Born in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, Ali was always an artistic child encouraged by his supportive parents. From a young age, he explored various art forms, painting, sketching, experimenting, but never felt fully anchored in one practice until he discovered fashion at age 13. With his mother’s encouragement, he began sketching designs, developing his illustration skills, and dreaming of becoming a fashion designer. After high school, he enrolled in interior design at the Lebanese University, as fashion school was financially out of reach. During the recent conflict in southern Lebanon, Ali’s family was displaced. Amid the upheaval, he saw an ad for Creative Space Beirut and decided to apply, a decision that, in his words, “brought me back to myself.” Choosing between a stable job and following his passion wasn’t easy, but Ali’s family supported his dream. Today, he says joining CSB helped him “fall in love with Beirut again,” finding in it a community that values purpose, empathy, and artistic integrity.