Today we’d like to introduce you to Mateen Husami.
Mateen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Mumbai, India, while I have lived in the Chicago area almost all my life. As a traveler at heart and with the extensive travel I did throughout my corporate career, I am a product of many influences from all over the world. After college, my path was quite “corporate”. I got a CPA, worked at a large accounting firm; got a law degree, worked at a large Chicago area law firm and then became an international corporate lawyer at Abbott Laboratories, a truly amazing company, where I had quite a long career. Later, I worked at a large company downtown and that led me to the best thing that has happened in my life: meeting my wife, Clarize. I first saw her on the Metra and didn’t have the courage to talk to her for an entire year because she was simply too beautiful. Once I mustered up the courage to speak with her, I proposed within three months in Paris and we married two months later (in Malaysia)! In Clarize, I have found my best friend, spiritual adviser and cheerleader. Clarize recognized my entrepreneurial spirit and creativity; she gave me the courage to take the bold step of starting our business of Little Light Bazaar only six months after we got married! I believe the universe gives each of us signs and smooths our paths so that we can make our own way. We just need to be present and open to recognizing those signs–for us, it led to our focus on lighting! I have been able to courageously embark on a new life journey, from a corporate lawyer to an entrepreneur, designer, manufacturer and retailer/wholesaler in less than two years! I would never have imagined my life taking this path!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has actually, surprisingly, been a lot easier than I thought it would be: Not to say it has been all a cake-walk. Taking the first step was the hardest. Believing others who believed in me also took some rewiring. Not having a network in the business and of interior decorators has been a challenge. We realized that trade shows would be the fastest way for us to make those connections and reach the audience we need. So earlier this year, in January, we showcased our lighting products at our first trade show in Las Vegas. We were nervous as heck and entirely unsure if we were doing it right, certain that our booth would be laughed out of the show. We built our booth totally in-house, prayed a lot, had a blast meeting new people and came away with the Best Booth Award and several wholesale clients! We completely owe it all to the beauty of our products. It does not take much to make the designs look appealing, so we felt like we cheated a little bit due to the intrinsic beauty of each piece. While no business is built overnight, that first trade show gave us the boost we needed, and we continue to give all of our customers a warm experience that makes them happy with their purchase, with integrity, honesty and creativity. We offer on line sales to everyone, not just trade, through our website, and at our brick and mortar store, 928 Chicago Ave in Evanston. It has worked for us really well thus far!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Little Light Bazaar – what should we know?
We are primarily a company that designs and then produces beautiful lighting – each piece is handcrafted, singular and striking. I personally create each design as modern, yet infused with a touch of exotic charm: Indian intricacy, Moroccan shapes and textural elements or Japanese serene simplicity. While I design our evolving collection, my talented workshop in India brings them to life. Our lighting is handcrafted, using traditional, time honored production techniques, so each piece is unique. I noted that we are “primarily” a lighting company because I have recently created a collection of decorative mirrors, small furniture and accessories in the same style of our lighting, to offer more of a decor solution, rather than just lighting. What sets us apart is that we have married modern design with artisan handcrafted work to create a very unique decor genre that people really love and feel comfortable with – that’s what I am most proud of!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First credit goes to my wife, Clarize. She is my greatest supporter, cheerleader and muse. Our business owes so much to David Homer. He walked into our store as a customer, but is now our mentor and partner. He and his family owned Homer Brothers, a large furniture store, from 1912 to 1991. He then started a design oriented furniture and accessories showroom called Point of Origin in Glenview, which he closed just 5 years ago. With such a rich history, David brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and connections to our business. His wise counsel and belief in us both inspires us and keeps us confident in our vision to bring functional beauty to everyone through our modern, handcrafted designs.
Pricing:
- Our lighting ranges from $65 to $375 per piece.
- Mirrors range from $200 to $500.
Contact Info:
- Address: 928 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL
- Website: www.littlelightbazaar.com
- Phone: (847) 644-8851
- Email: info@littlelightbazaar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1013440771/little-light-bazaar/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlelightbazaar
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Light_Bazaar?lang=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/little-light-bazaar-evanston
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