Today we’d like to introduce you to Sana Ahmed.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Sana Crown was inspired by a desire to build a company that would help women look and feel their best, to express my design creativity, and to advance social causes that would uplift and speak for the most voiceless of women. So, inevitably, I would launch a social enterprise accessory brand to disrupt the jewelry industry and empower women. The two greatest ways I could think of to integrate design with social impact were to create jewelry, which was a huge part of my childhood, and to support education for young women in Ethiopia, which was an extremely important cause to me. Growing up, jewelry was a big part of how women in my culture formed their identities and how history was passed down, it always held a deep meaning, which had an impact on my relationship with jewelry. I wanted to create pieces that allowed my customers to form the same deep connection and, at the same time, uplift women.
Building a Social Enterprise wasn’t a question, I always wanted to create something that served a purpose. What better way to share women’s stories and make an impact than to start a purpose driven jewelry line that uses design to do both? I set out to develop a one-of-a-kind jewelry brand that would redefine how people regard jewelry and create something that my customers could connect with. Since we can remember, culture has served as inspiration for artists, and jewelry, which is one of the greatest art forms, should do the same. Our jewelry is art, a keepsake that our customers want to pass on. Over the years, I have placed a lot of emphasis on the significance of each collection and the stories it tells. The Najat Collection, which is the first of many unique pieces we will provide, is our most recent collection that tells the stories of women in Ethiopia.
I am so proud of our growth, our impact, and the incredible community that continues to support us. In just a few short years, we have developed a brand with a loyal community, hosted incredibly successful pop-ups, established incredible collaborations, and have wonderful corporate partners. Our initiatives in Ethiopia have also been broadened, and our brand awareness continues to grow. Despite the fact that the adventure has only started, I am working hard every day to advance Sana Crown.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Bootstrapping has undoubtedly been the hardest hurdle I’ve encountered thus far. I have to be really cautious about the marketing opportunities we take on, and I have to keep a close eye on my cash flow. Overall, I don’t have any regrets about it. Self-funding the start of my business has taught me so much about being resourceful with what I have. I believe I will be extremely prepared to deal with finance if I ever need it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In addition to developing a social enterprise, I also act as a consultant, helping other brands fulfill their business goals. I am so happy I can help them on their journeys and put effort into their work to allow them to meet their full potential through effective strategizing, development, and branding.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Entrepreneurship can be a very isolating and difficult journey, and sometimes you will really be tested. For this reason, it’s crucial to have the right friends, family, and mentors who will support you. I am immensely grateful for my family and friends, who provide me with unwavering support, and for the amazing mentors who are always available to offer guidance when I am facing a challenge.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sanacrown.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsanacrown/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsanacrown
