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FASHION-loving Haleema Al Abbasi always had an eye for style and with a little micro-finance boost has been able to ensure the nation can dress to impress.
Regular shopping trips to neighbouring Dubai proved so productive with family and friends that she soon had designs on opening her own boutique in Muharraq.
Haleema, 48, said: "I started earning my own money from doing some tailoring jobs from the house and during several trips to Dubai I found out that they had goods that were not available in Bahrain, so I thought about buying some and selling them here," said the mother of three boys and two girls, aged between 28 years to 16 years.
"When my business expanded and people were buying my goods I thought about doing it on a larger scale, so I applied for a loan with the micro-finance project and got extra money to really launch my dreams."
Her Al Makrama Boutique is located near Studio Sahari and five years on the business continues to grow from strength to strength.
Haleema now also looks further afield for quality garments and has started bringing in goods from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
She said: "In my boutique I also sell various products such as Arabic perfumes, head scarves, handbags and shirts.
"The business is doing well and people are happy with my products because the quality is good and the prices are affordable.
"Having your own private business, no matter how small it is, is better than working for others in my opinion. At the end of the day you are working for your own individual benefit and besides, it teaches you so many skills; how to manage and be in control of every aspect of your business, whether it is sales, marketing, advertising, promotions, financial expenses and profits and dealing with people.
"Running my own business has honestly helped me built up my confidence and self-esteem."
The first time Haleema took a loan from the micro-finance project was in 2002. "I started with BD50 and now my loan has reached to BD700. I believe that this project helps many people with skills to stand up on their own two feet and start something of value," she explained.
"There are thousands of Bahraini women and men who are benefiting from this project."
Haleema, however, said running your own business is not always easy and there are constant challenges.
"It is a bit stressful at times," she admitted. "Sometimes the customs don't make the importing process go as smoothly as I would wish, especially when the goods are in large quantities. But it is worth the effort because there is no more fulfilling a feeling than when you can overcome these kinds of obstacles.
"It is that sense of accomplishment what makes you want to go on and on. Having your own dreams and goals also pushes you to work harder."
Haleema can be contacted on 39636055. For further information about the micro-finance project call Awal Women's Society on 17678974 or visit any branch of Al Eslah Society.
