About

It all began with the old Hajje’s stand. There she stood in her old, floral dress that went up to her knees. Her hair, like a web of silver yarn, encased her head. Her wrinkled face reflected a compassionate smile molded with the burden of long years. Maybe, it was the way she stood, with her back bent, and her exploring eyes under her knitted eyebrows that carried me back in time to find myself in the arms of my own grandmother. She drove me home within seconds without even blinking.

I could not discover her secret; it might have been her old age or her huge set of bottles and jars that elegantly stood on the table in front of her. Within minutes, her wrinkled hands that have witnessed the hardships of life drifted from one jar to the other, from the zaatar & sumac to the olive and oil, the jam and honey, the distillates,  the grains and seeds to the spices and condiments. The stories were many, and they were all breathtaking and interesting. “No preservatives,” she said. “They are all natural, homemade, full of health benefits.” Her words reflected a great sense of pride and authenticity. The jars were filled with the passion of traditional Lebanese mouneh makers. Time flew by while the old Hajje explained how she came to this souk and how she attended many other similar events every year to promote the villagers’ hard work and make a living.

What first began as a quest, soon returned to the deep rooted message she relayed when we met her. To live a long healthy life, take control of your food intake, and Feed your body with natural home made foods that are free of preservatives and full of healthy benefits!.

The old Hajje was the cornerstone of our beginning. She intrigued us to think of those people who are always forgotten behind the scene. We felt an unprecedented urge to find a solution to help this old Hajje and many other old Hajjes promote what they do.