From Passion to Fashion Mag: How did Murtz Khattak Find Success?
I had an eye-opening chat with Murtz Khattak who founded Sondor Jewellery only 9 months ago, and has already been featured in GQ magazine, with a bright future ahead.
What’s helped him unlock his hard-working ability? How did he transition from a 9-5 to building his own brand? Let’s dig into all the juicy stuff.
Q: Hey Murtz! What inspired you to start your own jewellery brand?
“I never guessed that I was going to be a jeweller.
I was working as a recruiter full-time, so when COVID happened I got furloughed. With extra time and money on my hands, I found myself buying loads of jewellery. I was after a specific ring, but I couldn't find it anywhere, so I ended up researching where to buy the materials for it - and started making it myself!
Even though the ring I made fell apart after a couple of days, I’d never felt so excited to create anything before in my life.
I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.”
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced going from a 9-5 to your own business?
“My biggest issue was fear. The fear of making the jump.
It was pretty static at the beginning, I was working full-time and practicing making jewellery whenever I could. I remember walking around Spitalfields Market and feeling nervous to tell people that I’m a jeweller, because I wasn’t confident in the pieces I'd made.
Then I came across the word ‘sonder’. It’s the idea that everyone around you is living a life just as vivid as yours; they’re too wrapped up in their own life to judge what you do.
That was the catalyst for starting my brand. I was no longer afraid to start an instagram, to put myself out there, because nobody is watching me – or cares if I fail!
I realised there was no pressure at all, my fire was lit overnight. I told myself I’m just going to go as hard as possible. It’s crazy what that can do for you.”
Q: Is there anything you’re especially proud of? Getting into GQ magazine must feel awesome.
A burst of cheerful laughter erupts from Murtz.
“Yeah that was wild. They contacted me. Just seeing Condé Nast (GQ Publication company) in my inbox was so flattering.
But what I'm most proud of is that I don't compromise my art for anyone. I just make what I think is cool and the fact that it resonates with people is crazy to me. I am my brand. The more I flesh out the brand, the more I learn about myself – and the more people love it.
I’ve never felt so accepted and loved.”
Q: Have you ever felt imposter syndrome with your achievements?
“Honestly, I work so hard that every achievement feels right.
This is all new though. I didn’t even know I could be a ‘hard-worker’ until I started working for myself. It doesn’t feel like work because I’m filling my day with stuff I want to be doing!”
Q: What advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs?
“First, figure out why you want to start your business. If you just want to make money, there’s easier ways.
I started because I found something I love to do: make jewellery. Regardless of how much money I make, I’ll still be doing it. Knowing that you’re doing it for you, makes even the hardest days easy.
Also, you only need yourself. I didn’t even have a laptop, just my phone when I started. If you really want to make it happen, you’ll find a way.”
Chatting to Murtz was a whirlwind of inspiration and awe. He is proof that success follows passion, tenacity and joy.
If you’re having trouble building your business, or even looking for a business to start – take a look at the things you enjoy doing most. And go at them with full force. You never know what might happen next!
By Indiana Williams
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