Lujain Abulfaraj: The Woman Making Arabic Fun for Kids
From her childhood days filled with creative learning to building a purposeful brand for the next generation, Lujain Abulfaraj is redefining how Arabic is taught—one toy at a time.
Her journey began at home, where her mother, trained in Montessori education, used playful methods to teach everything from math to language. “Growing up with my Montessori-trained mother was a defining moment,” Lujain shares. “She used visuals and play to make learning easier and more engaging—from preschool all the way through high school.”
This early exposure planted lifelong values in Lujain: a love for design, a habit of thinking critically, and a belief in learning through play. These ideas weren’t just childhood lessons—they became the foundation of her life as a parent, designer, and now, entrepreneur.
A Personal Parenting Struggle Sparked a Bold Idea
Lujain always had a creative streak. School projects were her happy place, and design felt like her natural calling. But the idea of designing for play came much later, inspired by motherhood.
Her turning point came when her child struggled to connect with the Arabic language. Frustrated by the lack of tools that were both fun and thoughtfully designed, she returned to what she knew best: play.
“I searched for a toy that combined open-ended play, good design, and Arabic,” she recalls. “When I couldn’t find it, I realized I had to create it myself.”
And so, Akwan was born—a brand rooted in design, storytelling, and the mission to make Arabic fun and accessible for children.
The Birth of Akwan: Where Design Meets Purpose
For Lujain, Akwan wasn’t just a business idea—it was a deeply personal project that blended everything she loved: creative design, child development, and cultural identity.
“My biggest achievement so far has been building Akwan from the ground up,” she says proudly. “What makes it special is that it came from a real struggle, and it’s now a meaningful solution for families like mine.”
Her background in branding and visual design gave her a head start. She understood the power of storytelling and knew how important aesthetics were in capturing a child’s attention. But that didn’t mean the road was easy.
“Starting Akwan meant learning about manufacturing, logistics, product safety—and doing it all in a market that didn’t quite exist yet,” she explains. “It was a new category, and building trust took time.”
What kept her going was the mission—the belief that Arabic could be taught in a joyful, playful, and culturally rooted way.
Making Arabic Fun, Playful, and Modern
Akwan’s toys are different. They focus on open-ended play. Toys that don’t just teach letters but also invite storytelling, creativity, and interaction. Each product reflects strong design principles, Arabic language learning, and a connection to Arab identity.
For parents, it’s a breath of fresh air. For kids, it’s learning without even realizing it.
“I wanted to create toys that children love and parents feel proud of—toys that make Arabic approachable and exciting,” Lujain says.
She’s now focused on growing Akwan’s reach. That includes developing new products, expanding into retail spaces, and building partnerships with schools across the region.
“This path gives me purpose every day,” she says. “It brings together everything I care about and keeps my inner child excited to show up to work.”
No One-Size-Fits-All Career—and That’s Okay
Lujain’s journey has taught her that careers don’t have to follow a straight line. “There’s no one right way to build a career,” she says. “What works for others might not work for you—and that’s okay.”
This realization helped her embrace her own rhythms and lean into her strengths, rather than comparing herself to others.
“Learning to honor my ebbs and flows has been transformational,” she says. “When you lead from a place of authenticity, it changes everything—your family life, your business, and your confidence.”
She’s now intentional about working in ways that reflect who she is, not just what the market expects.
Legacy, Language, and Leading with Heart
For Lujain, this isn’t just about building a successful business—it’s about building a legacy.
“I hope to be an asset to parents and families raising creative, global-minded Arab children,” she says. “Children who are proud of their culture and identity.”
She wants to be remembered not just as a founder, but as someone who made Arabic learning more meaningful for a new generation. Someone who led with heart, values, and purpose.
And to anyone walking their own winding path, her advice is simple:
“Just keep swimming, and enjoy the swim.”
Do follow her on Instagram
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