Kiliim is an Egyptian social enterprise and lifestyle brand that
aims to revive and sustain local, Egyptian crafts and their communities by introducing modern designs to time-honored techniques.
Why We Work
We manufacture our kilims in Fowwa, a small village situated along the lush Nile Delta. Our craftsmen come from a long line of kilim artisans who consider the craft as part of their heritage. Decades ago, Fowa used to be home to over 2,000 kilim weaving workshops, however when we first visited back in 2016, there were less than 200. When the craft was at the brink of extinction from Egypt’s cultural heritage, we thought to rethink the value chain in hopes to bring the craft into the 21 century so it can stand a chance at sustaining a future.
How We Work
Previously, the artisans carried the load of designing, producing, marketing, and selling their pieces, and being compensated minimal wages only once their product was sold by street vendors. Our model is based on teamwork, in which expert teams are dedicated to each step of this process, making the final product the collaborative outcome of some of Egypt’s most talented designers and artisans.
Our Impact
This model has proven successful since our launch in 2016. We’ve been able to partner with almost 40 artisans, providing them and their families with stable incomes that are 50% higher from the industry average in environments and conditions compliant with World Fair Trade Organization guidelines. As we grow, we aim to expand our network of artisans and explore more crafts from all around Egypt.
