QatART handmade community January 2016

What is your background and when and why did you decide to start your own small business? I worked in fashion for 13 years; 10 of them in H&M.I started as a sales assistant and they gave me the opportunity to grow and I became shop manager after 4 years. After having my first child and stopped working for H&M, I got a bit bored and started an online business selling cloths and accessories for children. I continued this when moving to Qatar. When baby number 2 came around, I started making baskets and pacifier clips for him.

MIREIA HIDALGOPerT www.pertudoha.com

facebook @pertusomethingspecial Instagram @_pertu

Most people have seen crocheted items before, but PerTs product range is really something special. Mireia, the founder behind this brand, uses unique material for her X-Large crochet creations. Some call it t-shirt yarn for its jersey stretchy character. Maybe she got inspired by her previous career in a large fashion store?

QatART handmade community January 2016

I heard about QatART from a friend and knew the founder Dominika personally. I couldnt resist and started my own brand PerT something special, which means for you in Catalan.

What sort of products do you market? I started doing pacifier holders but recently broadened my range of products and I make home decoration, woman accessories such as bags, necklaces, headbands, etc.

How does your work differ from others of its genre? I think the big difference lies in the material, and maybe the design. But honestly, many people know how to crochet better than me, so it has to be the material

How do you stay inspired? I pay attention to the things that surround me; keeping in touch with other artisans, and internet of course!

Where do you buy your supplies? I buy my supplies trough the internet or when traveling back to my home country. Sometimes I find something interesting here as well, like fabrics. How does your creating process work? It really depends on my mood. I decide what to do and frequently its more than one thing at the same time. First, I start exploring new stitches and later I try to find a design to use the new stitches for. Or I experiment in the way to mix different materials and stitches. It just happens! What's the best thing about setting up your own brand? The best thing is the timings. Its in my own hands to organize myself and its easy to combine my work with my family. Who are your customers and where do you sell your work? I sell my products to locals as well as expatriates. A large percentage of my customers are woman between 25-50 years, but also there are many men who are looking for a gift.

Why do you like being a crafter and a designer in 10 words or less? Because I decide my limits. Name something you do in your spare time. Spare time?? Whats that?? Hahaha I like to play with my kids or read a book. Where would you like to travel to next? For holidays, I would like to travel to Philippines islands. For living in a new location, South America would be a good destination. Any exciting news to share? Im trying to start conducting some workshops of XL crochet.

What recentproject have you enjoyed doing? I am still working on a new project: new designs for summer bags. I hope everybody likes them. Keep your fingers crossed and visit me at the local markets! What do you love aboutbeing a QatART Member? It is a great opportunity to get to know artisans from other nationalities who can inspire me. And being a part of a team! Sometimes I miss teamwork being an artisan.

Do you feel QatART helped your business to grow and in which way? Surely, QatART help me! As a part of the community, I feel the urge to be always active and to continuously improve in my work. I strive to be as good as the community as a whole. We all work towards superior standards of handmade products. Also, it offers a great window of opportunity.

Tell us 5 words to describe yourself. Active, perseverant, friendly, organized and good listener.

Do you have a motto? Make something out of every moment

What are your 5 favorite finds at our handmade market today (15th January 2016)? (photos on the next page) 1. Wall art by Pink Dream Craft 2. Wall art by My Arts Stuff 3. Bracelet by Extraordinary by Mirsini 4. Bunny by Ooh Arts&Crafts 5. Art print byClaire Jackson-Mee

QatART handmade community January 2016