Today we’d like to introduce you to Munira Suterwala.
Hi Munira, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always been drawn to creating things with my hands – whether it was crafting, designing, or experimenting with new materials. What started as a small personal hobby slowly grew into something much bigger when friends and family began asking for custom pieces. They weren’t just looking for products; they wanted meaningful, personalized items that carried emotion, memory, and intention.
My first laser machine opened a new world for me. I fell in love with the precision, the artistry, and the endless possibilities of engraving. I began experimenting with wood, acrylic, leather, and specialty materials, learning through trial, error, and a lot of late nights. Every project taught me something new – not just about the craft, but about the kind of business I wanted to build.
Over time, what started at my kitchen table evolved into Sweet 9teen Creations, a brand rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Today, I create everything from custom gifts and home décor to personalized event pieces and intricate laser-cut designs. My work blends modern technology with a handmade touch, and I take pride in making items that feel personal, thoughtful, and one-of-a-kind.
The journey hasn’t been linear – it’s been full of learning curves, upgrades, and growth – but every step has shaped the business into what it is today. I’m grateful for the support, the customers who trust me with their ideas, and the chance to turn creativity into something that brings joy to others.
One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been sharing it with my family. Sweet 9teen Creations isn’t something I built alone – it’s something we’ve grown together. My husband has been my steady support from the very beginning, encouraging me through every learning curve, helping me problem‑solve, and believing in my vision even on the days I doubted myself. My kids have become my biggest cheerleaders, celebrating every new idea and helping wherever they can — from testing designs to setting up at events. They’ve seen the late nights, the experiments, the messes, and the magic. Their excitement fuels mine, and their pride gives this work a deeper purpose. And behind the scenes, my sister is always there in every possible way — helping, supporting, and stepping in wherever I need her. Having my family by my side reminds me why I started creating in the first place, and I’m grateful that this business is something we get to experience and grow together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth, and in many ways the challenges have shaped my business just as much as the successes. Laser engraving is a craft that requires precision, patience, and constant learning – and in the beginning, I faced every possible hurdle. I had to teach myself how to use the machine, troubleshoot technical issues, understand materials, and learn the difference between a good cut and a perfect one. There were days when projects failed, materials warped, or designs didn’t come out the way I imagined.
Beyond the technical side, running a small business brought its own set of struggles. Balancing orders, sourcing quality materials, managing time, and building a customer base from scratch all took persistence. There were moments of doubt, especially when things moved slowly or when I felt overwhelmed trying to wear every hat – designer, marketer, customer service, production, and shipping.
But each challenge pushed me to grow. Every mistake taught me something valuable, every setback made me more resilient, and every problem I solved strengthened my confidence. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Those struggles are part of what makes Sweet 9teen Creations what it is today – a business built with determination, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Sweet 9teen Creations is really just the place where all my creative passions come together. Yes, I do laser engraving and laser cutting – that’s a huge part of my work – but I’m also deeply involved in resin art, sublimation, and vinyl design. I love working with different materials and techniques, and over time I’ve learned how to blend them in ways that make my pieces stand out.
A lot of laser engravers stick to one medium, but I’ve never been able to limit myself like that. If I see a way to elevate a piece with resin, I’ll do it. If sublimation can bring in color or detail, I’ll add it. If vinyl gives the design that final crisp touch, I’m using it. My ability to combine all these art forms gives me a creative edge – it lets me make pieces that feel fuller, richer, and more unique than a single-medium project.
I work with wood, acrylic, leather, and specialty materials, and I love creating items that feel personal – gifts, décor, event pieces, keepsakes. I’m proud of the detail I put into every project. I don’t just “make” things; I design them, refine them, and make sure they look exactly how they should before they go out the door.
What sets Sweet 9teen Creations apart is that every piece has intention behind it. I’m not mass‑producing anything. I’m creating meaningful, custom work using a mix of techniques that most people don’t combine. It’s that blend – laser precision, resin artistry, sublimation color, vinyl customization – that gives my work its signature look.
Sweet 9teen Creations is where all my creativity meets, and I think people can feel that in the final product.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is creating. There’s something about taking a blank material and turning it into something meaningful that just fills me with joy. Whether I’m engraving, pouring resin, designing vinyl, or trying out a new idea, I feel completely myself when I’m making things with my hands.
I love the whole process – the designing, the experimenting, the little adjustments that make a piece just right. And when a project finally comes together exactly how I imagined, it’s the best feeling. But the part that really makes my heart full is seeing how my work touches other people. When someone receives a custom piece and it means something to them, it reminds me why I do this.
Another thing that makes me incredibly happy is that my business allows me to involve my kids in such a hands‑on way. They help me brainstorm ideas, design pieces, and even assist with creating certain parts. They come with me to craft fairs, help set up, talk to customers, and get to see what it looks like to build something from the ground up. It’s special to share this creative world with them – they’re learning, exploring, and growing right alongside me.
Sweet 9teen Creations makes me happy because it’s creativity, connection, and family all woven together. It’s not just a business – it’s something we build together, and that’s what makes it meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: sweet9teencreations
