Hana El Tawdy: From oil barrels to sterling silver jewelry
How one petroleum engineer turned her passion for precision into the artistry of jewelry making
Edited By: Kenzy
Hana El Tawdy, who graduated in Fall 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, said she challenges herself to be the best version while striving to succeed in her business and engineering career.
El Tawdy is the owner and founder of Hana El Tawdy Jewelry, a handcrafted sterling silver jewelry brand for men and women founded in 2020. Through passion and dedication, in just three years, El Tawdy’s list of clients grew to include celebrities and influencers like Amr Diab, Ghada Adel, Ahmed Fahmy, Ramy Ashour, Amir El Masry, Mahmoud El Esseily, Mohamed Farag, Ahmed Hatem, and Hassan Abo El Rous.
With a passion for jewelry-making that blossomed at the age of five when she used to make and sell beaded necklaces and bracelets to her friends at the Shooting Club, El Tawdy’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from the start.
“I used to make jewelry throughout the years, even during school and university,” she reminisced, reflecting on her lifelong dedication to the craft.
It wasn’t until 2020, however, that she transformed her childhood hobby into a thriving business, rebranding her venture and introducing a silver line for both men and women.
El Tawdy’s decision to pursue petroleum engineering at AUC might seem unconventional for a budding jeweler, but it is a choice she made with purpose and foresight.
“I wanted to study engineering because I felt it would provide me with flexibility. Plus, I love the challenge, and petroleum engineering intrigued me with its blend of science and storytelling,” she explained.
Hana’s education at AUC offered her a unique blend of experiences beyond engineering, such as extracurricular activities and clubs, which fueled her ambition and nurtured her multitasking skills.
Balancing her studies with her jewelry business and a full-time job as a business development engineer was no small feat for El Tawdy. However, her dedication and resilience shone through as she seamlessly integrated her passion for jewelry-making into her daily routine.
“I wake up early, work all day, train, and then dedicate my evenings and weekends to crafting jewelry. It’s demanding, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.
What sets El Tawdy’s jewelry apart is her unwavering commitment to creativity and quality. From statement pieces inspired by architectural designs and structure to everyday wear, each creation bears its distinctive touch.
“I strive to make pieces that people can wear every day. For me, jewelry isn’t just about adornment; it’s about storytelling and self-expression,” she emphasized.
Indeed, El Tawdy’s dedication to storytelling extends beyond her designs to her marketing efforts, from photoshoots in unconventional locations like gas stations and Nile riverbanks to events and bazaars. Some of the events where her products were displayed include a Forbes Middle East event, COP27, World Youth Forum, Dolls and Dons, Bazarna, and Koffee Kulture.
At Forbes Middle East’s Under 30 Summit in January 2024 in Gouna, El Tawdy’s brand was the only jewelry brand chosen to be displayed.
“I felt so glad [for] people’s comments from the Middle East and the fact that many people bought their favorite pieces instantly… It felt great and surprising,” said El Tawdy.
Amidst sustainable products exhibited at COP 27 in 2023, El Tawdy’s jewelry line garnered attention for its transformation of Nile rubbish into elegant pieces, demonstrating the power of restoration.
“Hana always looks for the challenge and won’t rest until she accomplishes it, ” said Ali El Tawdy, her brother. “She is very hardworking and committed to what she does.”
Sheer determination led her to land one of her biggest celebrity clients to date. Last summer, she visited the beach where Amr Diab regularly vacations in hopes of giving him a customized necklace. In the end, she succeeded.
“Hana is a very extroverted person, in my opinion, and this is what makes her stand out. She just puts herself out there and takes risks. Communication is key when it comes to growing one’s business, and luckily, Hana is best at it,” Ali El Tawdy described his sister.
However, El Tawdy’s journey was not without its challenges. As a young woman navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship in the jewelry industry on her own, she faced numerous hurdles that put her to the test.
El Tawdy stressed the fact that some aspects of running a business, such as coming home late from jewelry workshops and events, are seen as unladylike by the Egyptian culture.
The concept of interacting with people from different backgrounds in the jewelry industry was also challenging for her.
“They talked to me in a rude way and acted unprofessionally just because I’m a girl,” explained El Tawdy.
As El Tawdy sets her sights on the future, her vision is as bold as her designs.
“I want to expand my brand across the Middle East and eventually the world. But quality will always be my top priority. I want to keep innovating and creating designs that resonate with people from all walks of life,” she added.
In the glamorous world of jewelry, El Tawdy shines bright as a beacon of creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. With each meticulously crafted piece, she is not just telling stories; she is crafting a legacy that sparkles with authenticity and passion.
“I’ve always believed that if you have a dream, you should pursue it relentlessly, and that’s exactly what I intend to do,” El Tawdy reflected with a smile.
