In a cozy studio tucked away in Kuwait, the scent of freshly sanded wood fills the air, the buzz of tools hums in the background, and handcrafted furniture pieces slowly come to life under the skilled hands of Fai AlOmran. A woodworker, artist, producer, and content creator, Fai is not only carving furniture but reshaping the creative landscape with her studio, Knots + Grains.

“I’m a woodworker, artist, producer, and content creator based in Kuwait,” Fai says simply. Her path to craftsmanship began with a degree in Media Arts from Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver, where she specialized in stop-motion animation. Though her early career started in creative production and marketing, the pull of making was too strong to ignore. “Even though it was always a hobby, I kept finding myself diving into crafts and making with almost any project. I’ve always dreamt of having a studio that I can build and play in one day.”

That dream eventually became Knots + Grains Studio, which she co-founded with her partner Nai Issa. What started as a DIY project — building a table for her room — quickly became a turning point. “Once we started to make things for fun, we found that this has a potential of becoming our livelihood,” she explains. “So we took the leap of faith and took on the risk.”

The studio’s ethos — art in every grain, function in every form — shines through in every project. Their commitment to working exclusively with solid natural woods and oils, crafting by hand, and creating in limited quantities speaks to their belief that furniture is more than just functional. “It’s meant to be a functional art piece,” says Fai. “Every piece is unique based on the natural grains and colors of the wood.”

One of her favorite commissions was a handcrafted dollhouse, created as a future heirloom for a mother and daughter. “The project turned into an expression of love,” she recalls. “It was the perfect project that joined our love for woodworking, our experience in making for stop motion, and wanting to share that moment with a family.”

Despite woodworking being a traditionally male-dominated field, Fai’s experience has been “overwhelmingly positive.” She’s found support, encouragement, and camaraderie in the local woodworking community. “It was more my own fear and preconceived notion of not belonging in the ‘boys club’ that held me back at first,” she reflects. “But the more women step into this space and make their presence known, the more the culture continues to shift.”

True to their studio’s name, Fai and Nai are deeply involved in every step of the design and build process. “A big part of K+G is that we create our pieces from the first sketch to the final polish. The process is part of the piece; it’s where the magic lives,” she says. While they collaborate with skilled craftsmen for certain elements, their hands-on approach is non-negotiable. “Being hands-on isn’t just a preference, it’s core to who we are.”

The journey of creating a collection piece begins with a simple question: What do we actually need? From there, the process is a mix of sketches, mood boards, 3D modeling, AR testing, and building prototypes before any final product reaches a client. “Even with all that prep, there are always surprises once we’re actually building. That’s just part of the process.”

Behind the scenes, Fai and Nai maintain a working dynamic grounded in mutual respect and complementary strengths. “She’s incredibly detail-oriented and technically sharp, while I tend to approach things more conceptually and big-picture,” Fai shares. “We challenge each other, support each other, and know when to lean in or step back.”

Balancing business with creative freedom isn’t always easy, but Fai sees it as part of the artistic process. “I’m not sure sanity is really part of the creative job description,” she laughs. “Creativity without structure can burn out fast. That’s where the business side comes in — it gives shape and rhythm to the work.”

Social media has played a pivotal role in her journey. By documenting the ups and downs of her creative process, Fai has fostered a genuine connection with her audience. “People saw the journey and lived it with me as it grew from an idea into a full-blown studio. Their support and encouragement have always been a huge driving force.”

Still, working as a creative entrepreneur in Kuwait comes with its own set of challenges — primarily access. “Things aren’t always readily available here, and it can take a lot of effort to track down the right materials, tools, or support systems,” she says. “But you learn to get creative with the process itself. It’s not always smooth, but it’s definitely made me sharper.”

When asked what most people don’t know about woodworking, Fai is quick to answer: patience. “It’s a slow process and takes a lot of patience and practice to progress in. You can’t rush the results.”

If given the chance to collaborate with any artist, she’d choose Nada Debs. “I really admire her work and the way she blends craft, culture, and modern design. A collaboration between her and our DuoShine lamp would result in something really special — a piece that’s both functional and rich in storytelling.”

And what’s bringing her joy right now? Time. “Being intentional and present with the time I spend with friends and family has been a big source of joy lately,” she says. In the studio, she’s rediscovered the beauty of exploration. “Sometimes, productivity isn’t about an end result; it’s about giving yourself space to create freely. That kind of unstructured time feels just as valuable.”

Through every grain, groove, and carefully crafted form, Fai AlOmran continues to redefine what it means to build something with love, purpose, and presence — a legacy carved not just in wood, but in the hearts of those who bring her pieces home.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

What do you most value about your friends?
Their willingness to try anything with me

Which living person do you most admire?
My sister

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being comfortable and content

What is your greatest extravagance?
Tools, the smaller and cuter the less I can resist.

What is your most treasured possession?
My Leatherman Utility Knife

What is your greatest fear?
Heights

What is your most marked characteristic?
My confidence in thinking I can probably do it myself

Which talent would you most like to have?
Perfect pitch

What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for?
My calmness and nonchalance

What is the human trait you most dislike about others?
Not being genuine

What is it that you most dislike?
Mushrooms

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Basically

What are your favorite words to live by?
Life is all about trying. الحياة تجارب

Where would you most like to live?
A farm by the sea.

If you could have any job, what would it be?
Pilot

What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Being the coolest aunt for my nieces and nephews

What do you hope for the future?
To continue exploring, experimenting, and making.

Follow along Fai’s adventures on Instagram @laughwithFai and visit knotsandgrainsstudio.com to see the beautifully handcrafted pieces.