About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Asha Courtyard began with a simple idea: to create a place where people could slow down, connect, and feel at home. We are two friends, Fereshteh and Haleh, brought together by a shared love of community, Persian culture, beauty, mindfulness, and meaningful connection. Over time, we found ourselves dreaming about a space that could bring people together, not just for an event, but for the feeling of being connected to something deeper. For us, a courtyard has always represented more than a physical place. In Persian culture, the courtyard is a gathering place, a space filled with light, nature, conversation, music, and memories. It is where people come together, share stories, celebrate, reflect, and simply enjoy being with one another. Asha Courtyard was born from that spirit. Our hope is to create experiences that nourish the mind, body, and heart, from meditation and sound healing to cultural gatherings, art, conversation, and celebrations. Most of all, we want to create a welcoming space where different people can come together, feel seen, and leave with a little more light than when they arrived.
Meet The Team
Fereshteh Dadaei / Founder
I was born and raised in Tehran and, after two migrations and many changes, eventually found my way to the United States, carrying the hope of making a new place feel like home.
Soon after, I became a mother to twin daughters. It was one of the greatest blessings of my life, but raising twins far from my family and support system also brought moments of loneliness and uncertainty specially with my full time job with the County of Sacramento serving in a very demanding IT position. Motherhood taught me not only about strength, but also about how deeply we need connection and community. One unexpected encounter with another mother of twins led me to EDMOM (El Dorado Moms of Multiples). Through that community, I found friendship, understanding, and a sense of belonging. It opened my eyes to the quiet loneliness that many people experience when they are far from family, culture, and the places they once called home.
Years later, as my daughters grew up and began their own journeys, I found myself thinking about the community that had helped me find my way and wondering how I could create that feeling for others.
That is where Asha Courtyard began.
Together with my dear friend, Haleh, we hope to create a welcoming space where people can gather, share stories, celebrate culture, learn from one another, and simply feel that they belong.
What began as my own search for community has become a desire to create community for others, a place where, through connection, we can all feel a little more at home.
Haleh Khodaverdi / Founder
I was born in Shemiran, Tehran, surrounded by beautiful gardens, flower-covered hills, seasonal
creeks, and the sounds of birds. Every summer, I spent time in my father’s hometown in Zanjan
Province, among vineyards and fruit trees, where I developed a lifelong love for the beauty and
generosity of nature. I was also deeply influenced by my grandmother, a wonderful cook, baker, storyteller, and one of the kindest souls I have ever known. From her, I learned that food is a language of love and that gathering creates connection and a sense of home.
Today, I am a spouse, a mother of two, and a full-time researcher at the University of California,
Davis.Walking alongside my autistic son has taught me to see the world through a different lens, one filled with patience, deeper love, small miracles, and unexpected light. I also carry with me the beautiful tradition of Persian hospitality the belief that welcoming others, sharing food, and making space at your table are meaningful expressions of love, generosity, and connection.
Asha Courtyard brings together all the pieces of my journey: the gardens of my childhood,
my father’s vineyard, my grandmother’s kitchen, Persian hospitality, family and friendship, and
my love for bringing people together.
Asha is my hope to create a beautiful, welcoming space where people can slow down,connect, celebrate, feel at home, and share their stories.
Our Story
Asha courtyard founded by two women in love with Persian culture who share a deep passion for bringing people together through meaningful experiences.