The Inspiring Journey of Maleeha Noor, Founder of Arts by Noor

Introduction:

At just 17 years old, Maleeha Noor isn’t your average teenager. Despite challenges that might have stopped others in their tracks, she’s an artist, a business owner, and a force to be reckoned with. Born with a hearing impairment, Maleeha has turned her passion for arts and crafts into a thriving business, Arts by Noor, that highlights her creativity and showcases her resilience. But how did this young girl build her business from scratch with the odds stacked against her? This is her story, and it will leave you feeling inspired to chase your dreams, no matter the obstacles.

A Simple Beginning: Passion Ignited

Every great story begins with a spark. For Maleeha, that spark was ignited in 2015 when she first dipped a paintbrush into watercolors and began experimenting with white paper. The young girl, brimming with creativity, found solace in the world of arts and crafts. It was her escape, her joy, and what would eventually become the foundation of something much bigger.

Fast forward to 2020, when the world came to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others stuck at home, Maleeha felt the pangs of boredom. That’s when she took the first step toward sharing her passion with the world. She created an Instagram page. Her initial focus? Bullet journaling. But little did she know, this simple act of creativity would be the seed for something extraordinary.

Turning Loneliness into Opportunity:

The real turning point came in 2023 after Maleeha’s sister got married. The house felt quieter, and Maleeha was left feeling lonely. But instead of allowing that loneliness to hold her back, she turned it into an opportunity. On September 17, 2023, she made a bold move. She asked her dad for permission to start her own business. With his support, Maleeha began creating mini diaries and bookmarks, and Arts by Noor was born.

But, like any new venture, success didn’t come overnight. Sales were slow at first, but Maleeha wasn’t discouraged. In fact, her big break came from a simple suggestion from a friend. One day, while working on bookmark tassels, a friend suggested she try making a bracelet instead. Maleeha followed the advice, and that first bracelet became a hit. It was the moment that opened new doors for her business. She began creating bracelets, earrings, and pendants, and before she knew it, her small idea had blossomed into something much bigger.

A Big Break at Safa Gold Mall:

November brought Maleeha her first taste of real business success. She had the opportunity to set up a small stall outside her school, and within a day, she made sales worth 3,000 rupees. It was an exhilarating feeling for a young entrepreneur just starting.

Her excitement didn’t stop there. A few days later, she was invited to share a stall at Safa Gold Mall, one of Islamabad’s most popular shopping spots. Nervous but determined, Maleeha jumped at the opportunity. And once again, her products received incredible feedback. It wasn’t just about sales anymore; it was about proving to herself that she could succeed, even in unfamiliar territory.

The Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship:

Of course, the road to success is never a straight line. After her first successful stall, Maleeha faced a period of slow online sales. Her Instagram page was still new, and orders weren’t coming in as expected. But in a twist of fate, a new friend entered Maleeha’s life. Farah Api, who had shared the stall at Safa Gold Mall with her, became like a sister. She offered advice, and encouragement, and even suggested that Maleeha send a PR package to a popular blogger to promote her business.

While the PR didn’t turn out as planned the blogger tagged the wrong page Maleeha didn’t let it bring her down. She worked harder than ever, but by early 2024, her health began to suffer. The long hours and pressure led to anemia, forcing her to slow down for a while.

But Maleeha’s fighting spirit never wavered. Even as her 10th-grade board exams took over her life in March, she didn’t give up on her dream. She knew that once the exams were over, she would get back to building Arts by Noor stronger than ever.

Bouncing Back: A Second Chance at Success

By May 2024, Maleeha was back on her feet, ready to reignite her business. She set up a stall at Arid University in Rawalpindi, but once again, challenges came her way. The atmosphere wasn’t ideal, and sales were disappointing. Despite the setbacks, she kept pushing forward.

Her persistence paid off when she sent a PR package to Areeba from TheMakeupBug, a popular influencer. This time, the response was positive, and orders started trickling in. Maleeha knew that success wouldn’t always come quickly, but every small win was a step toward her bigger goal.

Finding New Friends and Growing the Business:

In August 2024, Maleeha’s fortunes began to turn around. She connected with a new friend on Instagram, @amigos, who quickly became a key supporter of her brand. The two bonded over their shared love for creativity, and @amigos even helped Maleeha organize a giveaway that brought more followers and engagement to her page.

Maleeha’s dad, who had been her biggest supporter since day one, continued to play a vital role in her success. His encouragement and belief in her talents kept her going through the toughest times. Reflecting on her journey, Maleeha often says, “In this business, my dad has the most significant role. Besides him, there is nothing; it’s all by his grace.”

Lessons in Perseverance and Passion:

Maleeha’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the importance of a support system. From a lonely teenager looking for a creative outlet to a young entrepreneur building her brand, Maleeha has shown that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Her journey with Arts by Noor is far from over, and if her story so far is any indication, the best is yet to come.

In a world that often feels overwhelming, Maleeha’s story is a reminder that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, an entrepreneur, or someone with a dream, her journey proves that if you keep pushing forward, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.

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