The meaning of 'CAHAIA'

The name CAHAIA is inspired by “Cahaya,” which means light in various languages. It represents clarity, creativity, and the quiet power of illumination. Our name reflects our mission, to shed light on untold stories, celebrate cultural heritage, and honor the human spirit. Just as light reveals what often goes unnoticed, CAHAIA is here to uncover beauty in the details, in the unspoken, in what deserves to be seen.

This idea of light is also deeply personal. In Arabic, our family name, Daou, means light. For us, CAHAIA is more than a name; it’s a tribute to our roots, our shared story, and the belief that culture connects us all.

Through CAHAIA, we seek to revive forgotten stories, bring them into the present, and carry them forward; shining a light on what matters, one piece at a time. 

  • Our purpose

    At CAHAIA, our mission is to tell the stories of the world through objects that hold meaning, memory, and beauty, beginning with handbags. We exist to create culture carriers: people who carry a piece of the world wherever they go, and become our future storytellers.

  • Our dreams

    We envision CAHAIA as a luxury culture house, where fashion, art, and design come together to celebrate the world’s diversity. Beginning with handcrafted handbags, our journey aims to expand into other artistic collaborations that honor cultural storytelling. Our vision is to bring the beauty of global heritage into every aspect of your life.

  • Our beliefs

    CAHAIA blends vintage nostalgia with timeless design. At CAHAIA, we value:

    • Authentic storytelling: Storytelling is our craft. Each piece carries a true cultural story
    • Exceptional quality: Every piece is crafted with intention and uncompromising care
    • Unconventional elegance: Bold yet refined, rooted yet modern

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