The dream wasn’t always clear, but the hope was always there.

In a small corner of the market, Faheema took her very first step on a journey that has now lasted more than 13 years. It all began in the midst of a crisis — her husband had just survived a serious accident, and all they had before them was a small table and a few pairs of slippers worth 400 EGP.

For the first four years, Faheema worked tirelessly at a street stall. Then, through dedication and hard work, she managed to open her own shop with 20,000 EGP — money she had carefully saved from her profits. Her husband, son, and daughter all work alongside her, and during the busy seasons, she hires two additional helpers.

Through a close friend, Faheema learned about Al-Tadamun. She took her first loan of 10,000 EGP in 2017, and since then, she has grown step by step with the foundation’s support. Each year, her financing increased, and by 2025, her latest loan had reached 101,000 EGP — all of which she used to purchase goods and expand her business.

When asked about the secret behind her success, Faheema simply says:

“I fell in love with the work. I learned it and became attached to it, and the factories I deal with made me love it even more. A kind word is what brings customers. The most important thing is to build good relationships with people — respect them and listen to them. Then they will be the ones who open doors of livelihood for you.”

Today, Faheema has become a true pillar of support for her family and her community — an inspiring example for many who dream of starting something of their own but don’t know where to begin.