Kama Founder: Jumana Jacir

When Jumana Jacir noticed a gap in the premium branding and packaging market, she decided to combine her passion and her own background as a designer to create her own startup.

Jacir’s concept is to package and sell the highest quality culinary products from the Middle East, taking inspiration from Fortnum and Mason, a luxury department store in London specializing in food products.

The products’ packaging speaks to Jacir’s desire to build a Middle Eastern lifestyle brand. However, the simple designs let the products speak for themselves.

Despite its international outlook, Kama’s products stick to their local roots. “There are amazing products all around the [Middle East],” Jacir explained, bemoaning the lack of “collective sourcing” through which the consumer can know where to find the highest quality za’atar or the purest olive oil.

Kama’s launch range includes most of the staple products needed in the Middle Eastern kitchen, sourced and produced entirely in Jordan. Kama’s labaneh balls come from a supplier in Jerash to Amman. The company’s date molasses, meanwhile, is sourced from Ajloun. Kama’s other spices, oils, and jams are likewise carefully chosen.

Jacir managed to build a brand that ticks all the boxes. It is a creative entrepreneurial venture that has a significant social impact by supporting local manufacturers and empowering local communities.

She believes that her journey as a female entrepreneur is no different to any of her male peers. But stresses that starting any business is hard work that always keeps you on your toes.

Jacir believes that passion equals perseverance. So, her advice for women who are looking to start their own business is to do something that they are truly passionate about while surrounding themselves with people who share their values and vision.

Jacir’s ultimate dream is to launch a concept store to house Kama products and create a rounded experience in which customers can taste the products not just as samples but in a full culinary experience.

“We have yet to expand our footprint, but customers already “love” our products. That is something special that we never expected to happen so soon,” she said.

This is part three of a 12-piece story. Other parts include:

http://www.venturemagazine.me/2017/03/succeeding-odds-atbaki/

http://www.venturemagazine.me/2017/03/succeeding-odds-silkroad-images-inc/