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Creative director, artist and teacher Mariam Mazen Al Umran hopes to create an 'art space' for young talents living in Bahrain to showcase their skills at her boutique as well as the hot designs and styles she has brought in from Europe.
The entrepreneurial Bahraini with a heart of gold has been inspired by the creative use of old buildings she uncovered on her travels abroad and believes a similar concept could work in the kingdom.
Mariam, 24, from Manama, runs Meemo Boutique in Seef Mall when she is not helping disabled children find fun and laughter through art. She said: "During my trips to Europe I used to notice old warehouses being converted into art galleries and that gave me the inspiration for the shop.
"I hate the idea of fixed fixtures and fittings so enjoy moving the clothes, accessories and bags around the store with the help of my team to deliver a fresh and invigorating ambiance.
"I thought of including old warehouse pipes, cement flooring and antique furniture to produce a really rustic and raw feel. We ensured there were wheels on all the stands so we can move about the furniture with ease when we start holding art exhibitions, which I plan to introduce soon.
A feature fireplace area adds a comfortable and cosy feel to the operation as shoppers sample the selection of international brands ranging on display from casual high street outfits to head-turning exclusive designs. She explains that the brand she has chosen all featured artistic influences. She said: "The store reflects my style and identity - 'bohemian'."
Recently she held a fashion show in association with Swatch watches at her store featuring local models displaying the latest dress and wrist designs.
Mariam's store, named after her nickname 'Meemo' was a gift from her fashion-conscious mother, Amal Almoayyed, owner of Vogue Group. She said: "My mother had a store for children's wear which she closed and so she allowed me to use the space for my boutique and art gallery."
The store also features a selection of unique bracelets and colourful hair bands designed by Mariam, adding a personal touch to her boutique's offerings. She ventured into the world of fashion accessory designing whilst recovering from an illness and putting her recuperation time to good use.
She explained: "I was confined to home and had a lot of spare time. I first started by modifying a band I owned and was soon amazed at the different styles and fashion that could be created."
On a roll, bracelets were soon added to the collection. She said: "I love charms and so I started to make my own using colourful threads."
Mariam believes that her love for retail was developed on trips to uncover different trends and merchandise in the leading fashion capitals of the world. She said: "I remember accompanying my mother from the age of 10 on her trips and she would teach me the entire process of how she worked. However, I never dreamed at the time that I would get into the same field. As a child, I would enroll myself in various classes but would never stick to any one, except for art classes. Now that I have my own space, I can mix my passions for art with fashion."
Mariam is also using her skills to help children by teaching art therapy at the Down's Syndrome Care Centre in Bahrain. She said: "I come up with projects to help them enhance their skills and overcome their disabilities."
She also hopes to take up a course in art therapy in the near future.
