We were lucky to catch up with Hicham Foual recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Hicham, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity is rooted deeply in my upbringing, especially from my mother, who taught me that kindness and hospitality are part of who we are. Growing up in Morocco, our home was always open we would treat the entire family and even strangers to food, and if someone came to the city with nowhere to stay, we would welcome them and give them shelter. This spirit of giving is something natural to Moroccans, where generosity is not an act but a way of life, woven into our culture and our hearts.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Dar Dmana is a cultural and culinary brand I created to share the true spirit of Moroccan hospitality generous, warm, and unforgettable. As Chef Hicham, my mission is to bring people together through authentic flavors, artistic presentation, and the traditions I grew up with. The brand stands for elegance, generosity, authenticity, and cultural pride. It’s not only about food, but about creating experiences where people feel welcomed, celebrated, and connected.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the most important qualities that shaped my journey are resilience, creativity, taste, and cleanliness. Resilience has carried me through the challenges of building something meaningful, teaching me to see obstacles as lessons. Creativity is essential not only in reimagining tradition, but also in always searching for something new around you, staying curious, and bringing fresh ideas to life. Taste is the heart of my craft as a chef, knowing how to balance flavors and create dishes that truly touch the soul. And finally, cleanliness is a value I live by, because true hospitality and respect always begin with it.
My advice for anyone early in their journey is to never stop learning, surround yourself with people who inspire you, and stay consistent in your work even when progress feels slow. Success takes time, but passion, discipline, and patience will always bring results.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teaching me the value of hospitality, respect, and hard work. My mother especially showed me that generosity is not just about giving, but about making people feel at home, cared for, and respected. Growing up, our home was always open to family, friends, and even strangers who needed food or shelter. That shaped who I am today and inspired me to create Dar Dmana, where I bring that same spirit of Moroccan hospitality to my work. Their lessons are the foundation of my character, and I carry them with me in everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dardmana.com
- Instagram: @dardmana_la
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dar-dmana-los-angeles?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
