Nomi, the founder of Blumi, takes us through the journey of her African-inspired boutique in the vibrant Goshi Warehouse Village in Al Quoz 3, Dubai. What began as a space to showcase African craftsmanship has evolved into a dynamic hub for décor, culture, and community.
Art in the Middle: What’s the story behind the name?
Nomi: The name doesn’t hold a deep meaning—it’s actually my nickname. It was originally spelled with two O’s, and when I was younger, I grew so fast that my friends said I was “blooming.” It became a fun, personal nickname, and when I started creating and selling pieces, it felt like the perfect fit.
Art in the Middle: Tell us about Blumi Home and what inspired you to open the boutique.
Nomi: Initially, I envisioned it as a fashion boutique. But when I found the space, it felt expansive, and I thought—what else can I do here? I didn’t want to limit it to fashion alone, so I expanded into home décor. My own home has always been filled with African-inspired pieces, so it felt natural to bring that influence into Blumi Home. Eventually, I also introduced a café, which completed the atmosphere I wanted to create.
Art in the Middle: Why did you choose Al Quoz as the location for Blumi Home?
Nomi: Al Quoz has always been a creative hub—I love its independent cafés and the artistic energy here. When I was searching for a space, I found this warehouse, and the moment I stepped inside, I knew it was the right place. The industrial aesthetic felt like the perfect canvas for what I wanted to build. It’s also a relaxed and inspiring environment, ideal for spending time, having coffee, and discovering creativity.
Art in the Middle: How did you curate the themes within Blumi Home?
Nomi: The curation is deeply rooted in African influences. I started with pieces I had made myself or ones inspired by my home. Over time, I sourced items from different African countries to create a space that felt like a cultural hub, showcasing diverse artistic expressions. The fashion pieces use fabrics sourced from Nigeria, while the home décor is handcrafted locally. My goal is to share the stories of African artisans and bring their work to Dubai.
Art in the Middle: Can you tell us more about how you source your products?
Nomi: The fabrics for fashion come from Nigeria, and I produce the clothing here in Dubai. As for the décor and art, most of it is directly sourced from Africa. I prefer to keep production within the continent to maintain authenticity and support local artisans. It’s important to me that their craft and heritage are preserved through our collections.
Art in the Middle: That connection is inspiring. Let’s talk about your background—how did your personal journey lead you into home décor?
Nomi: I’ve always been creative, but I grew up in an environment where artistic careers weren’t encouraged. In my small village in Africa, there were limited opportunities in creative industries, so my parents urged me toward stable professions like accounting or medicine. But I always had a passion for design and making things. After spending time in the UK, I returned to Dubai and felt compelled to start something of my own. That’s how Blumi Home was born. The more I created, the more I realised this was where I truly belonged.
Art in the Middle: It’s inspiring to see you embrace your passion. What does your family think about Blumi Home and everything you’ve achieved?
Nomi: My mother loves it. She has visited the space and really enjoyed it—she’s been incredibly supportive.
Art in the Middle: Having family support is invaluable. What were some of the biggest challenges in launching Blumi Home*?
Nomi: The most difficult part was setting up the business in Dubai. I had no experience with the administrative side—business regulations, sourcing materials, or managing logistics. Importing from Africa was especially tricky at first, and navigating the legal and compliance aspects was a challenge, as there wasn’t much accessible information for new business owners. The setup process took nearly a year, and we only opened a week ago. It was a long journey, but we kept pushing forward.
Art in the Middle: What is your favourite item in the store, and what’s the story behind it?
Nomi: That’s a tough one! But if I had to choose, it would be the traditional dolls from South Africa. They’re intricately crafted with beads and shells, and I find them absolutely beautiful. I discovered them last year while visiting South Africa and met the artisan who creates them. He explained that these dolls are traditionally given to young couples as a symbol of fertility and new beginnings. That story really resonated with me, and I’m grateful to share these meaningful pieces at Blumi Home.
Art in the Middle: Finally, when you have a day off in Dubai, where do you go?
Nomi: Honestly, I haven’t had a proper day off in a while! But if I did, I’d spend it exploring creative spaces. I love visiting the art galleries at Alserkal Avenue, wandering through exhibitions, and ending the day at a quiet café with a really good coffee. That would be my perfect Saturday.
Sounds perfect to us!
Thank you for chatting with us, Nomi.
Discover Blumi: blumi_home
