Interview with Lina El-Sharif

Shortly after her son was born, Lina received the worst news of her life: She had breast cancer. Deciding to take charge of her plight, Lina's incredible strength, positive outlook, and determination both inspired and motivated her to help others find hope and treatment options. We're beyond proud to share Lina's empowering story.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I'm a 31-year old working mom to a toddler, and loving wife. Last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but was fortunate enough to find it in the early stages. Many women are not as fortunate to detect this disease early enough. As challenging as this experience has been, it has given me new purpose and perspective, and forced me to appreciate the little things that mean so much, including the people I love. I also realized that the opportunity to give back truly is a gift.

WHAT MOTIVATED & INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

Aside from my corporate job, which I love and enjoy, I've always been passionate about arts & crafts and anything that is handmade. Like most women, I've always daydreamed about where life's journey would take me. I wished I had a great voice. I wished I could be a talented belly dancer. I wished I could find a bed of chocolate to lay in. I wished I could find a way to make the world a better place, or simply make a difference in someone's life. I wished I would have the opportunity to travel the world. I wished I could turn my hobby of crocheting into a feasible business.

Breast cancer was definitely NOT something I had on my bucket list, nor had I ever expected it since it wasn't in our family history. Taking it in stride, the devastating news gave me a chance to pause and think about what I really wanted to achieve in this life. My dear friend Imane told me, "Lina, you've always loved to crochet. If you don't start your crochet project that you've been so avid about now, you never will." She was right.

Later that sleepless night, I couldn't help but think of how I could use crocheting in a way that helped others, particularly the countless women who are suffering from breast cancer and struggle to find treatment simply based on the sheer cost of chemotherapy. This broke my heart.

That's when Hookin' Good was born. I use this crafty platform to "hook" into something "good."

WHAT WERE THE FIRST FEW STEPS YOU TOOK TO GET YOUR BUSINESS UP AND RUNNING?

Starting with the pieces I created to pass time during my chemo treatments, I created Instagram and Facebook accounts to post and sell my crocheted items. I chose Brest Friends, in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, to donate the proceeds. They are an incredible non-profit initiative established to support other breast cancer fighters in the UAE who are not able to afford the very expensive treatments available.

I quickly started gaining followers within the first few weeks. It was amazing to receive so many messages of love and support, as well as people who wanted to get involved. So far, Hookin' Good has raised AED 7,000 and is growing quickly. In a short time, I've established a loyal and supportive community of 600+ Instagram followers and 500+ Facebook fans. Now that I have successfully completed my chemotherapy, my energy is making its way back, and I am planning to take this project to new heights in order to help as many women as possible.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OF RAISING AWARENESS OF YOUR BUSINESS AND GETTING NEW CUSTOMERS?

Word of mouth is playing a huge role in creating awareness. Also, spreading messages of positivity, hope and possibility have been a great way to inspire others during their darkest hours. I strongly believe that happiness has a special power in the healing process. In fact, scientific research has shown that positivity plays a major role in successful treatment. I'm extremely proud to say that I'm now cancer-free.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SO FAR WITH RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS?

When I first started this project, it was just a hobby and a humble dream. I had no idea if it had the legs for success, which is always part of the risk. The more I got into the project, I quickly realized the amount of effort each and every small step required for it to grow. Since I've been running this Hookin' Good by myself, it got a bit challenging to maintain consistency.

My other challenge was balancing work, personal life, treatment, and this project altogether. I made a conscious effort to dedicate just the right amount of time for each. For example, I would go to work an hour earlier to ensure that I didn't stay late. While at work, I didn't waste a second of my time. When I got back home, I didn't touch my phone until my son went to bed. Then, I would spend one hour replying to messages, and then enjoyed some quality time with my husband at the end of the long day.

I would only go out with friends and family when I felt up to it. I didn't force myself to an outing when my body was telling me to rest. I looked forward to my down time, which was when I would watch TV and curl up with my craft to keep my hands busy. Since my medications kept me alert at night, I passed the time crocheting until I fell asleep. One thing I was always realistic about was not over-extending myself and committing to anything that I knew I couldn't achieve.

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?

Gradually, I started accepting help from family and friends who recommended suppliers, shared ideas, etc. My mother and sister are now helping me with some of my crochet pieces and designs, and I can't thank them enough for their endless support.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

The fact that I'm following my passion and making a difference in someone's life, even if it's in a small way. My ultimate goal is for someone to be able to say, "Lina's project supported me when I needed help." I feel that this is my true legacy. At the moment, it might seem insignificant, but for me, it gives me pure joy.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER ENTREPRENEURS?

Never give up. People will let you down (whether intentionally or not). But if what you do makes sense to you and brings happiness to your life, then just do it. Naturally, there is a chance you succeed and a chance you fail, but you won't know unless you try shamelessly and move on to achieve your next milestone.

HOW DO YOU KEEP MOTIVATED THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES?

I remind myself of those who are less fortunate and am forever grateful. I don't count my problems, I count my blessings.

DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?

I don't have a business model that I'm following. I have a dream. It might seem inconsequential or a waste of time for others. But for me, it's a source of happiness and passion.

QUICK FIRE ROUND! The most courageous thing I've ever done is...
If I could go back in time to when I was 20 I would tell myself...
If you cannot be positive, then at least be quiet Connect with Lina and Hookin' Good: Images courtesy of Lina El-Sharif Be careful what you wish for Deciding not to cover my bald head and walk with my chin up