East Meets West: The Vibrant World of Hedi Yousefi's Salam Forever

As I roamed the aisles of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center during the NY NOW Summer Market, I found myself drawn to a booth drenched in vibrant colors and intricate illustrations. Amidst the sea of exhibitors, one stood out—Salam Forever, a greeting card company that bridges Eastern and Western cultures through art.

Tune in to Discover the Stories Behind the Brands

Hedi’s Interview Starts at the 21:28 Mark

The Creative Force Behind Salam Forever

The creative force behind this eye-catching display is Hedi Yousefi, an Iranian-born artist who has called New York home for over a decade. As I approached her booth, numbered 1933, Yousefi’s warm welcome was as colorful as her artwork. She offered me not a business card but one of her actual greeting cards—a gesture that spoke volumes about her passion and generosity.

Imagery Courtesy of: Hedi Yousefi, Salam Forever

“We are trying to bring East and West culture together,” Yousefi explained enthusiastically.

The card she handed me, adorned with New York City imagery, including the convention center we stood in, was a testament to this fusion. High-quality paper, a golden envelope, and illustrations bursting with life—it was clear that this was no ordinary greeting card.

A Journey of Cultural Fusion

Yousefi’s journey to entrepreneurship was born out of a genuine need she identified after moving to the United States. “When I came, I was missing the things from over there, the designs,” she reflected. This nostalgia, combined with her love for Western culture, became the foundation of Salam Forever.

What Sets Salam Forever Apart

Cultural blend
Originality
Scale and quality

“We don’t try to copy anybody,” she asserted proudly. “Everything is original, all of the illustrations, and it has so much color and fun things.” Indeed, her booth showcased cards featuring cityscapes from Brooklyn to Vancouver, each piece a vibrant celebration of urban life.

Challenging Industry Norms

The quality and size of Yousefi’s products are deliberate choices that challenge industry norms. “Nowadays, you see greeting cards; they’re super small and tiny,” she observed. “We are trying to create art and show real art. For that reason, our greeting cards are a little bit bigger.”

The Hustle Behind the Art

Perhaps most impressive is Yousefi’s dedication to her craft. By day, she works as a creative director at an advertising agency. By night, often until 2 or 3 AM, she pours her heart into Salam Forever. “After five years, when I get off from work, until 2 AM, 3 AM, I’m working on this,” she shared, her voice filled with determination.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“Nothing comes easy,” she advises. “You have to consistently do it, one step at a time. Don’t rush.”

A Celebration of Cultural Diversity

As our conversation drew to a close, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Yousefi’s journey. In a city known for its cultural mosaic, Salam Forever is a brilliant example of how art can transcend borders and unite people. It’s a reminder that in the heart of New York, east and west don’t just meet—they blend, creating something beautifully unique.