The Setbacks That Made Shayba Muhammad A Success

The Setbacks That Made Me series asks industry professionals to share moments in their career that at the time were considered failures, but were actually pivotal points that helped them to get to where they are today. 

Shayba Muhammad started Mahnal Jewellery in 2016, and since then, has continued to craft pieces that honour Islam and the Arabic language. The brand’s rings, necklaces and earrings act as a reminder for the wearer to embrace living slowly, being artisanally crafted from brass and designed timelessly not to adhere to meaningless trends. The pandemic forced the designer to move her business to digital, and with the business being relatively young, Shayba makes a prime candidate for kick starting this series. Find out about her setbacks and why they’ve helped make her successful below. 

Putting off outsourcing and delegating help 

I sat on my hands for whatever reason doing the uncomfortable thing and inviting help into my space. No one can do everything themselves without the help of others. When you attempt to ‘do it all’ in business, not only is what you’ve created a job and NOT a business, but a recipe for burnout, especially if it’s your main stream of income, a vulnerable situation financially. There will always be seasons and challenges, illnesses or some sort of circumstance that will take you away from the work. I’m grateful to have a team that helps not only take things off of my plate, but bring their own genius to the spirit of the business. I’m a work in progress, but learning to document everything you do and clarify those roles will go a long way.

Defining myself through my business 

I wouldn’t call it a mistake, because it’s just a lesson to be learned on the journey. Over-identifying myself with my business blinded me from a lot of the steps and movements I could have been making if I objectified it a bit more. It’s a practice in getting that balance just right, particularly for an artist. So much of what we do is personal, but that emotional tie can hold you back in some ways as well.

Not honouring rest more

A hustle approach is great short-term, but especially as a woman, we need frequent periods of rest and escapism. I thought having a go-go-go attitude was the way to be, but I’ve matured and learned that time doing and focusing on other things outside of your work or passion keeps your mind fresh, more efficient, and clearer. You’re also going to be most creative when you’re well rested, which is really key to being a problem solver. Besides, you work to support the life you want to live, don’t forget to live.