Empowered by the ILO: Haya Said Sheikh's sweet success with Quick Sesame

RUJEIB, Occupied Palestinian Territories (ILO News) - In the town of Rujeib, in the Nablus Governorate, 35-year-old Haya Said Sheikh has added a healthy twist to traditional Palestinian sweets through her business, Quick Sesame. Specializing in 16 types of sugar-free sesame bars and 21 flavors of Turkish delight, Haya's handmade treats are crafted with high-quality ingredients, free of preservatives and artificial colours. They have become popular with health-conscious customers, diabetics, and families alike.

To enhance her business skills, Haya participated in an Improve Your Business (IYB) training in Ramallah, which marked a turning point for Quick Sesame. The programme provided her with practical tools to streamline operations, improve efficiency and make informed business decisions. By focusing on best-selling products with lower production costs, Haya tripled her business’s sales beyond expectations. The training also helped her optimize production schedules, enhance financial management, and strengthen her market presence. These strategies positioned Quick Sesame as a leading brand in the health-conscious sweets market.

While political challenges have impacted her distribution, Haya has adapted by partnering with local delivery companies and using social media platforms like TikTok to reach more customers. Despite these current obstacles, Haya remains dedicated to growing her business while balancing her roles as an entrepreneur, mother and community role model.

Entrepreneurship requires patience, hard work, sleepless nights, deep thinking, and even worry. You must care for your mental health and engage in energy-releasing activities to help you stay on your entrepreneurial path and avoid stopping halfway.

Haya Said Sheikh