of jewellery.”
Moreover, while Faudia noted that her journey has been filled with successes, there was a time when she faced the significant hurdle of discovering her own unique style. However, through introspection, she successfully honed her artistic identity through wire-wrapping.
When asked how she manages it all, she was keen to note that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is an ongoing process. She shared that setting clear boundaries between work and leisure, defining specific work hours and dedicating time to family, hobbies, and self-care, is a must. By continuously reassessing her balance, Faudia ensures alignment with her goals and values, fostering a sustainable approach to her passion and business.
To aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses while juggling other commitments, Faudia advised embracing the challenges and difficulties that may arise. She emphasized the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive mindset, as overcoming obstacles brings forth personal growth and unwavering dedication to one’s endeavours. “Embrace the challenges that come your way and do not shy away from difficulty. For it is through overcoming obstacles that we truly realize the worth and value of our endeavors. Anything worthwhile is bound to be accompanied by hurdles and hardships, but it is in those moments of struggle that we discover our inner strength and resilience,” she charged.
As Faudia continues her artistic journey with Hana, her unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, personalization, and customer service remains at the forefront. Through her wire-wrapped jewellery, she aims to continue to create pieces for individuals worldwide, reminding us all that jewellery is not just an accessory but a conduit for expressing our deepest emotions and experiences.
