Happy Nowruz, everyone! Today, March 21st, marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the Persian New Year. Nowruz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years, and it is observed by over 300 million people around the world, particularly in Afghanistan prior to the Taliban rule. Nowruz is a celebration of renewal and rebirth, as well as an opportunity to connect with loved ones and reflect on the past year.

I would have never known about Nowruz, which translates into “new day,” if we hadn’t started working with Afghan refugees through Intertwined. Our expert seamstresses arrived in Greensboro, North Carolina in 2021 from Afghanistan, fleeing the country as refugees when the Taliban resumed power. Each time I visit their home to work with them on new pillow designs, they welcome me with wonderful hospitality, serving nuts, dried fruit, tea and fruit juice. One evening, they invited us to their home for an amazing dinner (see the food above)!

Our connection with this remarkable family has enriched our understanding of different cultures and strengthened our appreciation for the diversity that makes our world so beautiful. They've become an integral part of our Intertwined family, and we're grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow together.

As we celebrate Nowruz and the start of a new year, we're reminded of the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community. We hope that you can take some time today to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. And if you're looking for a way to support women like our Afghan friends, consider purchasing one of our mixed-textile pillows - it's a small way to make a big impact.