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IT'S always a treat to visit grandma ... and even better when she's a celebrated cook in the community.
Ebtesam Hassan Ali has continued dishing up a whole range of delights for her family alongside managing a successful culinary career.
The Bahraini mother-of-six's passion for cooking has made her a well-known figure in the local market for producing a mouthwatering variety of salty, sweet and savoury sensations.
She has been selling her homemade Bahraini and international dishes in Arad for more than 10 years.
"I used to rush home from school and try out whatever the teacher taught us during cooking classes - I just loved to cook from an early age!" said Ebtesam, 53. "My mother was a big influence on me too. I have learned many delicious dishes from her."
Family and friends who tasted her tantalising temptations encouraged her to set up a commercial enterprise and thanks to a start-up loan she was able to fulfil her dream.
Faced with a growing family and only occasional work as a handicraft teacher at a social centre she did not have a regular salary and often had to rely on available allowances to get by.
"After a lot of thinking and discussion with my husband and family," she said, "I applied for a loan with the micro-finance project to help get started and to increase my income.
"I heard about the project from the centre I am working in because it ran under the umbrella of Awal Women's Society which was one of the societies in Bahrain that managed the project."
Ebtesam said she received superb support from the very beginning and started her cookery business with a BD200 loan.
"Usually applicants receive a BD50 loan at the start," she explained, "but fortunately they knew me and trusted me so allowed me a larger amount.
"The society also ordered food from me when they had functions in a bid to support my enterprise. Frankly, they have been more than helpful ... I am very grateful for everything they have done."
As demand for her produce escalated Ebtesam had to take on helpers to assist in the venture. She said: "I have two people who I have personally trained. They know the secrets of my cooking and are very good help.
"We create all kinds of salty and sweet dishes, including appetisers, main dishes and sweets.
"I now have customers from all around Bahrain and the GCC countries. Thanks to God, my business is rapidly expanding.
"I am very grateful to the society and, of course, my loving husband Jassim Mohammed Ahmed, who has been there for me whenever I needed him.
"Frankly, without Jassim I wouldn't have started the business at all - he is the one who really encouraged me to do something for myself."
The project, entitled 'Provisions of Sustainable Micro-Finance Credit and Services to Needy Citizens of Bahrain', has provided small, short-term loans to low-income individuals, especially women.
Micro-finance was formed by the United Nations Development Project (UNDP), The Social Development Ministry and Al Ahli United Bank. For further information about the micro-finance project call Awal Women's Society on 17678974 or visit any branch of Al Eslah Society.
For a taste of Ebtesam's creations contact 39874187.
