Nadia & Hind Wassef

Industry: Bookstore
Founded: 2001
www.diwanegypt.com

Diwan Bookstore is changing Egyptians' attitude to reading and reviving Egypt's literary scene.

The Business

Sisters Hind & Nadia Wassef founded Diwan Bookstore in 2001 as the first modern bookstore in Egypt to blend Western and Eastern literatures, films, musical genres, and styles.  With an emphasis on customer service, ambiance, and visual appeal to the stores, the sisters took the Egyptian cultural scene by storm.  Today, Diwan is a renowned regional brand with more than 10 stores across Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt's second largest city. Diwan hosts cultural events, children’s activities, and works to promote Arab and international writers to its customer base.  Using its stores, online presence, and social media channels, Diwan continues to forge inspirational and intellectual relationships with its clientele in an effort to increase commitment to the production and consumption of culture.  The Diwan Brand has had two new offspring: Qirtassiya (specializing in stationery products and promoting self-expression) and Diwan Kids (retailing children’s toys with an emphasis on edutainment).

The Entrepreneurs

Nadia and Hind Wassef stand out as female entrepreneurial role models in Egypt. Both sisters have always shared a commitment to developing Egyptian society. The sisters were born and raised in Cairo, where they were confronted with the dynamic interplay of Eastern and Western culture through their education at the American University of Cairo. As they delved into the world of literature throughout their college years, they came across classic Arabic texts that were not being celebrate in mainstream studies. Dedicated to preserving Egyptian culture, the sisters first pursues graduate studies in literature, and then went on to collaborate on a photography book. In 2001, inspire by their appreciation for culture, they founded Diwan Bookstore.