Muzna Mahfoodh al Hadi navigates the enchanting world of gemstones and minerals through her visionary venture, Ahjaar. A graduate in Applied Geosciences from the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), Muzna’s entrepreneurial spirit identified a unique market gap, giving birth to Oman’s first online shop exclusively dedicated to rocks and gemstones.
‘Ahjaar’, meaning ‘rocks’ or ‘stones’ in English, symbolises Muzna’s deep-seated commitment to geology and an online haven catering to enthusiasts of precious stones. Reflecting on the inception of her journey, Muzna states, “My love for geosciences led me to a world of natural gemstones, minerals, and crystals. I wanted to do something unique for Oman and identified a gap in the market, which inspired me to turn entrepreneur and launch Ahjaar.” From exquisite natural moonstones, period stones, and amethyst, emerge a stunning collection of pendants, silver rings, and elegant home interior items at Ahjaar.
“Ahjaar is more than just an online shop; it reflects my commitment to quality. Our platform offers a curated selection of products, showcasing a keen eye for trends and a commitment to delivering excellence,” Muzna emphasizes. Ahjaar serves as an educational platform, bridging the gap between enthusiasts and the captivating world of geology. Through Ahjaar, Muzna not only sells rocks and gemstones but also educates and engages individuals in the intricate narratives of geological marvels. Global sourcing of authentic and diverse gemstones posed logistical challenges, but Muzna underscores its commitment to authenticity through collaboration with different labs to provide client certificates. This meticulous process ensures the legitimacy of Ahjaar’s products, reinforcing their dedication to transparency in the gemstone industry.
Ahjaar’s commitment to providing quality products at affordable prices involves a strategic approach. Direct dealings with suppliers, cutting unnecessary intermediaries, ensure a transparent and cost-effective supply chain, making quality gemstones accessible to a wider audience. Muzna elaborates saying, “Our commitment is to make these enchanting treasures available to all, understanding that preferences and budgets may vary. Thus, while everyone can obtain the stone, the choice of quality remains a personalised option.” Raw stones sourced from Brazil, Uruguay, Iran, Yemen, Afghanistan, Czech Republic, and Zambia form Ahjaar’s diverse collection. The time required for the finished product depends on factors such as the complexity of the design, the materials used, and the craftsmanship involved.
Since its inception, Ahjaar has witnessed the emergence of several businesses in this niche, indicating its impact on influencing and expanding the market. Muzna notes, “We’ve observed a distinct shift in consumer preferences, with an evident surge in the local community’s appreciation for natural gemstones. Our presence has not only diversified the market but has also contributed to elevating awareness and fostering a connection between the local community and the world of rocks and minerals.”
Looking ahead, Ahjaar harbours ambitious expansion plans and initiatives and envisions diversifying the product range, educating people, and actively engaging with the local community to enhance understanding and appreciation of gemstones. Ahjaar supports various university groups by providing gifts for their events and fostering connections with academic circles. The brand prioritises community education by offering free consultations, answering questions from followers and customers about different types of stones.
Despite obstacles, Muzna and Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Hadi, her brother, have forged strong relationships with suppliers worldwide. Their collaborative effort empowered Ahjaar to offer a unique collection of gemstones. The challenges, though significant, have contributed to the rewarding journey, establishing Ahjaar as a distinctive platform in the world of gemstones.
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