Syrian couple makes Folkingestraat Groningen sparkle: ‘Lamps bring warmth to life’

Enchanted by the Eldorado of handmade lamps, which sparkle cheerfully in the Folkingestraat. Owners Jahoud and Zafer are sure: “Lamps bring warmth to life.”

Jahoud Saflo looks into her shop. “Every product here is unique. Everything is made by hand.” A proud smile on the lips. In 2014, she fled Syria with her husband Zafer Shawi and their children.

Eventually life brought them to Groningen. Where less than two years later she started J&Z home accessories, a piece of the Middle East in the city.

Pharmacist and teacher

In Syria, Shawi was a pharmacist. Saflo graphic arts teacher. Thanks to their store in Groningen, she can also let her creativity flow here: the collection of shapes that embellishes the lamps comes from her hand.

She sends the works to Turkey, Egypt and Syria, among others; the countries where the couple has their production addresses.

Travel to the Middle East

To avoid unpleasant surprises, the couple board a plane once every two months. Sample from their makers. “We want to make sure we sell quality.” Once the blessing is given, the collection ends up in trucks. On to Groningen.

In addition to a collage of colors, you will also find numerous types of lamps in the store. Hanging lamps, table lamps, wall lamps, chandeliers… and all with an authentic touch. Because there is no room for wallflowers in the business.

How much work does it take to assemble such a lamp? Shawi: “That will take weeks. It is first mouth blown and then glass is placed on glass. That’s the mosaic. It is then painted and plaster is added. Finally, they clean everything up well.”

Soap from Aleppo

Although the lamps are the ones fighting for attention the most, a number of other products are also pulling your weight. Leather bags, rings with gemstones, engraved chessboards, and ceramic bowls.

“And no product has a copy,” says Saflo. She also shows perfume from Qatar and takes a bar of soap from Aleppo. “It is made from olive and laurel oil and helps against pimples and dry skin.”

The owners feel comfortable in the store. City dwellers and tourists know where to find their way. There are even plans for a second location in Utrecht.

“Moreover,” says Saflo, stroking a green wall lamp, “we are surrounded by things that we feel love for. That matters a lot.”

That customers share that feeling is evident from the photos they sometimes send of their living room addition. “It’s great when they do that.” The owners see it as confirmation: “Lamps bring warmth to life.”