Argyros Alum Opens Sustainable Retail Business
A Chapman University Argyros School MBA alum was recently profiled in the Los Angeles Times for a story on his new global goods store.
Dhia Rabiai (MBA ’14) and his brother Firas opened Kamsah this year on Melrose Avenue in LA. Rabiai describes his store as featuring “organic home decoration and interior design items…handcrafted by artisans in small villages from all over the world.”
The items in the store are crafted with minimal use of machines and only a small amount of inorganic material in their production. To develop their first collection, Firas traveled through their native country, Tunisia, for various items including wool and angora decorative pillows, hand painted ceramic dishes and bowls, and hand-woven baskets.
“We’re looking for people who want to buy the story behind the products they buy,” says Dhia, who is also a television producer. In a retail economy that is increasingly online and virtual, consumers are searching for unique handcrafted items that are sustainably created. Upon entering the store, shoppers are offered Tunisian sweets and tea. 10% of all the store’s proceeds will be donated to programs that benefit women and youth in developing countries.
In a recent interview, Dhia noted “The wave of organic, environmentally friendly and handmade items is quite popular in Southern California. It fits the gypsy bohemian lifestyle that is widespread across many demographics in SoCal…People want to do good things with their money. We see it anytime a natural disaster affects a certain region of the world, as donations are made to the affected communities. Our brand offers the possibility to do good as you purchase the product.”
About the Author
Maggie Boccella
Maggie Boccella, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, is a freelance writer, artist and photographer. She has consulted on various film and multimedia projects, and she also serves as a juror for the city's annual LGBTQIA Film Festival.
