You can look fashionably good, but the definition of good is going to vary in this context. For the young entrepreneur and designer, Abdurrahman Sultan, design and fashion take on a whole new meaning with his small yet substantially meaningful startup, The Charitee store.
As a young artist, Abdurrahman’s vision for The Charitee store grew out of his desire to help out local charities like Direct-Aid Kuwait, which focused on assisting children in Africa, building shelter, providing education and clothing, and to fulfill his passion to create meaningful design through his t-shirt designs. This is artfully expressed with intricate typography, messages that inspire, hand-written and digitized by the artist himself.
When considering one of his earlier designs, ‘Kind’, filled with hand-written messages, reflects a subconscious desire to do good, and spread goodness all around and, as he stated, “searching for people who shared my beliefs.” From ‘Kind’, his desire to create high quality clothing that’s simple and accessible to everyone, became a primary goal. More designs closely followed, from a simple yet captivating ‘salam’ (peace) Tee to the most recent design that celebrated Kuwait’s liberation and independence, ‘Watan Al Nahar’. He adds, “Charitee is an organic development, where designs stem from a desire to spread a specific message or cause.” What’s better than a brand that actually operates on positivity and ‘good vibes’?
As a small business owner, Abdurrahman faced many challenges to ensure that his vision was achieved using the best materials, yet he continues to inspire. He’s always looking for motivated people to get involved with and causes to support. He states, “I love people who have a positive, spontaneous energy, people who wish to open their mind to embrace something good and help others, these are my fans and my core customers.” He personally advises anyone with a goal to pursue it immediately, “don’t feel pressured to follow a career path you’re not interested in. Do what you love, love what you do, and you’ll get there in the end.”
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Ambitious
How would you describe your mother in one word?
My Queen haha….
What is the most insane question you’ve ever been asked?
Are you Lebanese?
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Mountain Biking in Switzerland.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Adventurous.
Where would you like to live?
I’d be satisfied with any beach house where the weather is beautifully moderate and sunsets last longer.
What is your dream retirement location?
It would probably be on a yacht with all the needs and wants aboard cruising the seas.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
Imagination is the source of Creation / Do what you Love, Love what you do.
What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?
A Lioness
What do you miss about your childhood?
Innocence. No racism, religious, or political persecution. Just understanding in this world.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
I’d never change my name. It’s my privilege and honor that I’ve been given such an extraordinary name with great meaning by the only two most precious parents.
How would you describe your handshake in one word?
Firm.
What is the toughest part of your character?
Self-Reliant.
Who is your favourite historical figure?
Prophet Mohammed PBUH, he is my true idol, he preaches peace, love, romance, and how to be kind and humanistic rather than cruel, or greedy like self-centered people that support killing the innocent, stealing money, making poor peoples’ lives harder than easier.
What in the world do you least desire?
To be recognized for something I don’t deserve credit for. I’m a very just person that appreciates people’s rights.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of, would make the world a better place?
Love, good intentioned people, supportive, open-minded, equal international education standards to all, humanistic personalities and thoughtful minds.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”
It defines an appreciative person that is thankful to what he already has surrounding him such as family, friends, acquaintances, job position, etc. but if that person doesn’t feel the appreciation of such a blessing, I don’t know what else is there that’s worth being happy about.
Wait for the latest collection from the Charitee Store launching soon! Follow Abdurrahman on Instagram, @awsultan, check out The Charitee store @chariteestore.