Stitching a future: Randa turns her passion into a fashion business in Yemen

Sanaa, Yemen (ILO News) - For Randa Ali Al-Awadhi, a 34-year-old Yemeni entrepreneur, the path to employment was blocked by conflict and a fragile economy. Despite holding a diploma in Computer Studies, she struggled to find work. Rather than give up, Randa chose to transform her long-standing passion for tailoring into a business and a source of hope.

Before joining entrepreneurship training, Randa faced multiple challenges, including limited capital, weak business management skills and a lack of professional equipment needed to grow production. These constraints made it difficult to turn her talent into a sustainable livelihood.

Randa enrolled in the Start Your Business (SYB) programme delivered by Nama Microfinance Foundation, where she gained practical skills in business planning, market analysis and enterprise management. The training enabled her to develop a business idea aligned with her skills and to prepare a full feasibility study. Continuous coaching and guidance during the start-up phase further supported her to make informed and strategic decisions.

Following the training, Randa successfully accessed financing from Al-Amal Microfinance Bank, which allowed her to purchase a modern sewing machine. This investment increased production capacity, improved product quality and strengthened her business’s readiness for expansion.

Today, ‘Randa – More for Women’s Fashion Design and Tailoring’ is an operational business steadily building a loyal customer base. The combination of training, coaching and access to finance helped Randa refine her entrepreneurial skills and manage her enterprise with confidence.

Reflecting on her journey, Randa says: “Every stitch can shape a future, and every piece I create carries a unique and unforgettable touch.” She encourages others not to wait for change, adding:

Don’t wait for the opportunity… create it. Every success begins with a step, and every big business once started as a small dream.

Randa Ali Al-Awadhi

Looking ahead, Randa aspires to open her own boutique and expand her designs beyond Yemen, guided by her belief that “Elegance is a language that knows no barriers.”