We recently had the chance to connect with Laila Khater and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Laila, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and burnout are among the most common struggles people are facing these days, yet they’re often the least spoken about. A lot of people feel the pressure to appear strong, so they mask these struggles behind busy schedules, smiles, or even polished social media posts. The widespread of these challenges, reminds us to approach others with empathy, because we really don’t know the full weight someone else is carrying.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Laila Khater, and my journey has been one of growth, discovery, and passion for both education and creativity. I moved from Amman, Jordan, to Austin, Texas, in the summer of 2004—a move that was both exciting and challenging, as I was stepping into a new city where I hardly knew anyone.
Over time, I began to find my place by following a path that has always inspired me: education. I started out as a part-time teacher at a private school in Austin, and through dedication and persistence, I went on to become a Texas-certified teacher. Each year I spent in the classroom deepened my commitment to shaping young minds and strengthening my belief in the power of learning.
Currently, I am furthering that mission by pursuing my master’s degree in Educational Leadership along with a Texas Principalship Certificate. This next step represents not only my professional growth but also my commitment to serving students, teachers, and school communities on a broader level.
Yet, no matter how busy life became, I always made space for art and creativity—a passion that has been a constant thread in my life and in the family I came from. This love for art only grew stronger as I shared it with my daughters, who are just as artistic and imaginative as I am. Together, we began experimenting with different creative projects, and from that joy and inspiration, “C is for Crafting” became official. What began as small, heartfelt projects at home evolved into a small business driven by love and creativity.
“C is for Crafting” is more than just a small business—it is a reflection of my journey as an educator, a mother, and an artist. It represents the blending of professional dedication with personal passion, and the belief that creativity has the power to bring people together, and create lasting memories.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that shaped the way I see the world was the day I became a mother. It was more than just a life event, it was a complete transformation of perspective, priorities, and purpose. In that single moment, the world around me seemed to shift. I was no longer just living for myself; I was entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing, guiding, and protecting another human being.
Motherhood opened my eyes to the depth of unconditional love, and it also sharpened my sense of empathy and resilience. I began to see people through a different lens, recognizing the struggles and sacrifices that so many make for their loved ones. It taught me patience in a way nothing else could, and it instilled in me a stronger sense of gratitude for even the smallest of blessings.
This experience has influenced every aspect of my life—both personally and professionally. As an educator and leader, I approach students, families, and colleagues with a deeper level of compassion and understanding. I’ve learned to value balance, to listen more carefully, and to appreciate the diversity of experiences and challenges people carry with them.
Becoming a mother shaped not only how I see the world, but also how I choose to engage with it. It gave me a clearer vision of what truly matters: the legacy we leave behind through the lives we touch.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
Something I truly miss, and that not many people know about, is life before technology became the center of almost everything around us. While I am someone who enjoys technology and is constantly eager to learn more about it, I often find myself nostalgic for a time when the pace of life felt a little slower, and human connection wasn’t filtered through screens or notifications.
I miss the simplicity of conversations that were uninterrupted by buzzing phones, or the joy of spending hours with each other without feeling the pull of digital distractions. Those moments carried a different kind of richness, built on presence, and genuine face-to-face connection.
At the same time, I don’t view technology as a fully negative force. In fact, I recognize its incredible ability to transform education, communication, and creativity. What I miss, however, is the balance we once had—the quiet spaces that allowed for reflection, imagination, and deeper connections without constant interruption.
This longing influences how I approach life today. I try to carry forward the lessons from that pre-digital era: to be more intentional, to create space for genuine relationships, and to use technology as a tool rather than letting it dictate every moment of my time. I see it as a reminder that while progress is essential, preserving the human side of our experiences is equally important.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is truthfulness. It is a value I grew up with, and it has remained at the core of who I am, guiding the way I approach both personal and professional life.
There have been times when speaking the truth was not the easiest choice, I mean telling the truth can sometimes be uncomfortable, and it can even lead to challenges or conflicts. Yet, I have learned that honesty, even when difficult, always leads to deeper respect and stronger connections in the long run. It clears away confusion, prevents mistrust, and allows people to engage with one another in a genuine way.
What excites me most about this value is that it transcends culture, profession, and circumstance. Whether at home, in the classroom, or in leadership roles, truthfulness serves as a compass. It reminds me that integrity may not always be the easiest path, but it is always the most enduring one. Protecting this value ensures that I live a life consistent with my beliefs, while also passing on the importance of honesty to the next generation.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I am the kind of person who gives my best effort in everything I do, regardless of whether it is recognized or rewarded. For me, excellence is not driven by external validation, it is a reflection of my personal values and my commitment. It is a principle I carry into every aspect of my life, from my professional work to my personal pursuits and creative endeavors.
Striving for excellence without expectation of praise has taught me the importance of discipline, patience, and self-motivation. It encourages me to focus on the quality of the work itself rather than on external rewards, and it fosters a mindset of continuous growth and improvement. In my opinion, the satisfaction of knowing I have done my best is far more rewarding than any external recognition could ever be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://etsy.com/shop/CisforCrafting
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cisforcrafting?igsh=MWd6c3VkeWpnc2x3aA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lkhater?trk=contact-info
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16K9gDfqBZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: cisforcrafting21@gmail.com
