During the 18 years she spent in Dubai working in the business field of media, communication, and digital marketing, Lara Fayad has left a mark among the companies that she helped to foster correct objectives and pertinent solutions in their journey. This was until she co-founded her own, Ozina. This online concept store offers unique and handmade designs crafted by international young artists and emerging brands that revolve around ethical practices, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. Join us on this conversation as she tells us all that we need to know about this project.
What is the vision behind Ozina and how did the idea come to life?
We at Ozina strive to revolutionize the way we consume, with our vision of a more sustainable future at the heart of everything we do. Our aim is to create a more ethical and more conscious consumer experience, with easy access to emerging artists and brands that are helping reduce the environmental cost of consumption. We want customers to have the knowledge and tools to make smarter choices so that together we can create a greener, fairer, and more sustainable future.
Ozina came to life after teaming up with an old friend in Dubai and discussing sustainable development goals and possible solutions that encourage responsible production and consumption and give back to the environment and community.
What does Ozina offer to customers who are interested in sustainability?
Ozina is a unique concept store that takes pride in its sustainable practices. We believe in offering our customers handmade, upcycled, recycled, and on-demand items that not only promote responsible production and consumption, but also help reduce our carbon footprint. Our store is home to emerging craftsmen, artists, and brands who share our passion for sustainability, eco-friendliness, and fair trade. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond the products we offer. We ensure that every aspect of our business, from production to shipping, is done using environmentally friendly materials and solutions. We strive to minimize waste and reduce our impact on the environment. We understand that sustainability is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. That's why we have taken the initiative to donate a portion of our profits towards planting trees, reducing carbon emissions, and providing individuals with access to clean water. We believe that every small step counts towards building a better future for our planet. At Ozina, we are convinced that the growing demand for sustainability and eco-friendliness is not a trend but a necessity. We are proud to be a part of this movement and invite you to join us on this journey toward a better tomorrow.
How do you choose the brands that sell their products through your store?
Ozina Store has a rigorous process for choosing sustainable artisans and brands that sell their products through its store. The store prioritizes those who prioritize sustainability, ethical production practices, and eco-friendly materials. To select the artisans and brands, we first examine the production process and materials. Then, we verify that sustainable materials are used in the production of the products and ensure that the process of creating the products aligns with our values. We look for products that are made with recyclable or biodegradable materials, use natural dyes instead of synthetic ones, and avoid harmful chemicals. Ozina Store also looks at the social impact of the products or brand. We prioritize brands that prioritize fair trade practices, provide safe and humane working conditions for their employees, and support local communities. By doing so, we ensure that the products we sell and promote are not only environmentally friendly, but also socially responsible. Finally, Ozina team considers the overall impact of each product sold. We look for products that are designed for longevity, so they don't end up in landfills after a short period of use. We prefer products that can be recycled or upcycled at the end of their life cycle to reduce overall waste.
Tell us about a brand that speaks to you more than others.
It is difficult to pick one brand that speaks to us, because they all do. The team takes great pride in handpicking products that not only bring value to our lives but also contribute to the environment. We strongly believe that every item in our store has a unique character, and every brand that we endorse has a compelling story that resonates with our customers. We are particularly thrilled about our Middle Eastern handmade and eco-friendly artisans and artists’ brands that are joining the movement. For instance, Septheurehuit, a brand developed by a Lebanese architect, creates only one unique piece per design and is committed to sustainability. We are also excited about our exclusive Moroccan collection, which includes Chaimaa Shir, a painter and lawyer, who transforms upcycled apparel into pieces of art, and Terre d'Aïda, a brand that preserves the unique legacy of Moroccan pottery and ceramic art and tells the story of a family inspired by their great grandmother, Aida, and her tales.
Where do you plan to become in the future as a sustainable concept store?
As a sustainable concept store, our future plans involve extending support to more artists and artisans and creating an inclusive and diverse shopping experience for our customers. To achieve this, we intend to source products from a broader range of sustainable and ethical brands, making them accessible to a global audience. We also aspire to fund creative and innovative solutions to meet all 17 sustainable development goals as we expand our business. Our ultimate objective as a sustainable concept store is to provide a comprehensive and sustainable shopping experience that not only offers ethical and sustainable products, but also inspires and educates customers to embrace a more human-centric and eco-conscious lifestyle.
For a deeper look at some of Ozina’s offerings, visit the Photo Gallery and enjoy a full journey of sustainability at the concept store’s official website.
Article Written by Mirella Haddad
