LUMEYO empowers women and other marginalized groups in Jordan by developing and rewarding their capacities as looming artisans.
We move from aid to trade.
Here's how LUMEYO makes a difference.
From the very start in 2010, LUMEYO’s aim was to empower women as artisans by moving from aid to trade. We have a unique story to tell, combining Dutch design with Jordanian heritage. With passion and dedication, we’ve developed the products, the quality standard, our network of suppliers and our brand identity. Our team of female artisans is continuously expanding, in order to keep up with growing demand.
LUMEYO is a business driven by heart, not by profit. Our purpose is to create value for Bedouin women, their heritage and the community at large. It has been a journey of co-creation, allowing ancient craft and current demand to inspire next steps.
Empowering Bedouin women
LUMEYO works with Bedouin women and local suppliers employing women and refugees. Our recycling team gather second-hand sweaters. The sweaters are then taken apart and the cotton threads are spun into yarn suitable for weaving. After that, our weaving team turns the recycled yarn into vibrant new fabric for LUMEYO’s stylish handcrafted products.
Our artisans earn a fixed price, either per kilogram of spun material or per woven piece. Their pay is related to local minimum wage. Even though this is already a major improvement in their economic situation, we intend to raise their pay when market allows. LUMEYO strives to match the level of appreciation to the level of quality and talent we find in their work.
Creating Chances
We are currently training a group of talented young women, all under 30, to work with the traditional ground loom and create our LUMEYO products. The training we give them has been certified by the Jordanian government, so they will be officially recognized as talented artisans. These women will be able to revive and pass on the heritage of this wonderful craft. Our future team members also learn about design, colour co-ordination, finishing, pricing, promotion and working on brief and planning. Real assets that will help them grow as professionals.
But there is more! With the support of USAID, we are piloting a new development called the Tassel Project, offering unique chances for women between the ages of 20 and 30. The Tassel Project is a way for them to take on a new role and be more financially independent, while working from home. The designs we create are inspired by their Bedouin traditions and materials. We train these young women to be the best artisans they can be and open up their markets for them.
Last but not least, we have designed a new version of the traditional ground loom. A version which is ergonomically sound, making the weaving process a little easier and much more effective. It was an adventure in itself to redesign this ancient tool in such a way that it is easier to work with and still produces typical Bedouin weaving.
From Worn to Wonderful
STEP 1: recycling the yarn
After collecting second-hand sweaters from our suppliers in Aqaba and Amman, we deliver them to our recycling professionals in Aqaba, Wadi rum and Petra. First, they take apart second-hand sweaters, resulting in rough yarn. Then these Bedouin women spin the yarn into threads that are suitable for weaving.
LUMEYO’s current recycling team
Aqaba: 5 women Petra: 6 women Wadi Rum: 10 women
STEP 2: weaving unique fabrics
The recycled threads go to our weaving specialists. Working with the traditional ground loom, they create woven fabrics in unique patterns. With these fabrics, the ladies handcraft our Bedouin-inspired home décor, fashion accessories and yoga supplies.
LUMEYO’s current weaving team
Feynan: 3 women Petra: 6 women Wadi Rum: 3 women
STEP 3: finishing our bags, pillows, rugs…
Each LUMEYO product is handcrafted and unique. For its final touch, we add elements from other organizations in Jordan. Think of wooden beads made by disabled persons in Amman or leather straps by Iraqi refugees in Jerash. We always work with partners who allow us to have an even bigger social impact.
Discover our designs and make an impact!
Your purchase is doing good!
Each time you shop at LUMEYO, you have a direct positive impact on the lives of Bedouin women, youth and other vulnerable groups in Jordan. By combining ancient weaving techniques and new designs, LUMEYO offers them the opportunity to establish themselves as valued artisans. They gain a new level of independence, enabling them to contribute directly to their families and communities.
We are a not-for-profit social business and all revenues are reinvested to forge a strong artisan community throughout Jordan and touch more lives. This year, we are forging new partnerships to enlarge our impact. For instance, we aim to establish a shop in the Cultural Village in Petra with the Ammarin community Petra. With Bookagri we are expanding to Jerash and Salt. In co-cooperation with Made51 we engage a group of Syrian refugees from the North.
LUMEYO will support the artisans by sharing our design and marketing expertise, while also developing a new sustainable business, co-owned by local women. So you see, our ambition is to start a minor social revolution.
Want to help us empower women, youth and other vulnerable groups? Easy. Find your own unique LUMEYO product, click and buy. Doing good was never more beautiful.
Creative Connections
We are grateful the world is rediscovering the beauty of Bedouin weaving. It is always a joy to see a rug, bag or pillow find its way from these women’s hands to a new home, often crossing oceans to get there. But when we get a custom order, the sparks really start flying. When the request for something tailormade comes in, we share it with our weaving artisans. Together, we discuss the design, pick the colours and after our customer has given their approval, the women start weaving. We often share some pictures of the work in progress, which creates a beautiful dynamic between artisan and customer. However far apart they may be, they are now connected through this creative process.
This way of working is extra rewarding for all involved and it teaches our weaving artisans what international customers like and how much their own input is valued. We have found that customers who have been part of this process of co-creation, often come back for more unique LUMEYO treasures.