Passion Turned Business: Mayassem’s Handmade Soaps from Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: With a lifelong love for handmade soaps, Mayassem Tamim embarked on a global quest to find the perfect products. Her journey led her to discover eco-friendly creations in Tripoli and boutique lavender offerings in Provence.
Driven by her passion, Tamim established Mayassem in 2018, producing luxury handmade soaps using natural ingredients sourced from Saudi Arabia. She envisions creating a local industry that reflects the purity of the region.
Her soaps are free from harmful chemicals and are meticulously handcrafted at her home atelier using sustainable, organic materials to ensure they are gentle on the skin. Locally sourced ingredients include extra-virgin olive oil from Al-Jouf, camel milk from Janadriyah, honey from Baha, and dates from Qassim.
Each soap is considered a mini canvas, infused with unique non-toxic colors inspired by the ingredients they contain. For example, the “Bliss” bar, made with Zamzam water and lavender fragrance, resembles the Kaaba, while the “Tamr” bar reflects the colors of the Saudi Arabian landscape with its blend of oud, saffron, turmeric fragrance, date paste, and camel milk.
Despite being a humble soap, each creation carries a deeper meaning for Tamim. For instance, the “Celestial Melody” soap, inspired by the loss of her cousin Rana, is adorned with blue colors, symbolizing a song.
Mayassem’s soaps come in a variety of scents including floral, fruity, woody, citrus, and unscented options. The brand offers classic, seasonal, and signature collections, along with limited-edition soaps encrusted with crystals like lapis lazuli and black onyx. Additionally, Mayassem provides hand-poured candles made from natural soy, coconut, and beeswax, as well as hand cream.
For Tamim, soap-making is a natural extension of her background in biology. After years of experimentation focused on aesthetics and organic ingredients, she perfected her products by testing them on family and friends.
Following her retirement from the UN Development Program, Tamim dedicated herself to her business. Her products have been showcased at various events and locations, including Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale, Diriyah’s Contemporary Arts Biennale, local markets, and pop-up stores.
Embracing the artisanal ethos, Mayassem aims to highlight the value of traditional craftsmanship. Tamim’s goal is to preserve the passion and artistry behind her products, ensuring that each soap remains a labor of love rather than just a job.
By celebrating the work of artisans, whether in soap-making, embroidery, or painting, Mayassem honors the cultural richness and identity of Saudi Arabia. Through her dedication to craftsmanship and quality, Tamim is paving the way for a thriving local industry rooted in tradition and artistry.