Muslimahs Working at home Interview:

Today’s interview is with a sister who successfully operates two online businesses simultaneously: Styles by Shamael and Guile Graphics.

Shamael was kind enough to consent to being interviewed about her work-at-home businesses and the challenges of balancing business with family:

1) How do you make an income online?

I have two ways where I try to make an profit online, I have my blogsite Styles By Shamael where I sell Islamic Attire for Women and Children and sometimes Arabic Books for children and adults. My second business is a graphic design (business).

I (also) offer graphic designs for people with small businesses. My graphic design company name is Guile Graphics & Designs. I offer Logo Design, Banner and Header designs for websites and blog sites, Button Design, and Book Cover Designs. so far I have with only a handful of clients but most I do work for my own self for personal and commercial use, I do all the editing and advertisements for the pictures that are inside the post on my blogsite.

2) What company do you work for/what is the name of your business?

I have worked for two book publishing companies in the past where I provided book cover design and interior cover design, and banners for one of the companies website. The names of my two businesses are Styles By Shamael and Guile Graphics & Design

3) Do you telecommute, freelance/contract or operate your own business?

Basically all these jobs are freelance.

4) How did you come across this opportunity?

I started out with my business Styles By Shamael about 7 years ago.  I started out making handmade hijab pins/stick pins and sewing my own khimaar and niqaabs sets. I would vend at local islamic events or sisters gathers such as primp and pampers,cookouts, etc.
5) How did you get started?

I am self taught practicing  on my sewing machines with old clothing and sewing patterns making khimmars, niqaabs, and skirt sets for the females in my family. Once I became good at sewing, I’d offered and advertised my services to other sisters in my community. As for the hijab pins/stick pins  I made them as a hobby and as a way to make an income while in high school. That was my first job making hijab pins, khimaars, and niqaabs.

As for my graphic designing, I’ve always been into graphic design every since starting Styles By Shamael, I’ve made my own business cards, Flyers,  Labeling and Packaging Stickers, graphic and logo design for my website and so forth. so in the begging I started out as doing graphic design for myself (personal and business use). It wasn’t until around 2008 that I started getting more serious about wanting to know more and learn more about graphic design.  I’m pretty much an self taught graphic designer.  I’ve learned a lot of things through trial and error and by doing research online reading articles and watching videos about graphic designing. My future goal is to apply online for web and graphic design so that I may obtain an degree in that field .

6) How long have you worked online?

I (created) my first website up back in early 2000 for about three years. I got married in 2003 and moved overseas (and) I didn’t continue with it for a while, until I (had) steady Internet access to sell products online.

7) Do you work full-time or part-time?

I work part-time through out the week I spend one half of the day doing my business and the other have is dedicated to my family and taking care of things that need to be done for them and for the house.
If you freelance/contract services or run your own business, how long did it take for you to become profitable?

I have worked under both conditions as  a freelancer and under a contract. I don’t worry to much as to how profitable I’ll become or want to be because the Rizq is from Allah (swt) I like to focus more about the work and business relationships  that I have with the people  I’m working with or for. You want them to feel important and that you can carry,deliver and provide the need that they want. I think that having a good customer service  base and relationship  with your clients is (important); that helps build up your reputation and you’ll always have a loyal customer base. If a person feels satisfied with the work or products (they receive) from you/ by you then they will feel confident enough to continue to work with you.  having good work relations is important.

9) What is your typical workday schedule like?

It depends on the mood and health condition I am in.

10) Do you have children?

Yes I have 3 kids

11) How do you balance work with family/kids?

That is still a process that I’m learning to deal with.

12) If you worked a traditional job prior to working from home, how was the transition?

I’ve never worked outside of the home. I’ve always worked for myself or worked with my family.

13) What are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge right now would have to be trying to sell products at reasonable prices  and making things appealing to customers during this ecomony without me losing out on too much of a profit.  As for (my) graphic designs, I would  say (the biggest challenge is) staying focus and and not losing the determination and confidence.

14) What does the money you make online mean for your family?

It is a way for extra income for my family, and to help out my husband, and also as a small income for me to do my own personal shopping and spending.

For more information about Styles by Shamael, contact Shamael by visiting her website.

If you’d like to contact her about graphic design projects you can email Shamael at:  guilegraphics@gmail.com