Rozan Al-Khazendar, a determined entrepreneur from the Gaza Strip, has partnered with Japanese businesswoman Kiyomi Kitamura to launch a clothing brand aimed at revitalizing the war-torn Palestinian enclave. Al-Khazendar, the founder of Rozza Agency, a company specializing in corporate design and digital solutions, operates from Cairo, Egypt. Her journey began in Gaza City in 2014, where she established her business in a modest room at home. As a female entrepreneur in a predominantly male society, she has remained committed to empowering women and fostering local talent.
In October 2023, during a business trip to Tunisia, Al-Khazendar found herself stranded in Egypt due to the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas, which led to an escalating conflict. The violence left her unable to return home, and her family sought refuge while about 20 of her employees were scattered. Al-Khazendar describes the emotional toll, recalling, “All my dreams were gone. It felt as if my heart had stopped beating.”
With her family’s safety in jeopardy, Al-Khazendar turned to design and freelance work to raise funds for their evacuation. After months of waiting, her family finally made it to Egypt, easing her anxiety. It was around this time that she was contacted by Kiyomi Kitamura, the founder of Amal Falestini, a Japanese mail-order business specializing in Palestinian embroidery. The two women had met in Gaza in 2017 and had previously worked together on T-shirt projects.
In a moment of vulnerability, Al-Khazendar confided in Kitamura, expressing that she had no strength left. Kitamura, with words of encouragement, told her, “Please don’t give up.” This exchange ignited a renewed sense of hope for Al-Khazendar, who believed that “hope had come.”
Despite the dire circumstances in Gaza, Al-Khazendar remained committed to her employees, ensuring they received their salaries during the conflict, even as supply shortages made life increasingly difficult. Rather than merely offering financial aid, she saw work as a way to preserve human dignity and keep her team motivated. “Work makes people positive,” she explained. She continued paying their salaries from her own pocket, even if it meant giving them “fake jobs” to maintain their spirits.
Kitamura suggested they launch a clothing brand, where profits from the sales would not only support Al-Khazendar’s business but also provide aid to Gaza. Following a brief ceasefire in January 2024, Al-Khazendar discovered that her Gaza City office had been looted, and part of the building had collapsed. Despite the loss, she has remained steadfast in rebuilding her business and supporting her team.
The brand name, “Pupa,” was chosen to represent the resilience of Gaza’s residents, symbolizing their journey toward recovery. As Al-Khazendar put it, “One day, a beautiful butterfly will emerge and take flight.”
In March, Al-Khazendar and Kitamura launched a website to sell T-shirts in Japan, featuring designs that reflect their feelings about Gaza. Through this partnership, the women aim to contribute to the rebuilding of Gaza, offering both financial support and hope to the region.
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