From Architecture to Piercing: A Young Woman Builds an Unconventional Start-Up

Alexandria —What began as a personal passion for jewelry has developed into an unconventional start-up for Yasmina Hany, a young entrepreneur who chose to combine creativity with entrepreneurship through her piercing business, Pourelle.

Yasmina, who is currently studying architecture, started Pourelle as a start-up project during her second year at university. She explained that her decision was rooted in a long-standing interest in jewelry and design. “I’ve always loved jewelry and how different pieces can be combined to suit each person,” she said, adding that piercing felt like a natural extension of that passion.The business focuses on providing personalized and carefully designed piercing services, a field that requires more than technical ability. According to Yasmina, running a piercing business depends heavily on having a strong sense of aesthetics, attention to detail, and concentration. She also emphasized the importance of professionalism and safety, noting that certification is essential before practicing in this field.

Despite working in a creative industry outside her academic major, Yasmina did not completely leave architecture behind. She continues to work as an architect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while managing Pourelle alongside her studies. She believes that her background in architecture helped her apply design principles and precision to her piercing work, allowing her to approach it with a structured and professional mindset.

Reflecting on her experience as a start-up founder, Yasmina said the most important lesson she learned was becoming independent and learning how to manage different responsibilities at the same time. Balancing her studies, career, and business required adaptability and self-reliance.

When asked what advice she would give to others interested in starting an unconventional start-up, Yasmina encouraged young entrepreneurs not to be intimidated by the scale of their ideas. “Start small, then go big,” she said. “Some people think you have to begin with something huge, but when you focus on a small idea and grow it step by step, you can reach your goals.”

Yasmina’s journey reflects a growing trend among young entrepreneurs who are choosing start-ups as a way to turn personal interests into viable businesses, redefining traditional career paths along the way.