By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: The Crafter’s Guild recently took the initiative to host the Meet the Maker series to bring together individuals from varying creative fields such as artists, designers, crafters, project heads, and more over hi-tea. The events have taken place in Islamabad, Lahore, recently in Peshawar and due to happen in Karachi soon.
The mandate was to interact, discuss synergies and develop friendships for growth and prosperity, and in future building a stronger craft community.
Islamabad was motivated in the presence of Syed Ali Hameed, an entrepreneur and advocate for Peace successfully running Shaoor Foundation, CELL, and Women Can Do among a few initiatives. Zulekha, who has served as Country Manager for Sabah Pakistan also enlightened fellow crafters with her insight on local initiatives for artisans and growth of crafts in Pakistan.
The Lahore segment included powerhouse women the likes of Maria Umar (Women’s Digital League and Mosawi), Umbreen Mehar (Babies & Bumps, Facebook Community Circle Leaders Pakistan, and Bits & Bobs), and Hareem Sumbul (Anesi Pvt Ltd, and Dotte) as guest speakers. The Maker’s Meet opened discussion to entrepreneurial woes as creatives, insight and motivation on channeling strengths and accepting feedback positively.
Education Minister KPK, Zia Ullah Khan Bangash graced the occasion at Maker’s Meet Peshawar. He shared his support for such initiatives in addition to extending good wishes for efforts in conversation with Varah Musavvir, founder of The Crafter’s Guild.
The Crafter’s Guild since 2012 has facilitated craft based initiatives and promotion of local makers and creatives through exhibitions the likes of The Crafter’s Expo, The Indie Art and Craft Show, and Bohemian, in addition to workshops, marketplaces, trainings, and more. It has worked with 700 craft based brands and impacted 1000’s of Pakistani families through its exhibitions, trainings and opportunities for fellow crafters.
