Stitching Dreams: How One Young Designer is Changing Fashion in Arbat Refugee Camp
Meet Roaa, a shining star from our Hello Future Small Business Incubator Class of '23! Her journey isn't just about fashion – it's a beautiful story of transformation that will inspire you.
When Roaa first joined us in 2022, she was like a quiet butterfly waiting to spread her wings. Sure, she might have worked at her own pace, but don't let that fool you – behind that thoughtful approach was a perfectionist with big dreams!
Here's the thing about Roaa that makes us smile: while she started out unsure of her amazing potential, our Hello Future classes helped her discover her inner sparkle. With each project, we watched her confidence grow until she wasn't just participating – she was winning!
And then came the game-changer: The Hijabi Store! Finding stylish, modest clothing in Arbat Refugee Camp often meant long, expensive trips to Sulaymaniyah City. Many young women in the camp struggled to find fashion that spoke to their style and values. Roaa saw this gap and knew she could bridge it.
This isn't just any fashion boutique. Roaa had a vision bigger than fabric and thread. She wanted to create a space where girls in Arbat Refugee Camp could express themselves through fashion, just like their peers anywhere else in the world. Modern, stylish, and true to their values – that's what Roaa's designs are all about!
But wait, there's more! Our girl Roaa didn't just stop at opening a store. She's creating opportunities for other women too! By employing local girls to help with custom designs, she's weaving together fashion and female empowerment. Now that's what we call style with substance!
In Roaa's own triumphant words: "Owning something I built feels incredible. When I see clients traveling from far away just for my designs... wow! I really did it – I made my dream come true!"
From a quiet student to a fashion entrepreneur empowering her community, Roaa shows us that with determination and support, any dream is possible. Her story isn't just about selling clothes – it's about designing futures, one stitch at a time.
