Arabic Treasure: From an Idea to a Movement
When I, Marwan Ibrahim, founded Arabic Treasure, it wasn’t with the idea of starting a big business or becoming a successful entrepreneur. The truth is, it started as a dream—a deeply personal, emotional response to the experiences and stories that shaped me as an Arab living far from home. Building this brand has been a journey of love, sacrifice, and resilience, and while the road hasn’t been easy, every challenge has only strengthened my resolve to keep going.
The First Spark
Growing up in Egypt, I was surrounded by the rich history and traditions of Arab culture. But moving to New York changed things for me. I began to see just how much of our culture was misunderstood or overlooked. More importantly, I noticed how many of us Arabs, especially Palestinians, were struggling to have our stories heard. It hurt to see my people, my culture, and our struggles fading into the background in a world that seemed too busy to notice.
The idea for Arabic Treasure came from that pain and a deep sense of responsibility. I wanted to create something that would represent us as Arabs—not just the beauty of our traditions but also our resilience, our unity, and our pride. It was also about action. I knew I couldn’t solve everything, but I wanted to do something tangible to support Palestinians in need, even if it was just a small drop in the ocean.
The Challenges of Starting Something Bigger Than Me
Starting Arabic Treasure was far from easy. I was a college student at the time, juggling classes, part-time work, and this fledgling dream. I didn’t have a big budget or a team of experts to guide me. What I had was a vision and an unshakable belief in my people and our culture. I poured every spare moment I had into sketching ideas, learning about e-commerce, and connecting with artisans who shared my passion for creating something meaningful.
One of the hardest parts was convincing others of the value of my idea. Some people said, “Why not just focus on selling generic jewelry? It’s easier and more profitable.” But that wasn’t what I wanted. I didn’t want to sell products; I wanted to sell stories. I wanted someone to wear a bracelet or a necklace and feel like they were carrying a piece of their identity, their pride, and their heritage with them.
The Emotional Toll
There were nights when I wondered if I was in over my head. Balancing college life, the constant learning curve of running a business, and the emotional weight of my mission was exhausting. I’d think about the Palestinians I was trying to support—people living under unimaginable circumstances—and feel like what I was doing wasn’t enough. The weight of trying to help, combined with the fear of failure, was overwhelming at times.
But every time I felt like giving up, I’d get a message or a comment from someone saying how much they loved their piece from Arabic Treasure. I’d hear stories from customers who felt connected to their roots or who bought something to show solidarity with Palestine. Those moments reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.
From Palestine to the Arab World
Initially, my focus was entirely on Palestine. I wanted every product, every design, to reflect the resilience and beauty of Palestinian culture. But as I delved deeper into the mission, I realized something crucial: the struggles of Palestine are the struggles of all Arabs. The pride in our culture, the shared history, the unity—we are one people. That’s why I decided to broaden the scope of Arabic Treasure.
Instead of naming the brand something exclusive, like “Palestine Treasure,” I chose “Arabic Treasure” to celebrate the interconnectedness of all Arab nations. Our stories are different, yet they are the same. We share the same roots, the same values, and the same love for our heritage. I wanted to create a brand that every Arab, from Morocco to Yemen, could feel proud of.
The Wins That Keep Me Going
Today, Arabic Treasure is more than I ever imagined it could be. It’s not just a business; it’s a community. It’s a space where Arabs from around the world come together to celebrate our culture, support each other, and make a difference. Through your support, we’ve been able to donate a portion of our profits to organizations that provide aid to Palestinians, and that’s something I’m deeply proud of.
There’s still so much I want to do—more stories to tell, more products to create, and more lives to impact. But every time I see someone wearing one of our pieces or sharing their story with us, I feel that initial spark all over again.
A Final Word
To everyone who has supported Arabic Treasure, thank you. Whether you’ve bought a product, shared our mission, or simply followed along, you are part of this journey. Arabic Treasure is not just about me or the brand—it’s about us as a people. It’s about standing together, celebrating who we are, and lifting each other up.
I’ll keep working, learning, and growing because I believe in this mission. I believe in us. And I hope you’ll continue to be a part of this story with me.
With gratitude,
Marwan Ibrahim
Founder of Arabic Treasure