hello
I'm Maryam, the founder and creative director behind HARMA. Here's a story about why we are making it a mission to make the world a brighter place through captivating jewelry for bold women and little princesses, just like you and yours.
The name HARMA is inspired by my children's names and is also the name of a butterfly. HARMA has always symbolized a fierce butterfly soaring into the sky without any limits, and this is the essence behind the brand and all our designs. Even though HARMA was started in 2018, it was a dream that started when I was 7 years old and watching my grandfather, my father and his brothers growing their jewelry business.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Our story really began in 1952, when our grandfather Haji Sharif Ahmad, set up his first workshop in Pakistan. Today, that legacy continues in the very same place, complemented by a boutique in the heart of London.
Here you see my grandfather with two of his sons in the shop in 1977.
WHERE DREAMS WERE BORN
As a little girl, I marvelled at my parents. My father's passion, knowledge and hard work. And my mother's keen eye for creativity and design.
Here's my father in his shop and workshop, crafting jewelry from pure gold, silver and precious stones. Each generation refines upon the skills they have learnt and passes them down with pride.
THE VERY FIRST DESIGNS
This is 7-year-old me, sat at the desk of my uncle – a successful entrepreneur – in Sharjah, UAE, already dreaming up my own jewelry designs.
HARMA EMERGES
Just like the metamorphosis a butterfly goes through before breaking free of its cocoon and flying free, HARMA finally emerged at 3am on Jan 9, 2018.
Here are photos of one of my earliest pieces inspired by Palestine, with proceeds going to charity, and which was sold out.
INSPIRATION
My parents have always been my unwavering source of inspiration. Despite humble beginnings, they deeply understood the value of community and uplifting others. Their journey of giving back started early, with my father assisting my grandfather at their modest gold shop after school, determined to support his family.
During those formative years, my father made a solemn promise to himself: that as he grew older, he would dedicate his life to helping those in need. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have witnessed my parents not only make that promise but live it out every day.
As a child, I observed their boundless generosity as they helped numerous families, providing funds for education, food, shelter, and clothing to those less fortunate. Their commitment to bettering the lives of others left a deep impression in my heart.
As I grew older, my mother encouraged me to follow in their footsteps. Taking that initiative, I began tutoring less privileged girls in our neighborhood, offering them a chance at education, often becoming the first in their families to attend school.
Today, my parents continue their lifelong mission of giving. They are the financial backbone for numerous families, ensuring their every need is met. They've even taken on the responsibility of a young girl whose mother fell victim to domestic violence.
This is just a glimpse into their extraordinary lives. Countless acts of kindness remain unspoken, yet they inspire me every day to give back and infuse a sense of community into everything I do.
I know you have a deep desire to make this world a brighter place in your own authentic way too. And I want HARMA to go beyond being an accessory, to reminding you of your strength, resilience, beauty, and the hope you have the power to bring. Sparkle brighter.
A FORCE FOR GOOD
Thanks to you, HARMA has been giving back to these charities since 2018.
UNICEF
PALESTINIAN CHILREN RELIEF FUND
DROPLETS OF MERCY