A common question on Expat Echo’s Ask Louise section is ‘how to I go about turning a hobby into a business?‘.  If you are looking for somewhere to channel all that creative talent then Little Majlis the specialist online market place to sell handmade goods created by artists, craftspeople, cooks and designers based in the GCC maybe the answer as it was for Michelle.

Michelle is quite the entrepreneur and started Misala Handmade here in Dubai after she and her husband made the move to the UAE three years ago.

Talented Michelle manages to get such character and fine detail in to all the bags and purses she specialises in making. Each and every one is designed and stitched by Michelle herself.

Michelle’s designs are plentiful and varied. There are fun coin purses for children and the young at heart as well as some more serious bags for the grown up fashionistas amongst us. Michelle only sells her creations online and says “I get to meet customers and fans from all around the world. They can be funny and quirky at times. Sometimes they give valuable inspiration for me and my craft, too!” Michelle welcomes custom orders and can design a purse based on photos sent to her by customers, like of a pet they own.

Find out what keeps her awake at night and read the full run down on Michelle at Little Majlis blog!