My first trip to Egypt was in 1994 when I attended the United Nations Population and Development Conference combined with a Middle East Studies tour. This gave me an opportunity to see a great deal that might not be available to most tourists in a single visit. In addition, I had the opportunity to visit the homes of family members of friends back home. I also went shopping, of course - and it was an incredible experience. Craftsmanship was alive and flourishing in Egypt. I wanted to share it with everyone I knew.
It was nine years before I was able to return; and on that trip I reached an agreement with a friend there that resulted in Shop Like An Egyptian.
We are an online store, based on the West Coast of the United States and we also vend at several events each year. We sometimes make our products available at home shows or by appointment.
I try to go to Egypt as often as possible (although not as often as I would like) to personally locate new items to add to our offerings. We also have associates in Egypt to replenish our inventory, watch for new designs and fill special orders. Most of our items are handmade. We buy products manufactured in small shops and home-based businesses throughout Egypt. We have also added some products from other countries in the Middle East.
If you're attending an event where we're vending, pleae stop by and say hello. If you'd like something particular from Egypt, let us know.
Sylvia Erickson