Abdul-Samad Al-Sultan: A Master Craftsman’s Journey

 

Abdul-Samad Al-Sultan is a skilled artisan who once worked in a job that barely covered his basic living expenses. Driven by curiosity, he ventured into a craft without knowing its fundamentals. Reflecting on his journey, he shares:
"When I heard about the Artisans Academy program, I joined it. At the time, I didn’t know that moment would mark the beginning of my future, nor that my work would transcend geographical boundaries, reaching distant places and attracting clients from various countries."

Al-Sultan enrolled in the woodcraft program. However, before joining, he made a bold decision: he resigned from his job. This was a risky move, especially given his financial obligations and the fact that his previous job, though insufficient, provided some stability.

Yet, he approached the future with faith and confidence rather than fear and anxiety, emphasizing the difference between fear and trust. Al-Sultan sacrificed his job at a time when many sought secure employment, opting for a program that offered a stipend amounting to half his previous salary. He immersed himself in both the theoretical and practical aspects of woodworking.

The training honed his hobby, enriched his creative instincts, and taught him how to market his craft, establish his name, expand his client base, and carve out a niche for himself in the business world.

When asked about the most important lesson he learned from his experience at the Artisans Academy, he replied:
"Marketing is the key. Beyond that, I learned how to draw inspiration from decorative patterns and incorporate them into my work, creating heritage-inspired products that reflect the essence of Al-Ahsa, the land I belong to."

Speaking about how clients perceive his work, Al-Sultan said:
"My work has been well-received, praise be to God. My prices are reasonable, and what stands out is that I evaluate my products emotionally, after calculating the costs and time involved."

Abdul-Samad Al-Sultan aspires for his craft to reach as far as possible, believing there is no limit to ambition. His only goal is success, with the hope that his products will always earn the approval and satisfaction of his clients. He concludes:
"The success of the name ‘Abdul-Samad Al-Sultan’ is the success of the craft I create with my own hands. A craft made by hand is a safeguard against poverty, with God’s will."

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