Aroub Al Khayyat: From Empowering Women to Crafting Timeless Beauty

After a long and fulfilling career in education, finance, and women’s empowerment, I found myself drawn back to something that had always brought me joy– jewelry making.

Maknoun was never planned as a business. It began quietly, as a deeply personal passion. I would design pieces for myself, selecting gemstones, authentic pearls, and metals that held meaning for me. The process was calming—almost meditative. It was something I did just for myself, a kind of creative therapy that brought me peace and joy.

But then, something beautiful happened. Friends began to notice the pieces I wore and asked if I could create something for them. One request led to another, and before I knew it, I was making jewelry not just for myself, but for others. With their encouragement—and a spark of excitement in my heart—I decided to take a leap and turn this beloved hobby into something more.

That’s how Maknoun was born.

The name Maknoun, meaning "precious" or "hidden gem" in Arabic, captures the soul of the brand: rare beauty, quiet strength, and deep cultural resonance. Every creation is a celebration—not only of Arab aesthetics, but of the women who wear them.

Of course, stepping into entrepreneurship after a lifetime in other fields has come with its challenges. Marketing—especially digital marketing—was completely new to me. Building an online presence, creating content, managing social media... These were not skills I had developed in my previous career. I had to learn from scratch, and I’m still learning every day. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.

What I love most about this journey is that it still feels like therapy. Sitting down with stones and wire, sketching a new design, or wrapping a custom order brings me a kind of quiet joy that’s hard to describe. It connects me to myself,  to a sense of serenity, and the women who wear these pieces.

As for what’s next—Maknoun is ready to take the next step. I’m dreaming of opening a physical store, a space where people can come in, see the pieces, feel the textures, and hear the stories behind them. Moving beyond the digital space into a tangible, welcoming boutique feels like the natural next chapter.

This business may have started by accident, but it has become one of the most meaningful journeys of my life. Maknoun is not just jewelry—it’s heart, heritage, and healing, all wrapped into one.

— Aroub Alkhayyat