S5E7. Choice, Labor, and Tatreez with Noora from Taita Leila

Send us Fan MailNOORA IS THE CO-FOUNDER OF TAITA LEILA, A FEMINIST SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AND FASHION LABEL REIMAGINING PALESTINIAN EMBROIDERY—KEEPING ANCESTRAL STORIES ALIVE IN WAYS THAT WOULD MAKE OUR GRANDMOTHERS PROUD (@taitaleila). Inspired by her grandmother Leila Khalidi, author of The Art of Palestinian Embroidery, Noora shares how her family’s legacy shaped Taita Leila as a platform to keep ancestral stories alive through contemporary fashion. We begin with her Jerusalemite roots, her grandmother’s influence, and the role of embroidery as both archive and living tradition.She reflects on starting the project in 2014 as a way to reconnect with Palestine, reimagining elements of the thobe for modern wear. Noora also speaks to the political realities of producing in Palestine—checkpoint delays, settler violence, and, more recently, navigating the genocide’s impact.Finally, she shares how Taita Leila adapted by working with displaced Gazan embroiderers in Egypt, honoring heritage while supporting women through income, skills, and artistic expression. She frames the brand’s feminist ethos as rooted in empowerment and choice, and sees tatreez as both living resistance and wearable heritage.You’ll hear about:>> 1:04: Noora’s connection to Palestine>> 4:08: Exploring tatreez through Taita Leila (the person and the brand)>> 10:39: Crowdfunding and getting started>> 13:21: Producing in Palestine>> 21:55: What’s next for the brand>> 27:27: Defining feminism>> 32:00: Evolving views on female empowerment and labor>> 36:40: Customers and reception to Taita Leila>> 42:49: Taita Leila’s embroiderers>> 47:24: Bilingual Palestinian Embroidery Booklets>> 53:30: Major life lesson from tatreezRate, Review, & Follow on Your Favorite Podcast Platform“I love Palestinian embroidery and Tatreez Talk.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us elevate the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroiderers and support more tatreez-ers — just like you — in learning more about tatreez and connecting with each other. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and others -- just scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We’re adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!Links Mentioned>> Join the Taita Leila NewsletterBoycott Resolute RGL. Click here for more information. Boycott ZARA and all Inditex brands—Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Oysho, ZARA Home. Click here for more information.Follow us @tatreeztalkFollow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe