Dounia, founder of Folks & Tales, explains why she started her social enterprise and reflects on how this journey made her rediscover her own country: Morocco.

I have always been fascinated by the creative process: diving deep into your imagination, forging new ideas, and bringing your own vision to the world. This is why I realized very early on during my college years that I wanted to be an entrepreneur and carve my own path. I not only have a visceral need to create but also always look for meaning in what I am doing; I can’t help but be passionate. Starting Folks & Tales fulfills my creative needs and helps me find purpose, but it has an additional impact I wasn’t expecting: shedding a new light on my own cultural identity.

In a world of economic and cultural globalization, I wanted to create a concept in which ancestral craftsmanship is preserved and communities are empowered. I also wanted to reinvent and offer a new take on cultural symbols I grew up surrounded by, blending past and future, old and new and expressing culture as it is lived and perceived in our modern world.

In my quest for excellence in craftsmanship, Morocco offers the perfect playground. It is characterized by its incredibly diverse landscapes, know-hows, art, symbols and people. I traveled multiple cities and remote villages, met with passionate people and exceptional artisans, rediscovering a country I grew up in and thought I knew so well. Collaborating with people in small communities and experiencing Morocco outside its modern cities has strengthened my cultural awareness and deepened my sense of legacy.

Written by Dounia Bounahmidi, Founder at Folks & Tales
Image: CC
Publication date: June 29, 2018

Find civil society employment opportunities @ NGO Jobs
View NGOs in Morocco by clicking here.
You can always give Free Donations daily through our unique Click-to-Help platform without cash, credit card or registration!