Bazaar Belief: Noura Bouzo on Happiness, Regrets and The Key To Success
The award-winning Saudi artist and designer uses Islamic art as her creative starting point
The co-founder of the creative agency &Bouqu, along with her sister Basma, spearheaded the first-ever Saudi Design Festival earlier this year. Here, she shares with Bazaar Arabia her proudest achievement, defining career moments, and her best pieces of advice
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): Who Is Your Career Role Model And Why?
Noura Bouzo (NB): I have so many! From artists to investors and entrepreneurs, the common denominator I would say is their passion for what they do and changing their field.
HBA: Can We Have It All?
NB: Yes, why not! I think that we have to have strong beliefs and determination and we can definitely have it all!
HBA: Describe Yourself In Three Words…
NB: Creative, competitive and adventurous.
HBA: What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?
NB: Breathe! Enjoy the moment, know what makes you happy then pursue it.
HBA: What Do You Still Want To Learn And Why?
NB: There is so much still to learn! The more you learn, the more you allow yourself to grow and the more you see things from different perspectives and appreciate everything around you.
HBA: Defining Career Moment?
NB: Starting anything new that you believe in is always a defining moment. The first step is the most challenging.
HBA: Proudest Achievement?
NB: Keeping on going and trying even when it gets tough.
HBA: What Inspires You Most About Your Job?
Creativity is always inspiring.
HBA: The Key To Success Is…
Believing in your vision.
HBA: Happiness Is…
NB: Being able to enjoy the moment.
HBA: Best Piece Of Advice To Someone Launching In Your Field?
NB: Have a vision of what you want to achieve and believe that you have already achieved it.
HBA: What Part Of Your Work Are You Most Proud Of?
NB: I am most proud of all the work that we have been doing as a company to support local creatives, from exhibiting their work locally and internationally to mentoring emerging designers. We’ve been sourcing the work of local designers, artisans, and craftsmen and linking them to big companies and government entities. Instead of importing foreign talent, we find the right local talent to create works that companies need.
HBA: Who Or What Feeds Your Soul?
NB: Taking time off to recharge… either a beach holiday just laying around taking everything in or trying something new and adventurous for the first time.
HBA: Biggest Regret?
NB: I find myself regretting not starting projects sooner.
HBA: Luxury is…
NB: Doing what makes you happy.
HBA: When You Were Younger, What Did You Want To Be?
NB: When I was younger I always dreamt of making a difference. I always wanted to know that my life mattered… that I added to this world. I hope that I’m doing that with the work that I’m involved in. Even as an artist.
HBA: If You Wrote A Book One Day, What Would It Be About?
NB: Maybe it’s cliché but it would be about finding yourself. I think the hardest part of anyone’s journey, and the first step, is really getting to know one’s self and persuing what makes you you.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s April 2022 issue