Interview: From Market Stall to Full-Time Studio — A Maker's Journey

Noor Hamid began selling woven scarves from a weekend market stall and now runs a thriving studio producing limited-edition textiles. We sat down to discuss the difficult decisions, the creative compromises, and the strategic choices that made the transition possible.

'You can't scale everything. You choose which parts of your practice get bigger and which stay intimate.'

How did you begin? Noor started with small batch scarves sold directly to customers at a local craft fair. The immediate feedback helped refine colorways and widths. 'Markets are brutal but honest,' Noor says. 'You learn pricing, product storytelling, and which details matter most to buyers.'

Key pivot points

Noor cites three pivotal decisions: professionalizing production, delegating repetitive tasks, and investing in photography and branding. Outsourcing packing and basic cutting freed up time for design development and wholesale conversations.

Maintaining craft values

Scaling often requires trade-offs. Noor made deliberate choices to preserve handwork in areas that define the product: hand-finishing edges and limited-dye runs. More repetitive steps, like bulk cutting and measuring, were outsourced to a trusted local partner to maintain overall quality without overextending the studio.

Building a team

Hiring a part-time studio assistant allowed Noor to increase output while maintaining creative control. Training protocols and a shared values statement ensured new team members understood care standards and the studio's commitment to sustainability.

Marketing and community

Noor emphasizes storytelling in marketing: process photos, maker profiles, and customer care notes. Community-building initiatives like open studio days and dye workshops created meaningful customer relationships and repeat sales.

Financial lessons

Noor recommends conservative financial planning: build a buffer that covers six months of overhead and move slowly into wholesale commitments. 'Wholesale changes cash flow dynamics; get clear on payment terms and minimum order quantities,' Noor advises.

Advice for makers

• Test product market fit locally before scaling.
• Document processes so others can step in or replicate tasks.
• Keep signature handmade touches even as production grows.

Looking ahead

Noor plans to open a small retail space that also serves as a workshop site. The goal is to keep the studio anchored in tactile experiences while expanding educational offerings and limited collaborations.

Closing thought

'Growth should serve the craft, not the other way around. Choose what to grow with intention.'

Noor's story reminds makers that sustainable growth is strategic, not accidental. It requires clarity about core values, disciplined systems, and meaningful community ties.