Momtastic – Zakkiya Hamza – Inkstruck

The purpose of my blog has been to share my journey as a parent, and to celebrate motherhood! Not just me, but mommies all around me as well! And with that in mind, I am starting a new section called MOMTASTIC ?!  I will be interviewing inspirational mommas who are wearing multiple hats, and managing it all with panache!

My last momma for this year is Zakkiya Hamza, a brilliantly creative artist who is still doing shows and running around despite being ready to pop! Mom to 4 year old, Izyan, her second will be soon here, Inshallah in January. She creates magic with watercolors and has carved her own niche in the art sector in Qatar and the region.

Name

Zakkiya Hamza

Explain yourself in about 10 words.

The creative introvert who loves to whip content for other creatives to learn.

Tell us about your ‘your business’.

I’m the watercolor illustrator, designer and blogger behind Inkstruck Studio. Inkstruck Studio is my little creative space where I teach, sell and design anything that is strictly watercolor. It has turned from a hobby to my full time business where I have now ventured into teaching in-person workshops and doing live events.

 Tell us about your journey so far.

The journey itself started as a hobby which eventually turned into a business. As I progressed, I realized that I wanted to make an exclusive website which was unique to watercolors alone and which would be the one place where anyone of any skill level can come and learn. I love art and it has always been a way of expressing myself. Little did I know that it would take me this far and I would be doing something that I really enjoy so much every single day. 

What makes you business unique?

To be honest, this is one question I always ask myself. Am I unique? Have I created something that others haven’t done? The answer is both yes and no. I am unique in a way that Inkstruck Studio is one of its kind in Doha where blogging is mainly food, fashion or lifestyle related. My niche is super unique and I haven’t come across anyone else doing the same. No, because around the world, there are a ton of artists who do exactly what I do in their own style.

How do you juggle motherhood and your work?

I have a planner that I use religiously. A monthly, weekly and daily schedule helps me. I try to divide my work into short term and long term goals so that I have a sense of achievement when I fulfil them. I also keep in mind that not everyday will be the same and it is sometimes okay if things don’t go as planned.

What is the best part about your work? What were the challenges involved? 

To be able to do what I love without being accountable to anyone. I am my own boss and that I can take decisions on my own. And of course when my clients appreciate my work and when my students/readers message me saying how my business has inspired them and their journey. It’s honestly such a beautiful feeling. The biggest challenge is when you are constantly expected to work for free for friends, relatives and even companies. There is a lot that goes behind running a blog or making a finished product. When that goes unappreciated, it is very disheartening.

Any advice for mompreneurs?

There is nothing that is beyond your reach. The one thing I tell anyone who asks me for advice is “Get started” and you’ll  see how everything else falls into place.

What is the one most important parenting rule you live by?

Allowing my kid to make his own decisions. I’m there to guide him but I know that if I try and impose my authority on him on every single thing, he’ll never learn. Of course, there is a line that I draw. After all I am the parent. And one more thing would be to be physically involved in his life and make the best memories out of everything we do together.

To know more about Zakkiya’s work, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/Inkstruckstudio/

To read more Momtastic interviews with inspiring super moms,