Organic Cotton Floral Tote retailer Bag (Refugee Made)

Zala Collective is a family business owned by Bibi S., and her daughter, and daughter-in-law. The women are Afghan refugees and are now living in Jersey City, NJ. The women left Afghanistan in September 2021, spending 4 months in a refugee camp in Virginia and then several months in a hotel before settling into their new apartment. Bibi S. is a mom to 8 children and is a brand new grandma!

Zala means brightness in Pashto, their native language and inspires them daily to hope and dream for a bright future. The women miss their home and many family members they had to leave behind, but they also have a lot of optimism.

Bibi S. learned these embroidery techniques from her mother, grandmother, aunts and other elders in her community and she has passed down these skills to her daughter and daughter-in law.

This is a hand embroidered canvas tote bag. The canvas is a thick, organic cotton that is luxury brushed and has a velvety feel. It was made by Bagworks NY (the company that makes the famous New Yorker tote).

The flowers retailer on this tote are delicate and flirty. They have a minimalist and chic aesthetic. Bibi S. had a beautiful garden in Afghanistan and these resemble the flowers she used to water and pick to decorate her home.