Salam Hello Reviews

Salam Hello is an ethical rug company founded by Mallory Solomon in 2019. Here are the key points about Salam Hello:

1. Mission and Values:

   • Salam Hello connects directly with Moroccan women to bring their one-of-a-kind rugs to the digital market, ensuring fair wages and full price transparency.
   • The company aims to empower Moroccan artisans by removing the middleman from the transaction, ensuring that weavers are paid their initial asking price without any haggling.

2. Creation Process:

   • Rugs are made from 100% live sheep wool, which is sheared from live sheep, lambs, or camels without harming the animals.
   • The wool is then brushed, carded, and spun by the artisans themselves using locally sourced spice or plant blends for natural dyes.
   • Each rug is hand-dyed using natural ingredients like henna, saffron, and pomegranate, and hand-woven on vertical looms set up according to the moon cycle.

3. Artisan Involvement:

   • Each rug listed on Salam Hello's site names its weaver and provides a backstory on the design, highlighting the artisan's role in creating the rug.
   • The company involves the women in the negotiations and asks them to share their stories, ensuring that the weavers are integral to the process.

4. Impact on Artisans:

   • Weavers through Salam Hello make 70% more money compared to working with middlemen.
   • The company reinvests 10% of its profits back into the community, giving the weavers agency to decide how to spend the money.

5. Product Range:

   • Salam Hello sources rugs from various regions across Morocco, including flatweaves, hand-knotted rugs, and Beni Ourain-style carpets.
   • Each rug is unique, reflecting the traditions and stories of the regions from which they originate.

6. Website and Collections:

   • The website (salamhello.com) features a collection of one-of-a-kind rugs handwoven by Amazigh women, preserving thousands of years of Moroccan tradition.
   • The rugs are priced based on their unique designs, materials, and the time and labor that go into creating them.

By focusing on direct sourcing, fair wages, and transparency, Salam Hello aims to provide customers with a deep connection to the artisans and the stories behind each rug.

Pros of Salam Hello:

• Authenticity: Handwoven by Amazigh women, preserving thousands of years of Moroccan tradition.
• Quality: Made using heritage methods, ensuring high-quality products that last for generations.
• Transparency and Fair Trade: Committed to fair trade practices, ensuring artisans are paid fairly for their work.
• Customization: Offers a "Customize Your Own" collection, allowing customers to create a rug that perfectly fits their space and style.
• Customer Service: Responsive customer service team accessible through multiple channels.
• Promotions and Discounts: Frequently offers promotions and discounts, suggesting legitimate promo codes are available.
• Unique Experience: Provides a unique opportunity to join the Salam Hello community in Morocco and learn more about the rug-making process.

Cons of Salam Hello:

• High Shipping Costs: Some customers have experienced high shipping costs.
• Varied Delivery Times: Delivery times can vary, which may be inconvenient for some customers.
• Limited Return Policy: All one-of-a-kind orders are final, and exchanges or returns are not accepted.
• Import Taxes: Customers outside the United States may be subject to import taxes.

Additional Notes:

• The website provides a wealth of information about the weaving process, rug styles, and the symbolism and history of the textiles.
• Prices include the cost of standard global shipping, but import taxes may apply for international customers.
• The company sources materials directly from artisans, ensuring fair prices and high-quality products.