Reimagining the olive tree through the art of bonsai

After completing her studies in agricultural engineering, she found herself looking for meaningful employment. But instead of waiting for an opportunity to come along, she began developing one that reflected her own interests and values.

That decision became Bonsai, a startup that merges the Japanese art of bonsai with native Palestinian plants, especially the olive tree. By applying bonsai techniques to the olive tree – a symbol of Palestinian heritage and resilience. By applying bonsai methods to the olive tree, Shahd introduced a new way of engaging with a symbol that holds deep meaning in Palestine. The trees are familiar, but the form is unexpected. Each one is a reminder of resilience, care, and the relationship between people and land.

Over time, Shahd expanded the project to include miniature cactus gardens and succulent arrangements. The idea was to make nature more accessible, especially for people with limited space, experience, or time. Each plant is prepared with care and offered as a thoughtful gift. Shahd’s approach to sustainability is simple and practical. She uses local materials, selects plants that require very little water, and avoids waste in the process. Her products are easy to maintain and made to last, offering an alternative to short-lived consumer goods. It is a way of reconnecting with nature through something small, affordable, and meaningful.

Support that helped structure the vision

Shahd joined the Riyada programme to gain the knowledge and resources needed to strengthen her business. Riyada, developed by SPARK and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, supports entrepreneurs across Palestine by offering mentorship, training, and funding. It also works closely with Business Support Centres and Higher Education Institutions to improve the quality of services available to startups.

For Shahd, the programme provided practical support and space to grow her ideas. It helped her focus on how to position her work, communicate her story, and manage operations more effectively. This kind of guidance was especially valuable in the early stages of her business, when structure and clarity were still developing.

Looking back, Shahd describes her decision to create Bonsai as a turning point. Rather than waiting for someone else to define her future, she built something of her own. In her words:

“I was looking for a job opportunity, and then I didn’t wait for one. I created a job opportunity that suits me.”

She encourages other aspiring entrepreneurs to stay committed, especially during the uncertain early stages. “Despite the challenges that you will face at the beginning of your project, we must keep going and always strive for our goals and achieve them,” says Shahd. 

Bonsai is a practice rooted in patience and care, shaped by tradition, and nurtured through creativity. Through the Riyada programme, SPARK continues to support Palestinian entrepreneurs like Shahd, who are planting new ideas in difficult soil and helping them grow.