A gift that changed everything
The beginning
My name is Adil Belmouden, son of the best mom in the world: Fatima Igouzal Belmouden. In 2017, we discovered that my mother was suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both hands. After two operations, she was at home recovering. She could barely use her hands and found it incredibly boring.
I wanted to give her something to pass the days. Something creative, something warm. And so it all began.
The discovery of merino wool
During her recovery, I introduced her to Instagram and Pinterest — full of inspiration for creative people. One day, I came across merino wool. I showed it to her, and she was immediately enthusiastic. She had never seen, felt, or worked with such wool before.
Curious, I bought a few kilograms as a surprise. Within an hour, with a big smile, she had made a beautiful throw. And then she immediately unravelled it: "Now I'm going to make something else," she said.
Merino wool is a special, natural fibre that is softer than regular wool, non-itchy and naturally temperature-regulating. It is the ideal fibre for handmade products. Warm, durable and beautiful to look at. At BELM we only use 100% European merino wool, ethically sourced and biodegradable.
From hobby to small family business
Fatima started making all kinds of products. Blankets, pillows, nests, and I saw how happy it made her. This was the real gift: her own little business. While she knitted, I learned the rest: building a webshop, furnishing a studio, buying kilos of wool from all over the world.
And then I posted something on Facebook. Within five minutes of the post: the first order.
I went to my mother and said:
Mom, this is BELM. Your company.
Handmade in Vinkeveen, The Netherlands
BELM is a small family business located in Vinkeveen, the Netherlands. Every product is personally designed and handmade by Fatima — no mass production, no factories, no shortcuts. Only craftsmanship, love, and the finest merino wool.
Every order is personally packaged and shipped with care. That's something you feel when you hold a BELM product in your hands.
Why handmade?
Handmade products are unique. No two pieces are exactly alike. At BELM, we believe that a product has more value when real hands, time, and attention have been invested in it. That's exactly what Fatima does every day — for every order, anew.
More than just products
Fatima has ambitious plans for BELM. She not only wants to offer unique, high-quality handmade products but also contribute to tackling unemployment in the Netherlands. BELM is a company with a heart.
Discover our handmade collection
Are you curious? Browse our handmade merino wool products and find your favorite piece.
Popular categories
- Handmade blankets & throws — warm, soft, and timeless
- Merino wool decorative cushions — stylish and unique
- Baby collection — safe, soft, and the most beautiful maternity gift
- Home accessories — pouf, cat bed, scarf, and more
- View all products