I came to Abu Dhabi from the UK two years ago when my wife took a job here. I was a stay-at-home dad, looking after my two young daughters, but I wanted to do something more.
I got the idea for Moon By Mazoon when I tried to buy a beanbag here. I couldn't believe how expensive they were, so I set up a business making my own. Then we branched out into cushions and curtains.
My background is in commercial interior design, so I already knew a lot about the manufacturing side of things.
The idea for the cushions and prints depicting the skylines of Abu Dhabi and Dubai came to me after my mother-in-law came to visit. She wanted to take home a souvenir, but there wasn't much on offer that she could buy.
I do the line drawings of the cities' buildings, then they're machine embroidered. The drawing I did of the Grand Mosque had to be simplified a little. The detailing in the architecture is very difficult to replicate.
We set up our website and started selling from there in November 2011, and it's already been a huge success. Our biggest sellers are our Union Jack cushions and beanbags. We have the design in various colours, including the colours of the UAE. It's amazing how patriotic people become when they are outside of their own country. I've even just made three pairs of Union Jack curtains for a customer.
The outdoor Moonbag (beanbag) is another big seller for us. We've also started a new line of children's armchairs, which can also be personalised, and our latest product is a children's teepee playtent.
I'm a really big fan of the film Quadrophenia, so next I want to make a cushion with a classic vintage scooter on it.
I really enjoy hearing from people how good the quality and designs of the products are, and how reasonably priced we are. We put a lot of thought and effort to ensure the quality is spot on.
Select Moon By Mazoon products are available in Cafe Arabia, Souk at Qaryat Al Beri at the Shangri La Abu Dhabi, Objects and Elements Dubai, Sofa Studio Dubai, Marina Walk Dubai and The Atlantis Dubai. The full line is available at moonbymazoon.com. Delivery within the UAE is free
