Meet the Makers: “My name is ‘dreams’”
“My name is Ahlam, it means “dreams”.
At 17, I began my life by marrying a man, hoping he would shield me from my stepmother's cruelty. However, instead of finding refuge, I encountered further suffering. We had three children together before he fell in love with another woman, took her as a second wife, and gradually abandoned us. His visits became sporadic, and he provided little financial support. I worked tirelessly to care for our children alone. After five years, he asked for divorce, claiming the burden of two families was too heavy. I resisted, refusing to leave my children behind.
The problems between us escalated; he became abusive and eventually took the children from me. I returned to my father’s house with nothing and my own father barred me from seeing my children, deepening my sadness. My children and I had become victims of a patriarchal society where women have no rights. I was ensnared in a cycle of loss and separation.
Returning to my family home offered no solace; it was another kind of torment. Overwhelmed by despair, I once tried to end my life. In our village, being a divorced woman was a stain on one's honour; everything I did was scrutinised and judged. I rejected all suitors, clinging to a hope that my husband would return and reunite me with my children. Time passed, and I eventually consented to marry an older man that would take me away, seeing it as an escape from my community.
Relocating to Lebanon, I found joy in the birth of my daughters, whom I loved fiercely, vowing never to be separated from them.
Despite my efforts, I got divorced again after discovering my second husband's infidelity. I chose to be both mother and father to my daughter, embracing independence.
Life presented endless hurdles and our existence was marred by struggle and poverty. I stayed in friends' homes, but my circumstances were too much for them. I rented a room and faced life's challenges head-on.
Then my luck struck and my neighbour introduced me to Oshana. Crocheting became my solace and livelihood. At Oshana, I found a sense of belonging and purpose among supportive teachers and fellow craftswomen. This new skill not only provided an income but also a community and a chance to rebuild my life.
My life now orbits around my daughters and my work. I am determined to provide for them, I am committed to ensuring their well-being, working diligently to support them.
At Oshana, I've discovered a sanctuary, a place of beauty and friendship. It represents a dream being woven together, like the crochet threads I work with, building a new home, a new life. Here, I have left behind many past troubles, finding peace and friendship.
I am Ahlam, and Oshana is my newfound home. May peace and happiness be yours as well.”
The Shams hand-crochet bag will see you through winter’s darkest days, its sunshine-yellow hues the perfect antidote to yet another drizzly afternoon. Shams means sun in Arabic, and this is exactly what we want you to think of when the cold is getting you down. Until the summer returns, don’t leave the house without your own personal ray of sunshine.
This bag brings joy not only to the wearer but to its makers too, who find a dignified income, a supportive community, and a creative outlet for trauma through this work.
Lined with cotton canvas. Internal zipped pocket and clasp to close
33x 32 cm
Cotton and Acrylic
This bag is made-to-order upon purchase. This helps us plan our production sustainably. It takes six to eight weeks to be handmade, shipped from our community in Lebanon to the UK, and then delivered to your door.
