It was 2018, and I had just been laid off from my corporate role. I found myself at a crossroads; a pause that forced me to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the people and work that once gave my life purpose. During this time, I reconnected with my friend Rama Chakaki, and as we shared stories of our nonprofit and social impact work, I rediscovered my passion for meaningful change. From these conversations, an idea took shape: to honor Syrian craftsmanship, preserve our culture in a new way, and share its beauty with the world.

As Syrian-Americans who longed for the homeland we couldn’t visit due to the war, we were nostalgic for the textures and scents of our heritage: Aleppo soap, Aghabani embroidery, and handwoven cotton towels. I had been especially drawn to Aleppo soap, its scent reminded me of Aleppo itself, and of fresh, clean sheets at my nana’s home. Beyond nostalgia, I hadn’t found a single bar of natural soap that both smelled good and soothed my sensitive skin. So began a research journey; sampling and testing soap makers across Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon. Yet nothing compared to the true, original Aleppo soap from its namesake city, my hometown of Aleppo.

The Last Weaver of Hama: From Syria to California. A Mint +Laurel Documentary Film (2021)

I still remember our very first shipment arriving from Syria to Los Angeles. The “unveiling” of these handmade products, which had traveled so far, from Damascus to Beirut to Paris to Los Angeles, was deeply moving. Carefully unwrapping each piece, we were struck by the weight of history and craft in our hands. A touch of home had traveled across continents, and it brought tears to my eyes. That “unveiling” moment also shaped how I wanted our customers to feel. Curating the unboxing of these beautiful products, each one having traveled so far and during a time of conflict, gave people a sense of value, significance, and connection to the culture we loved.

What began as a simple idea, soon grew into a marketplace, a place to celebrate and share beautiful Syrian crafts, so others could experience and own a piece of them as well.

Seven years later, Mint + Laurel has become so much more than a business. It has been a bridge, connecting artisans to new markets, and connecting hearts to handmade pieces that carry centuries of skill, beauty, and tradition.

Now, the sun is setting on my time with Mint + Laurel. It’s also a historic moment to witness Syria bloom in freedom and hope; last week marked the first time a Syrian president has addressed the UN General Assembly since 1967.

Together we’ve achieved so much, none of it easy. We navigated sanctions, a pandemic, and the countless details of building an e-commerce business from scratch (sometimes even printing labels from my own home printer!). Through it all, your belief in us, your purchases, your stories, and your encouragement gave this project life. While milestones like this could be celebrated with glossy fanfare, for me it feels more like a quiet, hard-won smile, gratitude for the journey itself, and for every person who has walked it alongside us. I’m moving on to new adventures, but Mint + Laurel continues in incredible hands. Nawara Chakaki will be stepping into the role of partner, ensuring that our artisans and their stories remain at the heart of the business.

Thank you for being part of this community, for honoring our artisans, and for keeping these traditions alive. It has been an honor to share this journey with you, and the memory of it will stay with me forever. Shukran.

With love and gratitude,
Kinda Hibrawi
Co- Founder, Mint + Laurel

7 Years with Mint + Laurel