Hala is a 27-year mother who challenged social constraints and started her own business, supporting her family and inspiring other women to start businesses.
At 27 years old, Hala is a mother of 3, navigating the daily challenges of life in Sohag Governorate with resilience and an entrepreneurial spirit that has used to build a successful business.
For years, Hala’s family lived on the unstable income of her husband, a day laborer whose earnings fluctuated with each passing day. As the needs of their growing children increased, the pressure mounted, and it became clear to Hala that she needed to help. But in a small village where opportunities were limited, this wasn’t easy.
The power of determination unveiled
However, Hala’s determination to support her family was stronger than the obstacles she faced. She refused to watch her husband struggle alone. When she heard about the Anti-Irregular Migration Project through local seminars, which offered families the chance to start small businesses, Hala saw her opportunity. She immediately signed up for the “Enterprise Your Life” sessions, run by Plan International, hoping to turn her desire to help into a sustainable source of income.
Learning and putting knowledge into action
Hala knew that her community had unmet needs, but she lacked the skills to meet them. That’s when the idea of starting a sewing business came to her. Many would have seen this as a roadblock, but not Hala. Driven by her goal to support her family, she searched for vocational training and enrolled in a sewing course.
For a month and a half, she learned everything she could, mastering the skills necessary to turn her business idea into reality.
Growing her business
With newfound skills and a business plan in hand, Hala applied for a grant from the EU Trusted Fund project—and was selected. The grant allowed her to purchase her first sewing machine, and Hala’s journey as an entrepreneur began.
Hala’s creativity, hard work, and determination to provide for her family quickly turned her venture into a success. What started as a small operation making clothes grew into something much larger. With an eye on expansion, Hala saved her earnings and reinvested them into her business, buying more raw materials and eventually purchasing a serger machine to enhance the quality of her products. She even began producing bedding sets, further increasing her income.
Expanding positive impact
The growth of Hala’s business didn’t just benefit her family—it inspired her community. Hala was nominated to attend the Economic Empowerment Conference in Cairo. Traveling from Sohag to the capital was something she had never imagined. At the conference, she gained valuable skills in presenting her business to potential partners and investors and was exposed to innovative ideas from across the country. The conference fueled Hala’s passion even further, opening her eyes to new possibilities for her growing enterprise.
Getting more funding
Hala’s story doesn’t end with the success of her business. She was awarded an additional grant, allowing her to expand her operations even more. Today, Hala’s business is thriving, and she’s not just supporting her family—she’s planning for the future. With her profits, she’s saving to buy a second sewing machine and dreaming of new ways to grow her business.
“Now I can contribute to the household expenses and support my children’s education.”
Hala
A rewarding journey
Hala’s journey to successful entrepreneur is a powerful reminder of the potential within us all.
“Previously, we were barely getting by, but now I can contribute to the household expenses and support my children’s education. Instead of buying just 1 piece of clothing for my kids, now I can afford 2 or even 3,” said Hala.
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