When Dubai resident Stevi Lomass identified a gap in the locally crafted gifting market for a unique UAE brand, she sought an affordable way to gain exposure. Over a decade later, her venture, The Camel Soap Factory, has blossomed into a multi-million dirham enterprise, and Stevi remains appreciative of ArtE, The Makers’ Market, for offering the initial platform to present her products.
“Without local fairs like ArtE, artisans like myself would have struggled to begin,” said Lomass, 66, originally from South Africa, to Khaleej Times. “I enjoyed using handmade soaps and was aware of the remarkable benefits of camel milk, a regional staple for centuries, believing camel milk could be a novel and intriguing ingredient.”
After studying soap-making in London, Lomass returned to Dubai with enthusiasm. “In 2011, I started producing from home as a kitchen-based initiative, and began selling at ArtE, paying Dh200 per table,” she shared.
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Two years later, The Camel Soap Factory officially launched. Since then, it has sold over three million soaps, expanded to creams, balms, and haircare, and now employs 18 staff members.
“We stayed with ArtE for four years, during which I realized there was a real business opportunity,” said Lomass, now residing in Dubai Silicon Oasis, close to her factory. “Selling at ArtE helped me fine-tune my products and better understand my customers and their gift preferences.”
Stevi Lowmass
ArtE’s 20th Anniversary
On Saturday (September 27), ArtE will mark its 20th anniversary at Times Square Centre. ArtE founder and organizer Miriam Walsh, 65, identifies The Camel Soap Factory as its most successful venture, among thousands of artisans who have prospered.
Camel Soap early ARTE stall
ArtE’s Mission
ArtE attracts painters, makers, and crafters, all united by their handmade creations. “We focus on handmade products, attracting talent and providing an audience,” said Walsh, originally from Holland.
Walsh co-founded ArtE in 2005, initially creating wool-felt fashion items while managing her family life. “We tried school and club markets, which didn’t work for us,” she noted. “A friend suggested starting our own, leading to ArtE’s launch, focusing on handmade, not re-sold goods.”
Over the years, ArtE has become a launchpad for artisans turning ideas into businesses, hobbyists supplementing income, entrepreneurs building brands on a budget, and small industries introducing new products. Many have supplied hotels, tourist shops, and businesses.
‘We Make What We Sell’
ArtE has stayed committed to its original promise: We Make What We Sell. The 20th-anniversary edition will feature creativity, discovery, and the “magic of handmade,” with over 100 makers showcasing their products, plus family activities and live demos.
“Except for Covid, we’ve never missed a market, continuing to provide a platform for creatives in the UAE,” Walsh stated.
Among ArtE’s success stories is Jessica Winford, who launched her Jessica Lily sleepwear brand after moving to the UAE 14 years ago. “Sewing gifts helped distract from homesickness,” the former cabin crew said. “My dad encouraged monetizing, and I discovered ArtE by chance.”
Jessica Winford
Last year, Winford, based in JVC, focused solely on her business, leaving her IT job. “I took the leap to pursue crafting full-time,” she said. “ArtE has been more than a sales venue; it’s a cornerstone of my Dubai journey, connecting me with diverse, like-minded people.”
She emphasized ArtE’s value beyond sales. “Even without sales on the day, you’re marketing your brand and raising awareness, never knowing when someone may return to purchase,” she said.
