Saeeda Etebari

Etebari was born in a Pakistani refugee camp.[2][3] She was the third of nine children[3][2]. When she was only one years old, she developed meningitis.[1][2][3] Meningitis is a disease that, for Etebari, resulted in hearing loss and not being able to speak. [1][2][3] Etebari couldn’t go to school, so her dad founded a deaf school for her to learn.[1][2]  Etebari speaks sign language.[3] Etebari signs about the struggle of accepting that she was deaf and mute, but now she thinks of it somewhat as a blessing.[3]

After graduating, Etebari’s brother suggested she apply to Turquoise Mountain Institute.[2] At Turquoise Mountain, she studied handmade jewelry design.[1][2][3] Etebari’s talents were noticed there, as she excelled in her work.[3] Etebari considers being deaf a blessing for her, for when she goes to work on jewelry, the loud noises of tools don’t affect her concentration.[3]

Etebari was chosen with Abdul Matin Malekzadah and Sughra Hussainy, to have an exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum. [2] Etebari’s work ​​is inspired by the culture of where she grew up in Afghanistan.[4] One of Etebari’s more famous pieces is an emerald and gold necklace that she designed with British jeweler Pippa Small.[2] This piece was displayed at the Smithsonian.[2]