Tamielle Handkerchiefs Seeks New Guardian
There’s something evocative about a handkerchief. Many of us remember the comforting weight of one tucked into the sleeve of a school cardigan, pressed into our palm before we stepped into an assembly hall or waved goodbye at the school gates. We recall the elegance of a white square peeking out of a breast pocket at weddings, christenings, and farewells. Some carry the memory of a scented hanky retrieved from a grandmother’s drawer, ironed just so, embroidered with tiny initials. Others remember using them to wipe away tears - of laughter or sorrow - with something that felt like it had always belonged.
Tamielle handcrafted handkerchiefs - Bees.
Tucked between threads of heritage and hope lies Tamielle - a gentle yet powerful social enterprise dedicated to the preservation of hand-embroidered handkerchiefs and the women who craft them. Founded in 2006 by designer Tamar Kovner, Tamielle grew from a single idea into a celebrated brand that stitches together tradition, empowerment, and global admiration. With over 72 stockists worldwide and clients including the Royal Family, the British Parliament, and the Textile Museum in the Netherlands, it is a small but mighty force for good.
“It’s not just a handkerchief,” Tamar says, “it’s a message of dignity, a keepsake, and a moment in time.”
And now, Tamar is ready to pass the needle on.
After nearly two decades nurturing the business, Tamar is retiring to pursue a new career in art psychotherapy. Yet she remains deeply committed to finding the right person to carry forward her vision. “I am looking for a guardian,” she explains, “someone passionate about textiles and the human stories behind them - to continue this lovely social enterprise, and support the women who are the heart of Tamielle.”
Embroidering together in the kitchen - the women of Tamielle.
At the heart of Tamielle’s success is a group of 14 women in rural Bulgaria. Discovered through charities supporting women in need, they have been working with Tamar for 18 years, producing delicate, soulful handkerchiefs using age-old embroidery traditions. Each piece is imbued with emotion, stitched with care, and tagged with the name of the woman who made it, allowing buyers to forge a quiet, meaningful connection with the maker.
The business model Tamar has built is simple, elegant, and deeply ethical. Tamielle operates as both a designer label and a social enterprise, showcasing yearly at Maison & Objet in Paris, and selling through platforms such as Spirit of Christmas and well-established online shops. It is a profitable, scalable venture with enormous potential for growth - particularly through creative use of social media and digital storytelling. Tamar is clear: “There is absolutely no reason to close it. What it needs now is someone younger, with energy and vision, to expand it.”
Sewing Bee handkerchief set, Tamielle.
Tamielle’s next chapter is waiting to be written. Perhaps by someone who dreams of meaningful work and managing their own social enterprise. Perhaps by someone who understands the gentle power of textiles to connect, comfort, and transform.
If you feel called to be the next guardian of Tamielle, Tamar would love to hear from you. For serious expressions of interest or to learn more, please contact her directly at:
info@tamielle.com
Let’s ensure these stories, these stitches, and these women's livelihoods continue to thrive - one handkerchief at a time.
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Further Information:
If you are interested in becoming the new Guardian of Tamielle, please contact Tamar Kovner directly on info@tamielle.com
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Image Credits:
Lead Image: Untitled Tintype, Sewell Shatuck, Pre 1865. Collection SFMOMA.
Image 1 and 2: RAUM Concept Store
All other images courtesy of Tamar at Tamielle