Success Story – Nawal Shakarneh | “Nawal’s Embroidery” Project

 Mentors: Qusay & Asalah

“The beauty lies in the small details of embroidery… And he who strives shall succeed, and he who walks the path shall reach.” With these words, I express my journey with my project, “Nawal’s Embroidery,” which began from a simple love for Brazilian embroidery and gradually transformed into a comprehensive business combining creativity, patience, and continuous development.

I started my project from home, with limited resources and simple tools, designing and embroidering pieces for babies and children, such as handmade embroidered clothing and blankets. I believed that every stitch carried a piece of my personality, and that this art deserved to come to light in a way that befits its beauty. However, the initial challenges were numerous: low demand, pricing difficulties due to fluctuating raw material prices, and minimal sales compared to the effort invested. I also faced difficulties in marketing and reaching customers outside my local area, lacking a clear plan for time management and workflow organization.

Through my participation in the mentorship program with the Ibtikar Foundation, my true journey in project development began. With the support of mentors Qusay and Asalah, I learned how to analyze the market, understand customer needs, and develop a realistic business plan based on specific objectives. The first sessions focused on identifying key challenges such as weak marketing and time management, followed by establishing practical steps to overcome them.

Mentors Qusay and Asalah share: “From our very first meeting with Nawal, we sensed a deep passion and high precision in her work, but she needed to organize her efforts and refine her marketing skills to highlight the beauty of what her hands produce.”

Through training, I acquired new skills that completely reshaped the project. I learned how to use design tools and content creation, redesigning the project’s visual identity and logo. My social media pages became more organized and professional, and I began delivering content that reflects the quality of my work and highlights the aesthetic details of embroidery. I also learned how to prepare a digital marketing plan, including posting schedules, setting up sponsored ads, and analyzing audience engagement.

Participating in bazaars was a significant turning point, where I met new customers, learned how to handle various orders, and mastered attractive display methods. I introduced new products such as embroidered keychains, tote bags, and personalized gifts, which helped me diversify income sources and attract new customer segments. I also learned from past experiences that certain products needed quality improvements or pricing adjustments to better suit the market.

The quote that remains etched in my mind is Mentor Qusay’s advice: “Do not undervalue your work and effort; those who appreciate your craft will always return to you.” That sentence was a true turning point in how I viewed myself as a designer and entrepreneur, boosting my confidence in my ability to succeed no matter the circumstances.

After six months of continuous work, I became more professional in managing the project, and more capable of organization and decision-making. I gained immense confidence in myself and my offerings, watching my project grow before my eyes with every new order and positive customer review. My daily life changed as well; I now organize my time precisely, work with a clear plan, and use digital tools I didn’t know before, which increased my efficiency and work quality.

In the coming years, I look forward to acquiring an automated embroidery machine that will allow me to produce larger designs faster, and opening a small workshop that I will supervise myself to serve as a center for creativity and exceptional handmade production. I aspire for my project to become a distinct brand in modern Brazilian embroidery, blending elegance with high craftsmanship.

My message to anyone starting their path in handicraft work: Every beginning is difficult, but it fades away with achievement and growth. Persistence and continuous work are the golden thread that connects a dream to success.