A Decade of Island Bazaar

As we reflect on the past ten years, it feels both surreal and deeply rewarding. When Island Bazaar first began over a decade ago, with us crafting and painting at home.. We could never have imagined the journey ahead.

What began as a handful of printed photographs on wooden frames, a few cushion cover designs, and home-based Instagram sales gradually evolved into something we could never have imagined. Ten months later, in 2016 we opened our first physical space: a small first-floor boutique at M. Karishma, carrying framed photos, cushion covers, and tote bags along with a few local artisanal products. From the very beginning, we welcomed collaborations with local artisans and brands who appreciated a platform to showcase their craft, and Island Bazaar naturally evolved into a space for creativity, community, and locally made or designed products.

Those early years were a whirlwind, designing everything in house, searching for manufacturers, learning how to market our work, and figuring out how to run a business with no formal training. Coming from an art and design background, the business world was unfamiliar territory. We questioned ourselves often, especially as we insisted on growing slowly and organically. But step by step, we moved forward.

In 2019, we took our first big leaps. We launched our website and online store, and our brand gained clearer direction. One of our happiest milestones came in our fifth year with the creation of Island Loop, our commitment to donate 2% of profits to local charities and social causes, and to amplify their work and advocacy through our platforms.

Then came the COVID years. 2020 tested us in every way. Like many small businesses, it was financially overwhelming. Yet creatively, it gave us space to pause and return to our roots, rediscovering watercolour, photography, and the joy of making art at home. In 2021, we took another bold step and moved our flagship boutique to our current shophouse at M. Sisil Emporium on Fareedhee Magu. We remain grateful for the beautiful space we inherited from Civil Coffee Society, transforming the ground floor into our boutique and the first floor into our studio.

The years that followed brought new opportunities. We collaborated with inspiring local artists whose work breathed fresh life into our collections. In 2023, we were honoured with the chance to open our first resort boutique with Avani + Fares at their new Maldivian property in Baa Atoll, a responsibility and honour we do not take lightly.

We also faced moments that reshaped us. The passing of our silent partner and mother, Aishath Waheeda, reminded us of the deeper purpose behind our work. It strengthened our belief in authenticity, community, craftsmanship, and the beauty of small-batch design rooted in heritage and island living.

2024 became a year of resilience, reimagining our collections, adapting to economic challenges, and holding onto what makes Island Bazaar meaningful.

And now, 2025 marks a milestone we have long looked forward to. We are thankful for the stability and gentle growth this year has brought. To Avani + Fares, to BCC [Authentic Maldives], to our retail and wholesale clients near and far, your support has carried us through.

And to our team: your dedication, loyalty, and heart have been the true foundation of Island Bazaar.

As we enter this new chapter, our commitment stays the same: to craft artisanal pieces and cultivate collaborations that offer something unique to our creative landscape. To celebrate island life and the natural world that shapes us. To keep exploring the thoughtful intersections of art, travel, craftsmanship, and community. To design with intention, honouring the details that make our islands truly extraordinary.

We are humbled by all that these ten years have held, and profoundly grateful to live this dream which has become our daily work.