Welcome back to the NQD blog!
I am pleased to introduce myself to you all today. Most of you amazing authors, who we talk to on a daily basis, may know me as “Naj’s Sister.” Yep, that’s me! No shame in that.
To get to the details, my full name is “Nada (insert Dad’s and Grandad’s name here) Qamber,” and I was born on the magical numbers 4/4/1994.
We came as a package
From birth, our mom would almost always bring Naj and me out together as a pair. It happened so much that people started to think that we were fraternal twins. I was the copycat so I would always want the same dresses, and the same toys that Naj had, so when Naj got into books and art, it wasn’t a surprise I did too. And that was just the beginning.
As we grew older, we came as a package. When a friend would invite me out during the weekend, Naj would always be there next to me, and when Naj would go on her dates with her now-husband “Kal,” I was there, third-wheeling/chaperoning — which was quite an experience. So we came as a package, and still do sometimes, but instead of it being just us two, it’s been Naj and me, plus Kal, until I marry my knight in shining armor.
My lowest and my way back to the top
When Naj and I graduated from university in 2012, I tried to go out into the world and find the right place to build my career. I was aiming towards the publication industry in Bahrain and applied to the majority of the magazines, but alas, no one wanted a freshly graduated business major. It was tough to get into.
After a couple of weeks of job hunting, a friend mine called me up, and asked if I would like to work as a part-time secretary for one of the biggest auto companies in Bahrain, “Sure, why not!” The next thing I knew, I was having an anxiety attack in the middle of my first day and my eldest sister, Naz, had to come to pick me up and bring me home. It was one of the lowest moments for me. It was embarrassing for me, and the friend who recommended me. I remember feeling so ashamed of myself. But with the comfort of my family, I took what happened as a sign from my body, and the Universe, that I am not meant for that position.
A few weeks after that eye-opening event, I began to take it slow with working a little bit for my Dad at his company, and I did a little bit of invoicing for Naj at Najla Qamber Designs. As the months passed, I graduated from invoicing to design work and began working part-time at Najla Qamber Designs. A year and many covers later, Naj offered me a full-time position at NQD, as the business was growing, and because you all love her work. At first, I was hesitant to take it because of commitment issues (it’s a millennial thing), but I thought to myself “Just do it! What are you going to lose?” and I did. And there were no anxiety attacks in sight!
I make your insides flutter
I still aspired to be an editor, design magazine templates, to write thoughtful articles, and just create. So early in 2016, we introduced Interior Formatting into NQD’s list of designs, which I was so excited for. We tested out a few books before making our big announcement that year, and when we did, I was struck. When Naj told me that you guys wanted to start booking, I just froze. I didn’t know what was happening and if this was the right thing to do.
I was legit struck.
That, my friends, is the kind of self-doubt that you must never listen to. It took a while to shake off, but when I finally did I told myself, “This is going to be good! It’s going to be amazing!” And so began my Interior Formatting endeavors.
With that on track, I’ve learned so much, and met so many beautiful authors, with fantastic work on their hands. I’m always honored to be able to help them lay out their stories for readers, one page at a time.
Sooner or later, that actually became my slogan, whenever I pick up a manuscript that’s ready for formatting.
Bring a layout that will carry your stories and enlighten your readers further.
I still have my dream of being an editor of a magazine one day, and that dream is coming so soon with the help of being a partner at Qamber Designs and Media.
And that’s it about me! I hope you all enjoyed this storytime from us.
NADA QAMBER
Partner & Editorial Designer
Nada is quick, responsive and a super fast learner! She's a firm believer in taking one day at a time with a huge smile and a positive attitude. She regularly blogs fashion & beauty at Nada Más Que Amor.