Meet Amy (Eiman) Namow, Packer for Second Nature Brands

Where were you born?I was born in Iraq.

How did you come to the United States? In 1980, the war between Iraq and Iran started. I was married with two young girls. My family and I fled the war in Iraq and arrived in Italy as refugees. In 1982, we moved from Italy to the United States. So thankful for America. We settled in Detroit, then Oak Park, and then Warren. I still live in Warren.

When did you start working at Second Nature Brands?I started at Kar’s Nuts in 1997 when it was in Ferndale. I started as a packer and I am still a packer because I love it! I love everyone that I work with and I enjoy the work. I have been here almost 25 years! God Bless America and God Bless Kar’s Nuts!

What would you like to share about your Arab heritage? We have a strong community. We enjoy spending time with each other, going to weddings, reunions, spending time with family. Of course, with COVID we have not been able to see each other as much. My daughters are grown, one is a teacher, and one is a homemaker. I have five grandchildren. I have one grandchild that I have only been able to see from a distance because of COVID. 

Do you have any favorite traditions or food from your Arab heritage? For very special occasions, like Christmas, I like to have pacha. It is made using the sheep stomach and we stuff it with meat (usually tongue), rice, garlic, and seasonings. It is a lot of work, so we only have it for special occasions and when we make it, we have to make a lot because everyone loves it.