Mohamed Sulaiman | Olivscent

Meet Mohamed from Olivscent

“Each bar of soap we sell tells a story, not just of craftsmanship, but of resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of the Syrian people.”

Mohamed Sulaiman

Founder, Olivscent

Why are you a member of the Hub?

I arrived in the Netherlands almost ten years ago as a refugee. I didn’t know anyone, so I started volunteering right away. It was the only way I could build a network and start from scratch. That experience taught me how powerful connection really is, especially in a new country, culture, and language.

That early lesson in networking is what led me to join The Hague Humanity Hub. It’s all about finding the right people, people who care about social impact, justice, and building something meaningful. It took some time, but recently I’ve started meeting the right people and forming real collaborations. Being physically present makes a difference. It builds trust

What do you like most about your organisation?

Olivscent officially launched in 2023, but the idea had been growing in me for years. It’s more than just a social business. It’s a cultural bridge, a platform for empowerment, and a space for storytelling.

At the heart of Olivscent is Aleppo soap, a traditional Syrian craft that goes back more than 2,000 years. The soap is handmade by Syrian artisans in Turkey, many of whom are women and refugees. We use sustainable practices and zero-plastic packaging, and we tailor each order in collaboration with the artisans. It’s a way to support local livelihoods while bringing a piece of Syrian culture to new audiences.

What I love most is the storytelling. When people see the soap, they’re curious. Then they read the flyer, and they realise it’s not just a product, it’s part of a centuries-old tradition that has survived war and displacement. That curiosity opens the door to deeper understanding. It helps people see that Syria is not just a place of conflict, it’s also a place of history, creativity, and beauty.

What challenges do you face in your field of work?

One of the biggest challenges is reaching the right people, people who want to make a positive impact, who are open to hearing a fuller story. I believe they’re out there, but connecting with them is not always easy.

And honestly, there’s still a lot of bias. Some companies hesitate to trust products that come from conflict regions like Syria. That’s why we often start with smaller organisations that are values-driven and care about social impact.

I’ve also learned that digital marketing isn’t always enough. You lose the human connection. I prefer the more tactile approach, when someone holds a bar of soap, smells it, and reads the story. That’s when they truly connect. That’s where real impact happens

“We’re not trying to replace the existing narrative, we’re trying to add to it. To show the other side: the humanity, the resilience, and the creativity that often gets left out.”

What do you like most about The Hague?

I love the diversity. The Hague is full of “bubbles” – small communities that don’t always fit into the bigger picture. Spaces like The Hague Humanity Hub help connect those bubbles. They bring together locals and internationals, creatives and professionals, idealists and doers. That mix is what makes this city feel like home to me.

What is your favourite book?

One of my favourite books is The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté. It explores how modern society affects our physical and mental health, and how individualism is pulling us apart. The book is a powerful reminder that connection is essential—not just personally, but as communities. It also touches on generational trauma and how we carry pain across time, often without realising it. It’s a book that really resonated with me.

A movement that values heritage, supports artisans, and promotes social change

Olivscent is about creating beauty with purpose. Through storytelling, sustainable packaging, and community collaboration, they support refugee artisans and foster understanding across cultures. Each product carries a story, and a piece of heritage.

Through Olivscent, you’re not just buying soap. You’re supporting refugee artisans, amplifying unheard stories, and becoming part of a movement for sustainability, culture, and human connection.

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Humans of the Hub

The Hague Humanity Hub is at the heart of a thriving community dedicated to strengthening peace and justice. That’s what you read on our website, in our newsletter, and on our socials. But who are the individuals behind the organisations? Behind the initiatives, the research, and the actions striving for a more just and peaceful world?

Humans of the Hub takes you beyond the logos and formal titles to introduce you to the passionate people who form this unique community. It’s not just about the projects or institutions, it’s about the humans who dedicate themselves to peace and justice.