How Kinzzi Is Working To Support Communities Abroad and Local Talent Alike
The Dubai-based shopping platform counts art, style, and social impact as its core values while supporting emerging talent from all over the world…
If you like your fashion, beauty, wellness, homeware and art easily accessible in one place, but insist it comes with ethical practices and unique and exclusive drops, Kinzzi might be just the place for you. The brainchild of two long-time friends based in Dubai, Kinzzi, which means ‘treasure’ in Arabic, is a shopping platform offering sought-after product sourced from around the globe – looking to support overseas communities and local talent alike.
Friends of over 20 years, Rasha Abdelhadi and Dana Jaber are founders of the new digital marketplace
“All the products and sellers on our site have been carefully and artfully selected,” explains Co-Founder Dana Jaber, who launched the brand last year after a long career in marketing. “It’s no small feat to sift through and find sellers and products that resonate with us, and it takes a lot of careful consideration in bringing the right mix to our consumers,” she continues.
Maxi dress, Dhs590, Cocora Boutique available at Kinzzi
The duo’s focus is about combining beautiful items that aren’t easily available while helping the creative community. “We want to encourage collaborations – we want to bring people and artists together,” says Dana who started Kinzzi with friend of 20 years, Rasha Abdelhadi – who brings a creative industry background to the mix. “When you shop at Kinzzi, you’re shopping directly from independent designers and sellers. You will find limited-edition pieces crafted by independent brands, emerging talent and small businesses,” Dana explains. “The vision for Kinzzi was to create a hub and a one-stop shop for all the amazing talent out there, and make these products available to everyone. It’s our way of empowering these brands and showcasing their talent to bring them the recognition they deserve.”
Dana mentions a few of her favourite brands: “I’m in love with everything on the site but a few current favourites are Meera Toukan, The Art Trove, The Lumière Co, Home & Soul, Cocora and Purple Wolf, and I’ve recently shopped from Prickly Pear, Stagers+ and Desert Totes myself.”
Bag, Dhs880, S’umivol at Kinzzi
The two women came up with the concept while on holiday in Sri Lanka with a plan to launch in 2020. “We had just received our business licence, then lockdown happened, but it actually served us well in the sense that we were able to focus on everything that needed to be done – without any of our daily life distractions,” remembers Dana. “Since most things could be done remotely, we were able to launch our site in the summer. Kinzzi also provided a space to help support small businesses who were really struggling to survive in the height of the pandemic.”
Candle, Dhs45, Urban Artisan at Kinzzi
And community is something that is at the heart of Kinzzi, alongside the shopping pages is a community blog – offering advice and opinion from experts, and a social impact page which “aims to share stories of artisans from various backgrounds including those experiencing social, political or personal challenges”.
These stylish women have created exactly what they wanted in a shopping experience – and it seems that Kinzzi might be exactly what we want, too.
Giving Back
Social impact is important to Kinzzi, and the brand dedicates a page on the website to highlight the stories of projects that are supporting their communities. Co-Founder Rasha Abdelhadi talks us through her pick of these enterprises…
Madeena The Doll
“This is a hand-made rag doll dressed in a unique thobe representing Palestine and Jordan. It is made by local women and refugees – helping them earn fair wages and strengthen and preserve their cultural roots. Madeena also supports children with special needs where 10 per cent of its proceeds go to Badwa Center for Special Education in Jordan.”
Yoga For Air
“In an effort to reduce plastic from being dumped onto our earth and into our oceans, Yoga For Air looks to use sustainable fabrics such as those made from plastic water bottles that are spun from high-quality recycled PET. The designs are inspired by the beauty of the forest and employ an eco-friendly printing process that doesn’t contaminate the water with toxins.”
Souk Baladna
“This is a great micro-fund for women initiative, which aims at supporting beneficiaries by offering them practical and managerial skills to improve their handcrafted products, and secure local and international markets for them.”
Arshys
“This is a womenswear brand by Emirati entrepreneur, Arshia Alam, she has teamed with Dubai Autism Center, empowering people with Autism to create artwork that can be incorporated into her designs, giving 20per cent of the revenue proceeds to their support system. Her brand focuses on sustainability, inclusion, innovation, and craftsmanship.”
For more information and to shop visit kinzzi.com
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s May 2021 Issue
