A Jewel Of A Find

Each of Kholoud Al Ali's

whimsical paintings have their

own unique story behind them

Whether it's a unique gift or a

rare find, the Q Talent shop is a

treasure trove of creativity from

Qatar's young, local artists.

ARTS & CULTURE

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While theres no shortage of shops in Qatar, it can be hard to find products that are truly different. So, its not surprising that the opening of an imaginative gift boutique at Katara is creating a buzz among shopaholics and culture vultures.

Right on the beachfront where Kataras new cultural markets are held, across from the popular Mamig Restaurant, the Q Talent shop is a treasure trove of unique goods designed by Qatari artists, starting from a modest QR 50. Wares include funky T-shirts and opulent evening gowns, fine gold jewelry, perfumes, paintings, home dcor and accessories.

Were shown around by Q Talent founder Maryam Al Subaiey, a Qatari poet, writer and

A new gift store stocked with unique products from Qatari designers is the latest chic spot at Katara Cultural Village. QH talks to 28-year-old founder Maryam Al Subaiey about helping young artists get ahead through Q Talent.

By Dawn GibsonPhotography by Jessie Palanca

Q Talent founder Maryam

Al Subaiey holds the two

children's folktale books that

she recently authored.

Fatima Al Kharaz's company, Shadda, produces T-shirts with

funky graphic prints all for sale at Q Talent

Artist Mohammed Sharif

uses an iPad and some big

imagination to create his anime-

style cartoon drawings

entrepreneur driven to help other young artists establish their careers. Maryam was inspired by community-run art spaces she had seen during her travels, including a trip to Northern Ireland as part of a British Council project for the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture.

The shop is only one aspect of Q Talent, which is at its core an online platform. Theres an online market, which gives our talent an opportunity to sell not only in Qatar but also internationally, as everything can be shipped abroad, Maryam says. We offer creative recruitment, so companies looking for talent can simply upload their requirements. We also have an events and special projects section.

Initial funding came in the form of prize money from winning the professional category of the 2014 Al Fikra Business Plan Competition. The young entrepreneur is also ploughing her savings into the grassroots enterprise.

Maryam says starting a shop wasnt part of the original plan, but Kataras management offered her a much better deal than she could find in Dohas malls so she seized the opportunity.I want to thank Katara management for their support theyve been so helpful and have provided everything I need here at the cultural market, she says, adding that her small, efficient team of five full-time staff, assisted by interns, was crucial to realizing her dream.

Q Talent doesnt charge artists upfront fees or rent, instead taking a small commission on sales. A lot of people, especially those in the fashion industry, dont have shops because they cant afford the rent, Maryam says. These people

are just starting out and they want to make a living out of their talent. We really have to give them a better opportunity.

Among those taking up the baton are digital artist Mohammed Sharif and painter Kholoud Al Ali. Twenty-one-year-old Mohammed uses an iPad to create his distinct anime-style artwork, which he has made the basis for childrens colouring books.

Meanwhile, Kholouds somewhat surreal, often whimsical paintings take pride of place at the Katara store, an autobiographical exploration of emotion that she hopes strike a chord with other Arabic women.

Graphic designer Fatima Al Kharaz, 26, says she and her business partner Dawood Al Anwari have twice sold out their stock in a matter of months through Q Talent. Their company, Shadda, produces T-shirts with unique prints.

Maryam is now angling for a bigger space in Katara. The whole concept of the creative economy is quite new to Qatar, but its growing bit by bit and it has big potential because it can generate new jobs for young people and new investment opportunities, she adds.

The Q Talent shop is open from 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday, and 4:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday. For online sales go to www.qtalent.com or look for Q Talent on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. n

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