In a world where traditions are often overshadowed by modernity, Edlira Kurti is on a mission to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Albania through her startup, Dor Arta Handmade. What began as a family tradition passed down through generations has evolved into a thriving business that not only keeps the ancient craft of carpet weaving alive but also introduces it to a global audience. Edlira’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and a deep-rooted commitment to her cultural roots. In this interview, she shares the story behind Dor Arta Handmade, the challenges she has faced, and her vision for the future of this unique cultural enterprise.
Can you tell us a bit about the history of your startup? How did the idea come about, and what were the initial steps you took to create this business?
The story of Dor Arta Handmade begins in 1995 when my mother started weaving carpets on a loom, a craft she had inherited from her mother. Since childhood, I remember the sound of the loom’s beat waking us up in the morning and the joy I felt when I began learning and helping her with this work.
As the years went by, while the work continued, I moved from Librazhd to Tirana to pursue studies in finance. However, the workshop always remained a dream and a mission for me—to do something bigger, something that would preserve and promote this unique Albanian cultural heritage.
I had a vision to transform the workshop into a cultural destination where visitors and tourists could see the carpet weaving process up close, understand the work and dedication required to create these works of art, and feel a connection to Albanian tradition and culture.
The initial steps I took to realize my vision for Dor Arta Handmade included various initiatives to promote this project on different platforms, in business competitions, and in the media. These initiatives helped present and promote the values of the cultural heritage we represent.
Recently, this startup was selected to receive support from the Challenge Fund, a significant assistance that will enable us to realize this vision and bring our cultural heritage closer to the public.
What have been the biggest achievements of your startup so far?
The carpets we produce are an authentic representation of our cultural heritage. Our goal is to preserve and develop this ancient artisanal tradition by weaving carpets with traditional and modern Albanian motifs on the traditional loom. Our products have crossed Albanian borders, reaching homes of customers worldwide, thus spreading a piece of our culture globally.
Participation in various fairs within the country has been another key moment in our journey, allowing us to showcase our work and connect with clients and admirers of craftsmanship. One of the highlights was the promotion of Dor Arta Handmade at the ISTO conference in Brussels, within the framework of the EYSET project, where I had the opportunity to present our workshop’s carpets and promote this Albanian tourist product on an international stage.
Currently, we are in the process of revitalizing our workshop, located in our family home in the village of Spathar, Librazhd. We are preparing to welcome visitors, offering them a unique cultural experience. In addition to the opportunity to see and participate in the carpet weaving process, visitors will be able to enjoy traditional products from our region, such as cornelian cherry juice, rakia, jam, fruits, and traditional dishes. This experience will combine art, culture, and hospitality, creating an environment where tradition and modernity unite in a unique and inspiring way.
What are some of the main challenges you have encountered during the development of Dor Arta Handmade, and how have you overcome them?
We are in the early stages of creating this business model where craftsmanship and cultural tourism are intertwined, which is as exciting as it is challenging. However, I see these challenges as a push to continue moving forward toward my vision.
One of the main challenges we face in our industry is competition with mass-imported products, often imitations that do not reflect the authenticity of our craftsmanship. To overcome this challenge, we continuously invest in promoting our brand through online platforms and participation in fairs.
At a time when traditional craftsmanship is gradually declining, I see it as a challenge to raise awareness among customers and visitors about the true value of authentic products and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. This is precisely what we aim to achieve with our startup, Dor Arta Handmade—to create an experience for local and foreign visitors who come to our workshop, offering them the opportunity to directly participate in the weaving process and learn about the history and tradition behind every carpet we weave.
How do you see the development of your startup in the next 3-5 years?
In the next 3-5 years, I see Dor Arta Handmade transformed into a well-known destination for tourists from around the world who seek an authentic cultural experience when they visit Albania. Our goal is for every visitor to leave our workshop not only with our handmade products but also with a taste of Albanian tradition and culture.
One of our main objectives is the preservation of cultural heritage through the continuation of the carpet weaving craft. For this reason, we plan to invest in training younger generations, ensuring that this ancient craft is passed down and kept alive for future generations.
We also aim to build a sustainable business model that not only protects and promotes traditional craftsmanship but also creates economic opportunities for the local community.
Do you have any partnerships or collaborations that have been key to the development of your startup?
Yes, we have had several key partnerships and collaborations that have played an important role in the development of Dor Arta Handmade. One of these important partnerships has been the support we have received from the organization Partners Albania for Change and Development. We have benefited from participation in several support projects for startups, which have provided us with valuable opportunities for promotion and networking.
We are also very happy to have been selected as one of the winners of the Challenge Fund, a support that has given us the opportunity to further advance our vision and realize the projects we have planned. This collaboration has been a major boost for our development, allowing us to expand our activities and achieve our long-term goals.
These partnerships have been essential for the progress and development of Dor Arta Handmade, helping us strengthen our position in the market and reach a wider audience.
Lastly, you have also been selected as one of the winners of the first phase of the Challenge Fund. What projects do you plan to implement with its help?
Yes, I am very happy to have been selected as one of the winners of the Challenge Fund, a support that is giving me the opportunity to further advance my vision for Dor Arta Handmade.
Specifically, we will invest in new equipment that will help us improve and increase the efficiency of our work. Additionally, a portion of the funds will be used to further develop our brand promotion, including the creation of a website that will allow us to reach a broader audience and present our products on a global platform.
What is your vision for the future of your startup, and how would you like your startup to be remembered in the industry in which you operate?
In the future, I see Dor Arta Handmade as a name synonymous with the preservation and promotion of Albanian cultural heritage. Our vision is to ensure that this craft not only survives but thrives, contributing to the economic and cultural enrichment of our community. We aim to be remembered as a startup that successfully blended tradition with innovation, creating a sustainable and inspiring model for future generations.
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