RAJESH MISHRA

DOHA HOUSEWIVES had a chance to test their business skills at the third MIA Park Bazaar held on the premises of the Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA) on Saturday.

The Bazaar evoked good response from the residents including Qatari nationals and expatriates, who attended the event in decent numbers.

Dozens of housewives cutting across nationalities gathered at the MIA Park to hawk a wide range of products including handicrafts, paintings, jewellery, perfumes, watches, garments and food items, among others, and were engaged in promoting their sales like ‘real businesswomen’.

Talking to Qatar Tribune, an Indian housewife Kanchan, who was selling hand-made purses and dolls, said, “My passion for handicraft dates back to my early youth days. However, the idea of selling hand-made articles never occurred to me. It’s all because of a couple of my Norwegian friends that I am here today.” “They were aware of my passion and had seen my products. So, they persuaded me to participate in the Bazaar and assisted me in setting up my stall here. Now, I am happy about my decision as it has given me some confidence. I am also happy with the response my products are getting,” Kanchan added.

According to her, although she could make at least one purse a day, it took her two to three days to make a purse because of her preoccupation as a housewife.

An Australian citizen, Wendy, dealing in special kind of jewellery with the brand name Lovelinks, said, “This is my first time at the Bazaar and I am happy with the response I am getting. I am planning to have a full-fledged outlet of Lovelinks in Doha in the future.” According to her, Lovelinks offered fashionable and flexible jewellery at reasonable rates and has good potential in Qatar’s thriving jewellery market.

Yet another housewife Huma Khan, a Pakistani-born Canadian citizen pointed out that the monthly Bazaar offered a good opportunity to housewives to hone their business skills. Khan said, “I am selling hand-made tablecloth with intricate embroidery and colourful pillow covers made of worn-out clothes. I love to participate in such bazaars as it increases the level of my self-confidence.” “I have participated in Christmas Bazaars held at North Atlantic College and American School Doha. This is my first time at MIA Park Bazaar. Most of the visitors are interested in food items,” Khan added.