Alban Selami, an Albanian-American had returned to experience the homeland he had left when he was young. Having grown up in the US, reconnecting with his roots by discovering the culture and traditions of Albania, was a life defining experience. He spend 4 years exploring the Albanian lands in the Balkans, taking in everything from the mountains to the sea, from the North to the South. He learned about our rich history and culture from visiting museums and castles, reading books and speaking with locals.

Sitting in various coffee shops, Alban and his wife Rudina got to hang out with numerous local creatives. Slowly, an idea formed to bring the work of these Albanian artists, designers and creatives to their compatriots all over the world. Over the course of deep conversations and many cups of coffee and raki, that idea grew into Shqipful, an apparel brand celebrating Albanian culture and lifestyle.