“You are your own business. Brand yourself justly!”

In July 2021, I got an opportunity to attend a first-ever women’s entrepreneurship workshop in North Cyprus. It was a mind-blowing event. It was a significant step forward for local women leaders to support young women on the Island in thinking about and establishing businesses. At the meeting, two dozen local business leaders spoke widely about their ventures, the challenges of being a business leader, and lessons learned throughout their business and career paths.

 

When I first arrived on the Island in 2017, I noticed a gap in the business sector. Unlike in Kenya, where entrepreneurship empowerment is supported and rapidly growing, this was missing here. Three years later, however, more organisations and individuals are rising to the occasion to close this gap. 

 

One such organisation is GIKAD (Girişimci Kadınların Desteklenmesi Derneği)- an association supporting entrepreneurial women. I was lucky to be part of the first cohort of women trainees through the initiative targeting universities in the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus. The July meeting attracted women leaders from across the board with immense experience in various fields, including the clothing and beauty industry, food processing, construction, health sector, people working in the corporate world, and students interested in the business sector.  

 

I caught up with a few young women participating in the groundbreaking program. They shared their experiences during the workshop and their take-away message with us. 

 

Farah

How have your priorities changed since you attended the GIKAD workshop? 

I have been thinking differently about women ever since the workshop. Even though I have always been an advocate for human rights, especially for the Palestinian community, today, I see myself being even more keen on women’s issues in a different way. Additionally, I have been working more on myself. I engage in activities that bring me peace and joy, including horse riding. I am more conscious about how I live my everyday life. 

2.       Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you first started your business? 

Although I have not started my business yet, I am now a more positive and responsive person towards life. I look forward to starting my business soon. At the moment, I am collecting information and researching my business idea. 

3.       How do you define success?

To me, success is not about not having needs. On the contrary, success is embarking on a journey with all your needs and working every day despite these challenges. If anything makes me happy, I pursue it with all I have. If you are working towards your goal, that is a success. Keep pushing forward. 

4.        Since the workshop, what are you doing now?

Since the workshop, I have started saving for my business. I decided to open a separate bank account specially for this business. My business partner and I are researching and engaging with people in the industry. 

Horse riding is my biggest accomplishment so far since the workshop. 

5.       What are some of the daily habits that keep you focused?

I love music. I wake up to music. I shower and dress while listening to music or the teachings of the Quran. I enjoy a well-made meal to recharge my energy. Additionally, you will find me reading and enjoying the ‘me time.’ Sometimes, I like scrolling social media pages for inspirational quotes or funny videos. 

6.       What do you find most challenging about being an entrepreneur/ a woman?

Being a Hijabi woman (covered), I have had to learn to accept that some people will always see the hijab first before they ‘see’ me. It can be draining. My only wish is for people not to judge others based on their outlook.  

7.       What was your take-home message after the workshop?

I  learned I should use my voice to advocate for women and those who cannot stand for themselves. Nowadays, I am more open to pointing out any form of mistreatment towards me or other people. 

Esther 

1. How have your priorities changed since you attended the GIKAD workshop? 

I have become more targeted and goal-oriented. Additionally, I am more self-motivated, waking up earlier to achieve my goals. I am becoming more positive and focusing on finding solutions to the challenges around me. 

3.       How do you define success?

Success is achieving goals, feeling happy, and being proud of what I have accomplished. 

4.        Since the workshop, what are you doing now?

Since the workshop, I have become focused and eager to chase my dreams. 

Although I am still doing the same job, I also learned that change is good if you are not happy where you are. 

5.       What are some of the daily habits that keep you focused?

Positive attitude

Personal care

Waking up early

Exchanging ideas with others

Reading more books 

6.       What do you find most challenging about being an entrepreneur/ a woman?

Fear of failure is the fear of starting something without knowing if it will work. The most challenging part is gender equality, being looked down upon just because you are a woman. 

Women lack a support system and the connections needed for financial and emotional support.  

7.       What was your take-home message after the workshop?

Take risks. Don’t fear failure. 

Be patient and have a passion for what you do. 

Upgrade your skills every day. 

Don’t be alone: have a network and seek support. 

Believe in yourself and what you do; the list is endless.

Dilnoza

1.       How have your priorities changed since you attended the GIKAD workshop? 

Gikad has motivated and encouraged me to go further. For example, before the workshop, I used to have dreams, but now I see them as goals to be achieved.

4.        Since the workshop, what are you doing now?

I have decided to apply for a master’s degree abroad. This is my main focus now.

6.       What do you find most challenging about being an entrepreneur/ a woman?

 Culture and societal expectations may negatively affect you. Nevertheless, you should accept such situations as challenges to be tackled. 

7.       What was your take-home message after the workshop?

My take-home message was to work towards becoming an entrepreneur and owning a business instead of working for someone else. 

 

Light

1. How have your priorities changed since you attended the GIKAD workshop? 

I’m more focused on myself and what matters most to my well-being and mental health. I pick my battles, speaking up more for injustice around me in my little space and walking away from things that stress my peace. Additionally, I’m putting better structures for sustainability in my business. 

 

2. Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when starting your business?

Well, I would say I gained more knowledge to add to what I already knew. Luckily, I have a business mentor who guided me when I wanted to start my business, coupled with seminars like GIKAD that I had attended before. 

 

3. How do you define success?

 

Most people define success as achieving set goals and targets. To me, success is a journey, not a destination. I describe it as setting and achieving my goals, reviewing them, and repeating the process. 

 

4. Since the workshop, what are you doing now?

Since GIKAD, I’ve been focused on my business more, so school is on holiday. GIKAD was a transformative opportunity for me. I came back refreshed and all fired up, putting the tips shared with us into my business and general life.

 

5. What are some of the daily habits that keep you focused?

My faith in God.  Praying, studying the Word of God, and listening to uplifting messages 

Mental Exercises and intentionally taking rest breaks.

 

6. What do you find most challenging about being an entrepreneur/ a woman or anything you wish to add? 

As an entrepreneur, one of the challenges I face is pushing out the right content/ products for each season. I’ve come to discover a lot with my business. There was a season when customers wanted just meat (suya), and then another time when they wanted suya with food. As much as it’s a challenge, my team and I are learning to decipher what package applies at different times to stay relevant in this space. 

 

7. What was your take-home message after the workshop? 

• Nothing happens by itself- I have to fight for what I want to see happen

• I surround myself with women who support me in and out of the business settings, women who can vouch for me and mention my name in a room full of opportunities as an entrepreneur. Moving forward, I will also be that type of woman to others.

• I will never take no for an answer. I will do what I need to do while ensuring that I don’t tread on other people as I push forward to reach my goals.