Today we’d like to introduce you to Hala Khalifeh.
Hi Hala, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved all things art and anything creative. I find ways to express my creativity in nearly all aspects of my life—from decorating to completing various projects and now, through running my own business. I find that no matter what stage in life I’m at, my desire to create is always present. As a college student however, I found that I was creating, painting and drawing less and less as my papers and assignments were piling higher and higher. So I created Halaballoo as my creative escape to balance work and art while also spreading joy and color.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think being a college student, especially during the pandemic, can oftentimes make life feel very repetitive—like a monotonous cycle. Ever since the launch of Halaballoo however, I have found that no two days ever feel the same. As cheesy as it sounds, I begin each day excited for what new orders, custom requests and collaborations the day might bring. But along with these new ventures also comes certain setbacks and uncertainties. Getting creative blocks as an artist is most definitely a real thing! There are times where my creative juices aren’t feeling particularly high or where I question whether or not certain designs or color schemes I imagine will even come to fruition as planned.
In addition to this, I think every artist or creative faces uncertainties or slight doubts about their own work before the big launch or reveal of their pieces. I have made it a point however, to create products and designs that I enjoy—ones that I would find appealing or captivating even if I wasn’t the one who was creating them. This helps to ensure a constant flow of joy and excitement throughout the whole process for me. I am constantly amazed, warmed and astonished by the amount of love and support Halaballoo continues to receive. I literally do a little happy dance every time I’m notified of a new order. And nothing makes me happier than seeing my stickers on someone else’s water bottle, hearing how useful a macrame wristlet keychain I made was or eyeing someone rocking an embroidered hoodie from Halaballoo. These things make those occasional setbacks and bumps in the road beyond worthwhile.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My small business started off as a place for others to shop for stickers and handmade keychains. Through various requests, I soon expanded my options to custom sticker sheets and designs—this opened up a lot of doors for me and really allowed me to break out of certain artistic mediums and comforts. Especially with the start of the pandemic and stay-at-home orders, I’m guilty of picking up a hundred different hobbies, recipes or interests and then getting bored of them. But designing, creating, packaging and collaborating are things that I could never get tired of.
So after two sticker design launches, new keychain options, expanding into jewelry making and working on various commissions, I decided to venture out into the world of apparel! And I have loved every minute of it…maybe a little too much because I now see any piece of fabric as an opportunity for the start of a new embroidery project! I am most proud of my most recent launch of embroidered hoodies and goodies, like tote bags and crewneck sweatshirts. I am a sucker for a really clean and streamlined minimalistic design—and that’s exactly what this latest collection is all about! I think we live in a time where personalization and custom orders are very highly valued and appreciated. So being known as the girl in the community who loves to embroider is a title I don’t mind—even if embroidering is viewed as a pastime of the elderly.
It’s making a comeback, I’m telling you! I gave this newest collection a lot of thought—not only in terms of the designs I would offer but also about the experience of those interacting with my products and site. That’s why I place a huge emphasis on my willingness to create custom orders for individuals—whether that’s embroidering their name with alternating colors on a tote bag, digitizing their business logo on a hoodie or simply altering the color schemes of previous designs to fit the preferences of the one ordering. I truly want every order placed to feel like a unique and perfect item for the one receiving it—like a gift to themselves! Go self-care!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I’m always on the lookout for a new project, a really great collection idea or a meaningful movement to partake in. Because of this, I foresee my creativity and Halaballoo constantly moving, adapting and growing with various trends, seasons and interests—that’s the hope at least! So as long as my passion and love for creating and designing continues, so will Halaballoo!
Pricing:
- Hoodies: $45
- Stickers: $3.50
- Keychains: $11-14
- Earrings: $12-$18
Contact Info:
- Email: halaballoo.co@gmail.com
- Website: http://www.halaballoo.shop/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halaballoo.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/halaballoo
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/shophalaballoo/
Image Credits
Salma Soliman, Aisha Nadeem
