When I was handed the invitation to the opening of a new lighting store, I was became amused and curious. It was a small box with quotes printed on all sides. One read: "Someday perhaps the inner light will shine forth from us and then we'll need no other light. I couldn't stop reading the quotes and opened the box eagerly. Inside was a light bulb and a card that read, "You're invited to the opening of Enlighten: A specialized showroom for unique decorative lighting fixtures and effects. The creative invitation was enough to intrigue me. When interior designer Noha Mohsen came back from New York after finishing her MBA, she wanted to do something related to design. But she didn't want to be the typical interior designer, decorating and furnishing homes. After studying the Egyptian market, she discovered there was a lack of specialized lighting stores. "I wanted to create a lighting destination in Egypt where you can find anything you are looking for, whether it's classical or modern, within a wide range of prices, said Mohsen. At the showroom you do find a full spectrum of lighting fixtures, for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Mohsen explains that lighting goes beyond decorative lighting, which includes chandeliers, lamps and appliqués, the most demanded lighting products in the local market. "There is architectural and technical lighting, which have to be done before decorative lighting, explains Mohsen. Enlighten designs the lighting effects that would best enhance the features of your home. They also deliver and offer technical support and installation assistance. Mohsen imports all of the major retail brands from Europe. "We are getting most of the products right now from Italy, but we'll also be getting from Spain and France, she said. To cater to customers' specific needs, Enlighten can order any lighting fixtures from Europe that are not available in the store. The crowd at the opening admired the variety of products, most of which were not available in Egypt before. "I like how there is something for every part of the house. For example, there are metal balls with light inside that you can place on the dinner table, said Amina Sadek, "They have very creative products that will jazz up any space, she added. Mohsen is optimistic that Enlighten has found a niche in the market. "Twelve years ago, there weren t any furniture destinations in Egypt; but now look at the market. There are many places that are well known and people go there all the time, said Mohsen. EnlightenFirst Floor, 41 Geziret El Arab St., Corner of Wadi El Nil St., Mohandiseen, CairoTel: 3302 2634Open daily 11 am-10 pm, except Sundayswww.enlighten-eg.com
