Dar Al Khaboura for Silver Crafting | 2015
She was only a little child when she used to sit and watch her father Ahmed Rahmih Al Bulushi working with silver, handcrafting khanjars (daggers), swords, and other traditional Omani silver works. Despite her young age at the time, she was aware that her father has a talent for distinguished handcrafting which many do not possess. Since childhood she saw many people visit her home town of Al Khaboura from different Wilayas; people who sought out her father’s fine work as his reputation for distinguished workmanship and eye for detail spread far.
Over the years that followed, Mahfoudha gradually learnt her father’s craft and gained enough confidence to work on some pieces of her very own. Her father always believed that she would excel and would one day become the first Omani women working in this specialised craft. He did not know that his daughter would go on to achieve a status far exceeding his expectations.
Today, Mahfoudha is one of Oman’s most renowned silversmiths. She started her venture form her home and Omanis quickly heard about her new business. Word of mouth referrals quickly grew her business and before she knew it she was making new VIP clients in the UAE and Bahrain for exquisite silver accessories and customised khanjars.
The biggest challenge facing Mahfoudha was one of time, as making one khanjar can take months, impacting the turnaround time, and the expensive resources needed to keep the business running profitably. To solve that problem Mahfoudha established one of the first khanjar production lines in Oman, where she trained a number of Omani youth in the art of silver crafting. Each team member works on a component of the khanjar like the handle, blade, sheath, and belt which are later assembled into the final iconic piece of Omani heritage.
No one thought that Mahfoudha needed any help with her business, but she had a different point of view. She had mastered her silver craft, but there are many other details when operating any business and Mahfoudha needed the required knowledge and advice. In an attempt to expand her project by opening a silver craft centre in Al Khaboura Souq she faced a number of challenges in terms of business management and marketing. She used to wait for customers to come to her, but today she endeavours to reach customers on a wider geographical area, and has since doubled the volume of her products, which requires a set of different game rules.
“I received advice from one of my friends to visit Zubair SEC and learn how to receive the consultancy and mentorship needed to achieve greater success with my business. The high social impact of my business attracted the attention of Zubair SEC’s experts and qualified me to join the Direct Support Programme”, says
Mahfoudha. After discussions with the Centre, Mahfoudha decided to utilise the financial grant of the Programme in developing her outlet with a new design; one that reflects the authentic heritage of Oman. She has also since expanded her workshop. Moreover, Zubair SEC has created the brand and corporate identity for Dar Al Khaboura that reflects the authenticity of the business through attractive lines and colours.
Today, Dar Al Khaboura is a brand of choice when it comes to silver craft in the Sultanate, frequented by Omanis and residents of the Gulf for elegant and traditional silver pieces. Dar Al Khaboura has won the loyalty of customers inside and outside Oman, and today, Mahfoudha Al Bulushi is truly an Omani global ambassador in the tradition of Omani silver crafts.