Online store in collaboration with Intrepid Travel

 

BERBER RUGS - Meet Aziz Mejbar, Dar Mejbar

I am Aziz. I was born and raised in Fez, but moved to Marrakech 35 years ago. Most of my life was spent in the medina of Marrakech where I occupied different positions  such as an assistant in artisanal shops, shop manager and many more.

But I’ve always wanted to have something that I can call my own and give back to the community by employing  people in need of employment with the right skillset.

My dream came true six years ago and I started a my own rug store that I named Dar Mjber.

Our rugs are sourced from different tribes from all over Morocco. All are handmade by the ladies of these tribes which makes each rug unique.

Our main job is to display these unique pieces, so visitors can get access to them, appreciate their beauty and maybe take some of them home which will help the ladies who made them in first place and us as shop that has 20 people working in it.

 

 

 

SPICES + WELLNESS - Meet Abdeljalil Raqas, Koutoubia Herbal

My name is Abdeljalil, born and raised in the old town of Marrakech famously known as the Medina. I lost my father at a very early age, so I had to start working to be able to provide for myself and my family. I learned traditional Moroccan sewing in parallel with school and managed to continue my studies which I am proud of. Fast forward to 1997 and with a bachelor’s degree in law, I joined the police academy where I graduated as detective in the city that I know like the back of my hand.

In 2009 I took a two year sabbatical and I decided to go back to my roots, deep in the medina, where I started a small business that facilitates access to Morocco’s most treasured products (Argan oil, spices, and herbs) for visitors from all over the world.

Once the sabbatical period was over, I decided to quit and went back to the medina to look after my business that had a special place in my heart. I wanted to give back to this place and its people.

Covid-19 was a huge turning point in my life and in the lives of my staff. For the very first time, I couldn’t keep supporting my employees as I wanted to. The uncertainty and lack of visibility is making it difficult for me to plan forward, I know families are relying on me and the load of responsibilities weighs heavily on my shoulders.

It also made me reflect on a lot of things in life either on a personal or professional level during the past few months where I had the time to rest and think a little bit outside of the box. I realized that I can’t rely on the physical presence of visitors only.

When Intrepid contacted me about the Local Purse project, I was grateful to be chosen for this project, and I am ready and willing to invest in order to provide the best possible shopping experience to our customers.

 

 

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is empty
      Calculate Shipping
      Apply Coupon