Lebanese Handcrafted Gourmet Delicacies

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Martine Zaarour, CEO of Jar Thuraya, located in Beirut, Lebanon.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Jar Thuraya is an inclusive community of women from around Lebanon who specialize in making traditional handcrafted recipes using local raw materials and inspired by the traditional Mouneh* [ process of making artisanal preserves using conventional methods of preparation and preservation. We created fusion recipes of gourmet products that pair with versatile types of food. Each Jar is labeled with the name of the woman who prepared it and where she comes from. Everything is packed in recycled materials and is 100% Plastic-Free. We target young women and people who are interested in vegan, clean food, individuals who believe in sustainable, conscious shopping as well as the Lebanese Diaspora who miss having a taste of home and want to support the local economy.

Tell us about yourself

I never thought I would be changing careers from architecture to entrepreneurship. It was full of challenges and opportunities, but it shaped me into the person I am today. It started as a gender initiative to support the women of Lebanon working in food production and we scaled it to become a sustainable social enterprise that promotes the Lebanese culinary heritage around the world. Being able to speak on behalf of these women and promote Lebanon’s culinary heritage has been a great honor and my daily motivation to scale.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was able to scale Jar Thuraya from a small gender empowerment initiative to a business that operates worldwide. We were showcased at the Expo 2020 in Dubai and started exporting to Qatar, the US, and Australia. We were also part of the 4YFN event in Barcelona at the MWC. Being able to deliver a taste of Lebanon to various shops around the world and acknowledge the efforts of Lebanese Women in the preservation of heritage and the environment.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Decision-making and the responsibility that comes along with scaling. It’s a commitment towards the livelihood quality of the women producers and the farmers, as well as their financial guarantee. It is also the role of a leader that requires skills and dedication toward the mission. Feeling responsible for the growth of the business as well as shaping the image of Lebanese women and representing them in the best ways.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Nothing comes easy, be patient, work hard, and surround yourself with people who have good energy.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.jarthuraya.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jarthuraya
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarthuraya/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jarthuraya
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jar-thuraya/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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