What inspired you to start Pal Space?

Pal Space was born from a deep need for change and resilience. During the recent conflict in Palestine, I faced life-threatening situations that led me to leave my homeland. I left behind a large family, predominantly women, struggling with unemployment and caring for two disabled siblings in a refugee camp.

Determined to support my family and contribute meaningfully to the world, I created Pal Space. This online store isn’t just about selling products; it's about sharing authentic, purpose-driven items with a global audience. My family, who now helps run the store from Palestine, is central to this mission. Together, we offer products that embody resilience and hope, aiming to build a brighter future for ourselves and others.

What is the mission or purpose of Pal Space?

Pal Space aims to present the world with products showcasing authentic Palestinian designs that reflect resilience, freedom, and the spirit of individuals everywhere. We strive to offer elegant, high-quality items while highlighting the craftsmanship of Palestinian refugees, predominantly women. Our mission is to make a meaningful impact by sharing beautiful products that resonate with values of dignity and progress.

What challenges have you faced in building this business, and how have you overcome them?

• Leading a Palestinian Refugee Family: I took on the role of leading my family in this online store, teaching them to use technology for income generation, which was crucial given the difficulty of finding regular employment in conflict-affected Palestine.
• Mental Health and Displacement: The conflict disrupted our stable working environment, forcing me to leave Palestine to find stability. This transition also provided me time to recover from the mental toll of the war.
• New Professional Field: Shifting from a software engineering career to business ownership was challenging. Navigating the new field of online stores and branding required considerable learning and adaptation.

How does Pal Space reflect your personal identity and experiences?

My background in software engineering and technology has been instrumental in navigating and building this business. My familiarity with digital tools has helped me connect globally to support my family through our products. As a Palestinian, I ensure that each design is authentic and of the highest quality, reflecting our rich cultural heritage.

What makes Pal Space unique compared to other brands?

• Authentic Palestinian Perspective: As a native Palestinian, I offer culturally authentic designs that resonate with supporters of Palestine worldwide.
• Supporting Palestinian Families: Profits support my unemployed family in Palestine and contribute to other families in need.
• Charitable Contributions: Some profits are donated to support Palestinian children's education and aid my disabled siblings.

Who is behind Pal Space?

Pal Space was founded by me, Nima Abusalim, a former software engineer with a passion for technology and Palestinian culture. I created this brand to support my family and share our heritage with the world. My sisters in Palestine help manage the store, handling operations and ensuring product authenticity. Together, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, meaningful items that resonate globally.

What impact do you hope Pal Space will have on your customers and the wider community?

Pal Space aims to remind people of their inherent freedom and potential. We want to inspire individuals to recognize that nothing is impossible and to unite in creating a fairer world. Our goal is for customers to feel confident that their purchases align with their values, contributing positively to our planet. Pal Space stands for steadfastness, pride, and the courage to challenge injustice.

What can customers expect from Pal Space in the future?

Expect Pal Space to expand its product lines, continuously offering elegant, high-quality items. We aim to increase donations to support education for children in Palestinian refugee camps, carrying forward a legacy of craftsmanship. Pal Space will continue to champion freedom and global justice.