“Everything here tells a story,” shares Faycel Mekbel, co-owner with Jesse Terry of the new Maison of Hand boutique in Los Angeles, and truly reflects the owners’ passion for their adopted country, Tunisia.
The two men call the home goods they offer “understated global luxury” – handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces created with materials indigenous to North Africa. Their vision took root in Tunisia, where Mekbel was designing Airbnb properties and Terry was an engineering manager with a petrochemical company. “The region is rich in culture, art and design,” explains Terry, “and we wanted to share it with North America.” Since the turn of the decade, they’ve been doing just that.
Knowing each other for many years before teaming up for this adventure, Mekbel brings his innate creativity and vision to the showroom, selecting sustainable products, working with suppliers, crafting displays, everything aesthetics-oriented, whereas Terry performs the financial duties and strategic planning. So far, it’s proven to be the perfect balance for the business partners: Algerian-born Mekbel and Denver native Terry.
Lamp N°2 | Clay base. Shade made from Palm tree fibers. Available in two sizes and in black, white or gold leaf finish.
The spectrum of products is vast and includes something for everyone, from $10 handmade brass napkin rings to a reclaimed-wood desk fitted with its own lamp for under $2,000.
Terry adds, “It’s bohemian chic, which can work with any décor. It’s very much the look and lifestyle of L.A.” The most attention-grabbing items might be the wood-fired pottery decorated with hand-drawn motifs in the fashion of the artisans’ ancestors.
Co-owners Jesse Terry (left) and Faycel Mekbel (right).
Already planning the future, they both quip, “We love North Africa! However, we also share a love for Bali and we plan to start importing its beauty.” Actually, they already have.
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