Marquetry in purple on Kinzzi platform.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Kinzzi is a Dubai-based online lifestyle marketplace and a creative hub connecting artists, supporting artisans and creativepreneurs. It serves up a buffet of fashion essentials, homeware, bespoke originals and independent brands, among other articles. Co-Founders Dana Jaber, who is also Creative & Marketing Director and Rasha Abdelhadi, who doubles as Business Development Director, never tire of telling their story.

“We share a passion for travel, fashion, interiors and art,” they say. “We love travelling and welcome opportunities to wander aimlessly down quaint lanes — without a guide or destination, just to stumble upon objects with a soul & story from local markets and boutiques. “Getting all our finds back, safe and sound is like bringing a little piece of our visit back home to share with our family and friends.

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We believe that these types of unique finds should be accessible to a like-minded, stylish yet ethically and environmentally conscious community. “‘Kinzzi’ is an Arabic word meaning “my treasure”. That which is very valuable, unique and one of a kind. Kinzzi is our way of sharing these products and stories with you.” They share their story with Gulf Today

Why is Kinzzi attracted to design?

Design is so much more than just the visual — it’s creation for people, plain and simple. Kinzzi was born as a result of our unique experiences and visual journeys as two adventurous dreamers, drawn to well-designed goods that tell a story. It is a space that prides itself on the showcasing of craft and treasures, found near and far, that harmoniously weave into our unique online platform.

What were your roles in DUCTAC and Art Dubai?

Dana: Handling the Education and Cultural Portfolio for HRH Princess Haya exposed me to many different and exciting initiatives. Art Dubai was a way in which we were able to seek out rising creatives and shine a light on their incredible talent. I sat on the board of DUCTAC to represent HRH Princess Haya and was part of its inception. For sure, I have brought this belief to Kinzzi as well — showcasing and highlighting emerging talent, slow fashion and small-batch goods. These are the brands we want at the forefront of an otherwise saturated stage of designer labels and big box stores.

  Dana Jaber (left) and Rasha Abdelhadi.

How do you highlight photography at Kinzzi?

Rasha: In my previous position with Reuters, being able to hone in on imagery and the human relationship with photography was something so special and a very powerful learning curve - they do say “a picture is worth a thousand words” for a reason! Communicating your brand personality & position through photography is, for an online platform like Kinzzi, an essential ingredient to gain potential customers. What we lack in the other senses falls heavy on the visual.

You are both devoted to travelling. Tell us about three things you brought to Dubai from your travels.

Uncovering magical, distinctive treasures from our travels is at the heart of who we are, and much of what bonds us as friends — and now, business owners.

Dana: A few that stand out would be a favourite silk dress made by a French designer living in Bali, a painting from Rio De Janeiro that is now hanging in my living room, and definitely the coloured poufs from Marrakech that I brought back for each of my kids’ rooms.

Rasha: So many things are popping into my head but ... I have these beautiful vintage brass candle holders from Thailand that I keep in my dining room, three coloured lanterns that I recently brought back from Napa Valley, California, and several gorgeous dresses from a Japanese designer in Tokyo, Japan.

How do you support small businesses?

We feel we offer small businesses and emerging sellers an accessible route to pursue their passion of retail on a global scale, without the mundane realities of setting up a business from scratch. Sellers benefit from Kinzzi’s penetration into the GCC and Middle Eastern Markets — a market that is highly sought after.

We are a community of professionals that champion growth, where everyone behind the scenes is constantly juggling different hats to support small businesses, from SEO Marketing to sales analysis! Kinzzi has most recently leapt into the offline-world, participating in multiple pop-ups across Dubai that catapulted these small businesses into the real world, garnering noteworthy exposure. 

How do you empower emerging artists?

Our ethos at Kinzzi is two-fold: to empower and inspire. We thrive in the collective and lead with our tribe in the forefront, meaning: without each other, Kinzzi wouldn’t exist. It truly takes our village of like-minded, boundary-breaking visionaries to make waves for hidden and emerging talent. We continually seek opportunities for our sellers, whether it’s being seen in regional magazines and notable publications to collaborating with existing brands or artists in the community. Being a part of Kinzzi, we aim to afford our sellers high levels of exposure, confidence and ultimately, success!

If the products you offer could tell stories, what would they be?

Oh wow, for sure each product would tell a truly unique & inspiring story! Every product relays heartfelt stories that celebrate its roots, tales that bring a voice to the artisan, the weaver & the seamstress, the creators behind each treasure. It chronicles the journey they’ve been on, from sourcing the minutest thread, to abstracting a flawless product inscribed by exceptional artistry. We live for the stories behind Kinzzi!