Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Iqra Khawaja. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Iqra , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I officially started Monet Moves in 2018 as an escape from depression and anxiety after a very scary time in my life and I wanted to be able to channel my discomfort and use it for something good.

It was during this time that I realized how I could combine the beauty of Islam with my artistic skill and share it with the world!

I wanted to provide modern Islamic art at a reasonable price without having to compromise quality or aesthetics.
Each piece I create is a visual reflection of the beauty of Art and Islam as they come together with vibrant colors and distinctive designs. My goal is that these exceptional pieces bring aesthetic appeal to any home.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

How it started: For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn (pun-intended) to art. I was a curious child and have always enjoyed experimenting with different techniques and art mediums.
Initially, I started this business by creating an Etsy shop but did not have much luck with the platform, so I transitioned to Instagram and other social media platforms. It took a few years but with consistency and determination, I was able to achieve a substantial number of supporters. Next came my website, which allowed me to showcase my work on a larger scale and helped me generate new ideas that gave me a chance to expand my collection from hand-painted Canvas’s to apparel, party favors and more.

What type of products do you use:
I work primarily with acrylic paints, enamels and stretched linen canvases to create contemporary Islamic calligraphy.

Inspiration/ what you think sets you apart from others.
The major elements that influence my artwork are, inspiration, my vision, and my ability. My pieces stand out in a gallery or show because they have lots of textures and vibrancy; I don’t like being stingy with my paint or materials and I always welcome a challenge. I like when clients send me a picture of their space and trust me to create something beautiful for them.

What are you most proud of:
I am most proud of the fact that I can channel my skills and my creativity in a way that shows my paise to God and allows me to express my identity as an American-Muslim. My pieces are contemporary Arabic artwork and I like to believe they are a modern upgrade to traditional tapestries and wall decorations signifying the Islamic religion & Muslim faith.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson that life has taught me is to let things go, because sometimes, they will be out my control. A lot of events in our lives bring feelings of anxiety and worry, and for me it was my divorce. During my healing process, I learned about the power of, Tawakkul, which is a word from the Quran and translates into the absolute reliance on Allah (swt). This one word had the power to free me from my addiction to instant gratification and taught me to embrace all the gracious things that the universe has to offer to me.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience, in my experience is not just about making it through a calamity, it is also about how much you have learned from it. Resilience teaches you to live life in a more vulnerable way; it teaches you to recognize that change is not something to be feared, but something we should embrace. It teaches us that embracing your fears gives you untapped potential and transforms your doubts into courage, wisdom & compassion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.monetmoves.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monet_moves/?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monetmovess/