It’s often said that lighting makes a space or a room come alive, and for design entrepreneur Dounia Tamri-Loeper, founder of Dounia Home, lighting is her inspiration. She is creating beautiful, statement lighting pieces that not only celebrate the centuries-old techniques and designs that are uniquely Moroccan, but is elevating them to a whole new level.
LoA met with the talented and creative Dounia Tamri-Loeper this month to find out more….
What does your company do?
At Dounia Home, we design, produce and bring to market high-quality, modern Moroccan lighting. We operate ethically and help empower the artisan community behind our products.
"After working for a world-renowned architect and product designer for about five years and after being immersed in this world, I saw an opportunity to start my own product line and truly bring something special to the lighting world."
What inspired you to start your company?
I have always wanted to have my own product line. Not only that, it has been my mission to create a company that makes a positive impact on the community it originates from. After working for a world-renowned architect and product designer for about five years and after being immersed in this world, I saw an opportunity to start my own product line and truly bring something special to the lighting world. So about two years ago, I launched Dounia Home.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We are proud of the quality, craftsmanship, and innovation that our products bring to the lighting world. We are creating a product that’s not only innovative but is also authentic, using century old techniques and designs inspired by 7th-century architecture.
"We are creating a product that’s not only innovative but is also authentic, using century old techniques and designs inspired by 7th-century architecture."
Tell us a little about your team
I have an amazing team of craftsmen, managers, and reps. I call it the Dounia Home Family. We are all proud of the work we do, proud of our heritage and proud to be recognized in the global market.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I find a great deal of fulfillment in being able to positively impact one's life through products. It’s challenging of course, running your own company. I started Dounia Home from very little funds. We didn’t raise money, we didn’t have investors. We had some bumps in the road like any start-up business. Despite all the obstacles we faced, we have been able to stabilize production, control our logistics and bring to market high-quality products we are proud of and can stand by.
"Using my talent and background to not only innovate in the lighting world, but also help the community of artisans along the way, is truly my dream come true."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I want Dounia Home to become a household name. We are doing so much good through the products we create that I want to continue this journey and grow the brand to include other categories such as furniture, textiles and home accessories.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
I find a great deal of fulfillment in being able to positively impact one's life through products. Using my talent and background to not only innovate in the lighting world, but also help the community of artisans along the way, is truly my dream come true. I am truly blessed to be able to do what I do.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Do what you are passionate about because at the end of the day it's the passion that drives us to success. It's the passion that keeps us going even during tough times. The journey of an entrepreneur is hard but so worth it! You can truly do anything you set your mind to. It's ok if you don't have it all figured out, just start and the path will get clearer as you go.
Contact or follow Dounia Home
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | EMAIL Dounia@douniahome.com
Why LoA loves it….
At LoA, we love those women entrepreneurs who have the vision and the creative talent to take their inspiration from the countries and communities they come from, and then elevate them to a whole new level. In the highly specialist world of lighting, Moroccan entrepreneur Dounia Tamri-Loeper, founder of the exquisite Dounia Home brand, is one such entrepreneur. Today, her unique lighting designs are making real waves in key global markets such as the US, winning legions of interior design fans and appreciative customers along the way. This is an exciting design brand to watch over the coming months and years. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa