craft like a duck to water. “I guess I was destined to be a silversmith,” the shy but charming silversmith said, displaying some lovely designs on a variety of jewellery, including key chains, necklaces, bracelets, rings, head wear etc. Although English was not her forte, she still managed to convey the essence of her work with the help of her sister and her nieces. SEARCH FOR A CAREER Upon completion of her secondary school education, a whole new world opened out to her, which was as grand as it was scary. And it is here most make either the right or wrong decisions. Fate would often hang in a balance and sided with the ones who took the right step. Nadia was lucky here to make her own bold choice and not go with the usual flow. She was brave enough to take the road less travelled. “When I completed my secondary school, I was left with no other choice than to search for a right vocation. Basic schooling does not make you career eligible and I was not too sure about pursuing a higher education. I was totally lost and did not know what path to choose,” Nadia tells us candidly. DESTINY’S CHILD But, destiny had already written a path for her. “I believe in that. One day, while I was browsing the newspaper, I stumbled upon an announcement for a walk-in interview at an Open House of the Public Authority of Crafts & Industries (PACI). They had invited young Omani
candidates interested in learning and getting trained in various traditional Omani crafts. “Actually, a whole new world opened up before me and I finally realised my true calling. I instantly made up my mind to give it a try. I walked into a room full of young candidates and got myself enrolled.” The decision was not an easy one to make because Nadia came from a family of teachers. Four of her siblings are teachers, and none of the others had any inclination towards any crafts or arts. FITTING INTO HER OWN WORLD “I was not looking at a career alone; I wanted to step in to a world that I could fit in; I wanted to become committed and I also wanted to enjoy job satisfaction, doing the things I loved. Oman has a rich tradition and culture and I was sure that I would fit in somewhere. I registered myself and began the intensive course. The initial months were very crucial; it taught me the basics. And I felt very confident and learnt it all, from traditional basket making, to pottery to craftwork out of palm leaves. “In a span of two years at the PACI, I learned quite a lot of crafts. But, I realised that the intricate craft of making silver jewellery was my true calling. Like I said, probably I was destined to be a silversmith!” A SILVERY WORLD Her two-year stint at the PACI changed her life. “The two years of learning and training at the PACI totally
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