Your Name: Koloud ‘Kay’ Tarapolsi
Business Name: A Crafty Arab, a maker of handmade Arab crafts
Type of Business: Arts & Entertainment/Children’s Goods & Services
Business Location: Redmond, Washington, United States
Website www.acraftyarab.com
Twitter @acraftyarab
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/acraftyarab
Tumblr http://acraftyarab.tumblr.com/
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/acraftyarab
Reason for starting
The Arabic Alphabet Animal Poster became an idea back in 2002 when Kay recieved an alphabet poster poster (in English) by Jill M. Schmidt, a published illustrator of children’s books. Kay realized there was a need for an Arabic poster that was bright, fun and colourful and began working with Jill in 2010 to create the Arabic Alphabet Animal Poster.
How do you define success?
The success for the Arabic Alphabet Animal poster is defined when the poster is seen as a positive fun way for kids to see the Arabic language for the first time.
Biggest Success
The biggest success for the Arabic Alphabet Animal poster so far is that it will be sold at the Smithsonian African Art Museum.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
The top challenge has been marketing. My background is in art, so I’ve been having to learn marketing as I go by creating Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter accounts to get the word out about the Arabic Alphabet Animal Poster.
Who is your most important role model?
My most important role model has been my mom. She is a strong Arab woman who raised a family while earning a PhD and has recently had to deal with the death of my father from cancer. I was amazed at her strength and determination during the Libyan Revolution and how much she has done to get things accomplished.