The story of Wigits begins with an unexpected yet serendipitous meeting between two women from vastly different corners of the world—one from Kuwait, the other from the United States. Fatema Marafi, a talented design student from Kuwait, and Marcella Janush, her professor, found more than just a classroom connection; they found a shared passion for cultural exploration and appreciation.
Fatema, immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Kuwait, had long been surrounded by the symbols, patterns, and traditions that defined her homeland. Marcella, on the other hand, had recently relocated with her family to Kuwait, eager to learn and experience a new culture through fresh eyes. Their bond deepened as they explored the intersection of Kuwait's past and present—from the iconic dhow fishing boats of its ancient seafaring history to the bold, contemporary designs of the modern city skyline.
This collaboration sparked a creative idea: to create a product that could capture the essence of Kuwaiti culture in a meaningful, tangible way. Together, they developed Wigits—buildable wooden cultural gift sets designed to celebrate traditions while offering a hands-on, customizable experience. After experimenting with different sizes, colors, and designs, they created a product that was not only travel-friendly but also a beautiful representation of the memories and stories they both cherished.
In just one year, the duo’s passion project evolved from a simple idea to an internationally recognized product. Today, Wigits are sold across multiple countries, with customizable elements that reflect personal memories, family traditions, and cultural pride. What began as a classroom encounter has now blossomed into a global business, connecting people across the world through the shared appreciation of culture, craftsmanship, and creativity.
CEO and Co-founder
CEO and Co-founder