The journey began in Marrakech in 2015, when Nouf came across a small vintage furniture store in one of the city’s local markets. What started as a simple encounter became a quiet spark, guided by instinct and curiosity. The first pieces were later chosen with trust and intention, shipped to Jeddah, and shared through a humble pop-up. The response was immediate, marked by growing interest and genuine connections, and Once Upon a Chair began to take shape as a community-driven project. As life shifted and new priorities emerged, the project naturally slowed, leading to a pause, not an ending, but a conscious step back.

A couple of years later, the calling returned. With renewed curiosity and intention, the story found its way back online. The project grew again, support expanded, and sales increased. Yet as plans evolved, the rhythm changed. A move between cities made it difficult to sustain the momentum, and choosing to pause once more felt like the most grounded decision. 

In 2024, in the heart of Prague, the calling resurfaced. Guided by curiosity, devotion, and renewed courage, Nouf stepped into a new chapter. The first pieces of this chapter were chosen, and Once Upon a Chair was reborn, softer, slower, and more intentional than ever before.

This is the rebirth of Once Upon a Chair and the beginning of a new era, inspired by the world’s timeless beauty and the stories gathered along the way. This new beginning carries so much within it, and we’re excited for you to discover what’s ahead.

“Once Upon a Chair was never just a project. It has always been a reflection of my journey with intuition, beauty, and courage. It grew from my love for vintage pieces and a desire to offer others the chance to experience the same feelings I did.”
— Nouf Hakeem, Founder & Curator 
@noufhakeem