Our Mission

  • • To empower Afghan artists, especially women and marginalized groups, through sustainable income, training, and visibility.
  • • To preserve and revive endangered Afghan crafts by bridging generations of knowledge and skill.
  • • To connect global audiences with meaningful, ethical, and authentic handmade creations from Afghanistan.
  • • To build a community where craft is not only seen as beauty but also as resistance, culture, and hope.

Our Team

Team Member
Somaya Soliman Khil

Artist, Founder & Cultural Visionary

Somaya Soliman Khil is an accomplished Afghan artist, cultural activist, and advocate for women’s ri...

Somaya Soliman Khil is an accomplished Afghan artist, cultural activist, and advocate for women’s rights with deep expertise in traditional Afghan arts, including miniature painting, calligraphy, illumination, and watercolor. With more than eight years of experience in the fields of cultural preservation, artistic education, and community development, she has led numerous programs focused on empowering Afghan women and defending freedom of expression through art. Ms. Khil holds a strong academic background in law and political science and has served in key leadership roles in both local and international NGOs. Her work bridges the gap between cultural heritage and social transformation, using art as a tool to address inequality, inspire dialogue, and promote human dignity. She has curated exhibitions, led art education workshops, produced over 1,700 original artworks, and collaborated with institutions across Asia, Europe, and the United States. Her contributions have been recognized with several awards and honors for her dedication to peacebuilding, cultural resilience, and social justice.

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Team Member
Melina Kakar

Production Director

Melina Kakar oversees the production process at Naiko, ensuring that each piece — from handcrafted e...

Melina Kakar oversees the production process at Naiko, ensuring that each piece — from handcrafted embroidery to miniature paintings — reflects the highest standard of craftsmanship and cultural authenticity. With years of experience in traditional Afghan arts and artisan management, she brings both technical knowledge and creative intuition to her leadership. Melina mentors young artisans, especially women, and plays a key role in bridging generational knowledge within Naiko’s artistic community.

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Team Member
Moslema Zamani

Sales & Finance Director

Moslema Zamani leads Naiko’s financial planning, sales strategy, and pricing systems. With a strong...

Moslema Zamani leads Naiko’s financial planning, sales strategy, and pricing systems. With a strong background in business operations, she ensures Naiko’s sustainability while maintaining fair compensation for artists. She connects traditional art with market-based approaches, turning creativity into economic independence. Moslema is also passionate about transparency, ethical trade, and empowering local artisans through responsible commerce.

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Team Member
Mina Alokozai

Communications & Technology Director

Mina Alokozai manages Naiko’s digital communications, branding, and tech strategy. As both a creativ...

Mina Alokozai manages Naiko’s digital communications, branding, and tech strategy. As both a creative thinker and a systems strategist, she ensures Naiko’s message reaches global audiences through modern platforms. Mina oversees social media, website content, and online campaigns, building a bridge between the digital world and the voices of Afghanistan’s artists. Her mission is to amplify impact through design, technology, and narrative.

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Team Member
Qudratullah Hamidi

Visual Content Creator

Qudratullah Hamidi brings Naiko’s story to life through powerful photography and video production. F...

Qudratullah Hamidi brings Naiko’s story to life through powerful photography and video production. From documenting artisans at work to creating promotional visuals, he ensures that the spirit of Naiko is captured authentically. His storytelling skills give visual voice to the mission of Naiko and its community of artists.

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Team Member
Nangyalai Safi

Web Developer & Digital Experience Designer

Nangyalai Safi is the technical architect behind Naiko’s digital presence. As Web Developer & UX Des...

Nangyalai Safi is the technical architect behind Naiko’s digital presence. As Web Developer & UX Designer, he ensures that Naiko’s website is not only functional and secure, but also artistically aligned with its brand. His work allows global customers to connect directly with Afghan crafts through a seamless, meaningful online experience. Nangyalai is passionate about making heritage accessible through clean, inclusive digital design.

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Our Story

Watch our journey and the impact we're making

AfghanCrafts Story

Discover our mission and vision