Inspiring Moroccan Entrepreneurs And Changemakers

These guys never cease! They went through different business situations and they learnt from their mistakes. Now, having first-hand experience, they help others with their startups. Their practical knowledge is superextraordinary – they have a solution for every single problem. The fusion of Omar Madi, Moncef Okbi and Reda Chahoud is the best proof that when you fall down you gotta get your ass up and move on!

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When I first met Sarah Zouak she seemed so quiet and timid. Don’t judge a book by its cover – Sarah is a delicate lady with the courage of a hundred gendarmes. She travelled across the world (literally!) to interview Muslim female changemakers and make a documentary about them to prove that Muslim women have power and will to change the world! How I would sum up Sarah in one sentence? Little lady with big heart and even bigger potential.

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www.hellodarija.comHello Darija is a platform to study the Moroccan dialect of Arabic in English. Full of useful phrases, grammar and even a dictionary. Everything created by Abdeljabar Taoufikallah thanks to his passion to linguistics. When I first came across his page I was like “yeah, finally someone thought of those poor foreigners struggling to utter some words to taxi drivers…” . For me it’s definitely one of the first websites I would recommend to a person visiting Morocco for the first time.

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www.mouadaboulhana.jimdo.comMany people say that it’s impossible to make a living out of art in Morocco. He proves the opposite. Mouad Aboulahna is another example of the perfect fusion: work and passion. The best proof that your work does not need to be boring. Through numerous artistic workshops, Mouad helps young artists to stand out of the crowd. He also helps kids to discover their talents and proves that going to school can be fun not just an overwhelming duty!

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www.gnaouaculture.org/blogKhalil Mounji, the founder of the portal gnaouaculture.org is a young gnaoua artist. He is really devoted to it – even though he is an amazing artist he doesn’t focus on himself only. He promotes young, aspiring gnaoua singers from all walks of life in Morocco.

www.marocmama.comA very open-minded American lady. Amanda Ponzio-Mouttaki lives in Marrakech and runs the blog MarocMama – giving tips to travellers, exposing her readers to Moroccan culture and cuisine. She shows Morocco from the realest side – dispatching its beauty and ugliness. No bullshiting!  She is the founder of a very cool concept – Food Tour in Marrakech – to show the real Moroccan food to travellers, avoiding touristy spots. A reliable food guide as she is a foodie herself and knows the best places in Marrakech inside out.

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Anass Yakine
www.facebook.com/AnassYakineLeTourDuMarocAPied

My first inspiration before I have actually moved to Morocco. I followed his blog from the very beginning and he made me love the country and the world even more. Anass is an extraordinary Moroccan globetrotter. He set a goal for himself: 5000 km in 2 years. Walking. During his journey he (re)discovered the rich culture of his homeland. His life is an endless road, an inspiration for many travellers, entrepreneurs and youth. His determination became motivation for many people in Morocco and overseas – Anass told his story in many conferences, interviews and travellers’ gatherings – just google him and see!

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Meryem has everything that she needs in her life but she does not forget about people who were not so lucky and whose lives are not so bright. She created the concept of giving work to the ones who need it. She designs beautiful table clothes, decorations for home, pillows and much more. Each piece is unique. Why? Simply because each one is prepared by several women. Meryem prepares the sketch, chooses the colors and buys necessary materials. Second, she takes it to the female-tailors whose family situations do not allow them to find regular job. She gives jobs to different women: one for sfifa, one for buttons, one who sews… Beautiful initiative. And beautiful products!

Teapot ‘dress’ by Ligne Seven

(it was Meryem’s request to stay anonymous, without her family name and photo)

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I encourage you to check out the pages of all the amazing people above

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