The Studio

The initiative began in 2012 as the Women Workshop under Basmeh & Zeitooneh Relief and Development, aiming to empower financially challenged women. Facing funding issues in 2018, jeopardizing the livelihoods of 100 skilled refugee women, it transitioned into an independent social enterprise called The Studio by December 2020

The Studio provides training in classic and Palestinian embroidery, sewing, and crochet, aiming to include e-commerce in their work. Partnering with Bqosta under SJIP, they train women in producing green products and empower them to have their own jobs.

The Studio offers various products like handcrafted dresses, abayas, bags, home decor, and customized favors. They also provide collaboration opportunities and private label manufacturing services.

Under SJIP, they received a grant to train women in artisanal skills and business management, empowering them further. The impact includes the creation of Christmas ornaments, abayas, blankets, and the empowerment of 24 women.

Transitioning to an Entrepreneurial Non-Profit (ENP) model, The Studio aims to incorporate commercial activities alongside its social objectives. This includes increasing sales of their fashion product line to establish a sustainable business model. Their next plans focus on rebranding, advocating for women’s rights, and promoting community growth and gender equality.

The Studio’s unique value proposition lies in addressing societal and environmental challenges through sustainable products, providing job opportunities, skills development, promoting cross-cultural exchange, and community outreach in the challenging context of Shatila refugee camp