Turning Dreams into Thriving Businesses

 

Zain is 35 years old and lives in Nablus with her husband and five children. She studied Law at An-Najah National University and currently practices at Bait al Qanoon in Nablus. Zain was a beneficiary of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program at TYO, participating in the “CNCpreneurs” project in the summer of 2023. Her story is a true testament to the idea that entrepreneurship is synonymous with courage.

Zain's journey began in Qatar, where she developed a deep appreciation for the calligraphy designs adorning women's abayas. Due to unforeseen circumstances during the 2017 Qatar crisis, she and her husband decided to return to Nablus. Despite the safety and serenity they enjoyed in Qatar, Zain cherishes her family and career most.

After relocating to Nablus, she wanted to share this unique art form with others, initially starting by importing and reselling these products. However, her vision soon expanded, and she aspired to create her own unique designs and customized pieces. To raise the necessary funds and purchase the equipment she needed, Zain made a bold decision: she sold her car and, on the same day, bought the machine of her dreams.

With courage and perseverance, Zain embarked on a journey of learning, navigating numerous challenges in her business while balancing the responsibilities of being a working mother. With the support of her family and her husband, who always believed in her, she continued to push forward.

Just when she felt she had achieved success, she came across an announcement for TYO's entrepreneurship program. Without hesitation, she registered to participate. From the first interview, her intelligence, passion, and creativity were evident as she proudly showcased her own designed products.

“I thought I was doing everything right, but after the very first training session, I realized how much I still had to learn,” she admitted. The TYO program equipped her with knowledge and tools to revise her business plan, marketing strategy, and operational approaches. Most importantly, it fueled her determination and inspired her with a new vision: to establish an enterprise that provides employment and celebrates the rich artistry of calligraphy.

Today, Zain has her own car again (purchased with the profits from her business), two distinct product lines, and dreams of establishing a tailoring plant exclusively staffed by women. “Women in our community have such limited opportunities, and I want to change that by creating a space where they can gain new skills and the confidence to pursue their own goals and dreams,” she shared.

“I’m grateful to TYO for this incredible opportunity, to the skilled trainers who truly transformed my business mindset, and especially to Hend, who inspired me to always strive for better,” she expressed.

Zain’s journey exemplifies how an entrepreneurial mindset, combined with a courageous spirit, can turn dreams into reality — or thriving businesses. At TYO, we empower Palestinian female entrepreneurs to build self-confidence and achieve financial independence, increasing their participation in the labor force and advancing their standing in society. And with your support, we can catalyze the professional and personal growth of dozens of women and their families.