DOHA: A Qatari woman is running a unique business of taking pictures of newly-born babies at the postnatal facility of a private hospital in Qatar.
The government encourages young Qatari entrepreneurs to launch innovative start-ups to meet the requirements of local market and generate income.
Al Reem Al Kubaisi, a Qatari businesswoman, is operating a photo-studio “First Picture”, which specialises in shooting pictures of newly-born babies at Al Ahli Hospital.
“Since the photo shoot helps record sweet memories for people, I decided to establish the studio to begin my journey of entrepreneurship,” Al Reem Al Kubaisi, the owner of ‘First Picture’ photo studio, told The Peninsula.
When Al Kubaisi’s parents came to know about her interest and talent in photography they encouraged and helped her to open the studio.
“Since childhood I used to take pictures of whatever attracted me like nature or food as a hobby and have a collection of beautiful pictures in my personal albums,” said Al Kubaisi.
To set up the studio she did a feasibility study and got necessary equipment of international standards and took help of professional photographers.
Speaking about the funding, Al Kubaisi said that “the studio is set up using personal funding and it has now started generating enough income, which has helped expand the business.”
She said that the studio offers photography services all over the country - like houses, hotels, hospitals and other places.
Regarding the market demand, Al Kubaisi said: “My studio sees good demand for birthday parties and photo shoots of private functions, however, it surges on occasions like Garangao, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha and Qatar National Day.”
“First Picture” photo studio has participated in various exhibitions and events around the country.
“In 2017, we participated in the National Day celebrations to have photo shoots of children wearing beautiful national attires which was a unique experience,” said Al Kubaisi.
She said that the studio also participated in traffic week which was held at Darb Al Saai to click pictures of children with down syndrome to bring smile on their faces.
Regarding the challenges to run a photo studio Kubaisi said: “The challenges were about managing time, preparing a team of professionals to deliver quality services as per customers’ needs,” said Al Kubaisi.
The owner of photo studio advised young girls about converting their business ideas into projects availing the opportunity provided by Qatar government to support businesswomen. She also advised the young entrepreneurs to draw a clear cut plan and goal for better results of their projects.
