Episode 4: Mei Hayashi (Tribalogy / Joria) trains and employs Jordanians and Syrians in embroidery and sewing techniques and sells their beautiful handmade items

For our fourth episode of the podcast, we take a slightly different look at the Syria crisis response by investigating the impact of directly training, employing, and empowering women from disadvantaged communities in social businesses. Our interview is with Mei Hayashi, a fashion designer from Japan who runs her own Tribalogy line that produces and sells beautiful bags, purses, homegoods, and clothing, often featuring handmade embroidery and/or Middle Eastern fabrics.

Mei also helps run a sister non-profit social business brand called Joria which aims to support vulnerable Jordanian and Syrian women on the psychosocial level through offering workshops and creating products. Mei has been living in Jordan for eight years now, four of which were in Petra as a tour guide, and has great stories of life in Jordan. We also discuss the country's changes over the years, Mei's fashion history with Armani, running booths at Amman's bazaars, and the intricacies of being an ex-pat.

Please NOTE that Mei's interview represents her personal experiences and views, not the official stances of her organizations. For more information about the organizations, please visit the links above.

Additionally, Tribalogy is partnered with host Colin Campbell's social business apparel brand, called Herfa Heritage, and produces great handmade embroidered pocket and patch designs for Herfa shirts and hats. Visit Herfa here.