Saboun or Sabouneh means soap in Arabic. The classical art of Levantine soap making is a tradition spanning 2,000 years old. A US based business is preserving this ancient craft.

We wrapped up 2020 (finally) and it is not an understatement to say: We are leaving this year as completely changed people. I will not speak for the collective, but I have personally learned to prioritize my mental wellbeing and to be open with those around me on performance capacity.

Each person defines ‘self-love’ differently and showcases compassion to their community members uniquely. As soon as I prioritized my ‘self-care’ rituals, I began purchasing products with a different mindset. Let’s face it, we are living in a global pandemic. There is an intense political climate, higher unemployment rates and higher poverty; it is a stressful time.

I am not a person who can separate news from my current reality, no matter how geographically far or unaffected I might seem. As a result, I began pondering- how can I take care of myself, feel good and help those around me? Can I do all three things effortlessly?

It was through my frustrations and wanting to do good that I was introduced to Mint + Laurel. Mint + Laurel is a social impact business with a vision to connect highly skilled Middle Eastern artisans to the global market. It is a women founded, women led and women operated business based in Los Angeles, California.

And while Mint + Laurel could be viewed as an online, ecofriendly shop; selling soaps, towels, loofahs, lip balms, Arabic calligraphy shirts… its story, mission, model and packaging are outstandingly different than any other enterprise I have come across.

The entire business is focused on changing the narratives of cultures impacted by war. The artisans are not beneficiaries waiting for donations – they are Mint + Laurel’s partners creating high end, handmade products for global audiences.

As a result of war and a deteriorating economy; ancient Syrian techniques of soap making, towel weaving and hand embroidering pouches are on the brink of extinction. It is culturally conscious businesses like Mint+Laurel who are bringing these products back to life while simultaneously supporting the artisans’ livelihoods. 

And since the entire businesses mission is related to giving back, it is no surprise that since its founding in 2018, Mint+Laurel has routinely donated a portion of sales to different local and international nonprofits by customizing its packaging design and investing in product expansion. 

For example, during the holiday season Mint + Laurel partnered with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) on a campaign titled ‘Medicine for the Body + Soul’. SAMS is a non-profit, non-political, professional organization providing medical assistance to northwest Syrians in need. Mint+Laurel donated 30% of all online sales to support SAMS work on the ground.

Simply put, with every purchase made, you are not only gifting yourself or your loved one’s beautiful products- you are supporting a small business in the US, preserving artisans work in the Middle East and providing medical care to displaced Syrians. Your gift is the soap that keeps on giving.

Mint + Laurel gave my ‘self-love’ title a new definition. It connected me to my childhood memories of listening to my Teta speak about olive oil soap. It helped me dive within my region’s history even more and it fulfilled my goal of buying products with a sense of purpose.

So, do yourself a favor and shop at Mint+Laurel. Believe me, you will fall in love.  

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