When we met Ahlam yesterday, we knew she was special. Not only because she was succeeding in her business, but she has also found a way to empower women to open their own businesses in the camp.
For Day 145, we wanted to do something for Ahlam that might help her continue to lift up others by sharing her craft…with even more supplies!
Ahlam has already trained nearly 200 women in soap-making and perfumes. But she’s not just teaching skills on how to make soap – she also works with the women on concepts like presentation and marketing.
“This helps women build their inner confidence and be strong,” she says. “As women, we have to stay strong and assert ourselves.” Now the sales of the soaps all goes back to the women in the training program, to help them grow their businesses.
Ahlam herself didn’t have formal training, and much of her business was trial and error. She says it took a lot of grit and determination to make it where she is.
“When I meet with the other women they’ll say ‘I’m not educated, I can’t do it.’ I say it’s not about education, it’s about your will and determination. Don’t let your lack of education stop you. Look at me! I only have my primary school education. And look what I’ve done. You can too.”
