Papousa, a very crafty carpenter and entrepreneur gaining momentum and wide acknowledgment across Egypt, is also distinctly female. In a male dominated industry, Maha Shoukry, nicknamed Papousa – an Italian word meaning ‘a small version of Papa’, as she was his carbon copy – has “become accustomed to dealing with foremen” that she works with. She explains that “it is all about follow-up, constant supervision, incentives and critique.”
Shoukry’s hand-made furniture and design concept “‘ByPapousa‘ are “a melting pot of so many of my favourite cultures,” she shares. “I use a lot of Indonesian ‘Ikat’ fabric, I love Andalusian colours, Scandinavian sleekness, rustic Southern France, Arabic humour, old movie posters – I could go on forever.”
Within a wide range of unique products that incorporate different features, the fastest and most commonly sold items range from “small trays and ice buckets inspired by vintage brands” to bedroom cupboards. And given her plans to start exporting soon, Shoukry is keeping artisan aficionados of the region on tiptoe in anticipation.
For more info – ByPapousa’s Facebook Page