Amy Pugsley 
Not all jewelry is equal. Some jewelry is so unique and embodies such magic that it seems to exist to please the soul. That is exactly the goal of advertising guru turned jewelry designer Nada Ghazal – a force to be reckoned with in Lebanon and beyond. Leaving a career in advertising in 2003 to step into the world of entrepreneurship, Nada established the international jewelry brand known as Nada Ghazal Fine Jewelry. Her first collection of 25 pieces crafted from precious stones, diamonds and 18-karat gold wires sold out in three days, establishing her as an artist, artisan and fine jewelry designer.
From that initial burst of success, Nada has turned her passion into a brand, creating handcrafted accessories that are bold, authentic, and a timeless part of any woman’s jewelry collection. Referring to her collections as “jewels with a soul” the labor of love has paid dividends. We caught up with her to talk about the challenges of Covid-19 and her success as a creative.
Life has been turned upside down this past year. How are you revamping your business model to fit with the current time?
While the whole world was gripped by Covid-19, we had a separate multitude of challenges in Lebanon, which sadly led to the closure of our brick and mortar stores. We were very lucky though in other ways, as the beginning of the year gave us the chance to present our 2020 Collection at New York and Paris Fashion Week. This collection was the first to launch my brand to international markets, giving them the opportunity to experience our DNA, designs and craftsmanship. We have also worked closely with our sales and PR agency, Valery Demure, on several virtual projects to continue showing our collections, while paying closer attention to the communication we have with our clients, trying to create the most memorable and intimate experiences.
How has being quarantined indoors changed your work/life balance? Has it influenced your creativity?
I wouldn’t say it altered my work/life balance per se. There was an initial period where I had to adapt how and when I focused, since I had three children at home. A lot of my inspiration for the designs arose from my walks in Beirut. Every corner is a memory and a story, triggering an emotion that I translate into my designs. At the points where we were not able to, I really missed those walks. Amongst all of these challenges, however, I had a feeling that we had to rise up in order to flourish. This culminated in my Baby Malak Flourish Collection.
Art is subjective, but for you, what do you consider to be a good design?
I’m finding more and more that people are looking for art and design that is meaningful to them personally. I believe whatever one designs has to have a soul because only then can it connect with another person on an emotional level.
What’s your favorite current fashion trend, and how would you typically style it?
Oversized sleeves, whether a dress, a shirt or a coat. I have always loved oversized sleeves. Another current trend that I like is chunky boots with dresses. It brings a feeling of nostalgia.
Congratulations on making the Forbes Middle East list of top female entrepreneurs. You have won many awards but what has been the highest point of your career as a designer so far?
Thank you! I think each milestone in my career is just as important, since each is a testament to what I have accomplished as a designer and a brand. It also reminds me that I’m on the right track, achieving the vision for my brand.
What do you hope the pandemic changes for the better?
I have always been very close to my family and friends, and I’ve found these relationships have become even stronger throughout this period. The challenges this year definitely made me recognize the value of the present, and for that, I am grateful. I hope that others are also grateful for the close presence of loved ones. I hope that our collective conscience wakes up, to realize what in essence has value in our lives.
A Few Quick Questions:
What are three things you can’t live without?
My drawing kit, plants (both trees and flowers) and fruit.
If you could only have one season, what would it be?
Autumn. I love the golden shades, the cold clean breeze as it hits your face and the smell of fresh rain. It’s like nature is cleaning itself before it regenerates.
Lipstick or lip gloss?
Definitely lipstick and in particular red matte lipstick, which my family, friends and customers know me for.
What’s your favorite spot to visit in Lebanon?
An oak tree in Btaaline/Ras El Maten. It’s a tree that I used to hide inside to connect with mother earth when we used to go fruit picking in our family orchard.
