The Hamsa Brand came to life by sheer fate. Everything was ‘maktub’ — as it’s said — written for them.
In 2012, our culinary co-founder Michael — now a world-renowned, award-winning pizzaiolo and James Beard Award nominee — was on a work trip to New York City from Las Vegas when a chance taxi ride changed everything. On his way to JFK airport, he struck up a conversation with the driver, who insisted on introducing him to his “perfect match.” Three weeks later, Michael returned to meet Joanna — co-founder and the mind behind the squeezable harissa sauce. From their very first embrace, they knew their lives were meant to intertwine.
The alchemy of that fateful connection — generations of ancestral heritage blended with a modern love story — has become The Hamsa Brand.
It was all
‘Maktub’.
Note from the Founders:
Growing up, our homes were filled with the aromas of vibrant, flavorful meals — the heart of every family gathering. Our rich Moroccan and North African heritage is deeply woven into everything we do, from the ingredients we source to the techniques we use.
As a husband-and-wife team, our mission is to share our passion for authentic flavor through our signature harissa — a sauce that embodies over 500 years of North African culinary tradition, crafted to inspire chefs and bring bold heat and depth to every dish.
~ Michael & Joanna Vakneen ~
Watch our love story come to life
“Remember that herever your heart is, there you will find your treasure”