OUR STORY
Welcome to Mint + Laurel, where tradition meets artistry. We are a social enterprise founded by Syrian-American women with a shared vision: to celebrate and preserve the rich craftsmanship of the Middle East and Türkiye while creating meaningful opportunities for artisans. Inspired by our heritage, we grew up surrounded by the vibrant colors, textures, and scents of our ancestral homeland. From the soft handwoven towels of Hama to the historic Aleppo soap, each piece preserves a legacy—honoring artisans, sustaining traditions, and redefining perceptions of the region.
WHAT WE DO
We believe in the power of storytelling. Our curated collection showcases exquisite, artisan-made products that honor Middle Eastern and Turkish traditions. Sourced directly from artisans, each piece upholds fair trade practices, supports local communities, and preserves time-honored craftsmanship. But our mission goes beyond selling beautiful products. We strive to bridge cultures, fostering appreciation for the artistry and history woven into every creation. Mint + Laurel is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the shared experiences that connect us all.
who we are
KINDA HIBRAWI SYRIAN-AMERICAN FROM ALEPPO, an internationally renowned painter and creative director with branding and marketing skills in the non-profit sector. Her artwork has been exhibited both internationally and nationally to sold out shows in the U.S. She has over a decade of experience in creative design, product development, advocacy and outreach, she has worked on various projects with the U.S. State Department, UNRWA, UNICEF as well as national organizations. The United Nations named her a 2012 Global Thinker and Influencer at the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development. Kinda holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California State University of Fullerton.
RAMA CHAKAKI SYRIAN-AMERICAN FROM HAMA and DAMASCUS, applies 25 years of technical and communications experience to her passion: social development for Arab youth. She runs the VIP.fund, a venture philanthropy fund investing in youth programs and technology startups. Currently, Rama serves on the board of the Syrian International Business Association. She’s a founding member of Arab Women in Computing and the first regional Women Angel investment Network (WAIN) and also served on the board of TechWadi, PCRF, PACES, The Impact HUB – UAE , Challenge to Change and Nakhweh. In addition to a certificate in Designing for Social Systems from Stanford University, Rama holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and a Master’s in Engineering Management from George Washington University.
COFOUNDERS
RAMA CHAKAKI (L) AND KINDA HIBRAWI (R)
NAWARA CHAKAKI SYRIAN-AMERICAN FROM HAMA and DAMASCUS, bringing a deep personal and professional connection to Syria’s rich cultural heritage. With a passion for preserving, collecting, and reimagining traditional Syrian crafts, she has dedicated years to researching and working with artisans to ensure these time-honored traditions continue to thrive. Nawara holds the largest collection of weavings from Afrin and has spent over a decade immersed in the world of textiles. For eight years, she ran a store in Al-Qaymariyya, Old City, specializing in antique Ottoman and Central Asian textiles. Her shop was not just a marketplace but a hub for craftsmanship, where she collaborated with local artisans to create contemporary pieces inspired by traditional Syrian designs. With her deep knowledge of textile history, artisan techniques, and cultural preservation, Nawara brings invaluable expertise to Mint & Laurel. Her work seamlessly bridges the past and present, ensuring that these crafts remain relevant and cherished for generations to come.