LocationsShakiba’s Henna Business: From Tradition to Innovation
March 14, 2024
Shakiba at work with her new henna mill, meticulously ensuring the finest grind, in Tuban District, Lahj Governorate.
In the heart of Tuban District, Lahj Governorate, a remarkable story of empowerment, resilience, and entrepreneurship unfolds. Shakiba Fadl Ahmed is a 44-year-old entrepreneur whose passion and perseverance have uplifted her family and her community. Alongside her husband, Yasser Abdul Bari, and their son, Amar Abdel Bari, Shakiba transformed her modest home-based henna production into an income opportunity.
Henna, more than a mere adornment in Yemen, serves as a vibrant testament to celebration, health, and prosperity. This natural dye, celebrated for its intricate designs on the hands and feet of women during weddings, religious ceremonies, and festivals, symbolizes joy, beauty, and protection. Shakiba's venture not only promotes the economic potential of henna but also preserves and celebrates a crucial aspect of Yemeni culture.
A showcase of Shakiba's henna product, highlighting the superior quality achieved with her latest mill investment, Tuban District, Lahj Governorate.
The Foundations of Success
Hennais not just a tradition, but a doorway to economic empowerment. Despite the backdrop of conflict in Yemen, which contributes to instability and lack of economic opportunities, Shakiba's unwavering determination, combined with 17 years of experience in the henna industry, fueled her journey.
"The conflict disrupted our operations, but never our resolve," Shakiba shares.
Faced with outdated equipment and limited resources, Shakiba’s determination and her family's support turned challenges into steppingstones.
Shakiba's brand new mill stands beside the older model, marking an era of enhanced productivity in Tuban District, Lahj Governorate.
Transformative Support: The ERRY III Joint Programme
The ERRY III Joint Programme provided Shakiba with financial support and invaluable business training, equipping her with the skills needed for success.
"The training opened new horizons for me enhanced my business skills and network," Shakiba recalls. “With a financial grant of $900, I was able to buy a new mill, which significantly increased our production capacity and quality."
"The new mill produces better quality and is much faster; it doubled our henna production from 10 to 20 packages a day, and now to 40 packages a day," Shakiba explains, highlighting the transformative impact of the new equipment.
The Power of Family: A United Journey to Success
Shakiba's story shows how important the support of family can be. Shakiba notes, "Working together made us stronger and helped us chase our dreams."
Her husband, Yasser, used his engineering skills to invent a henna grading machine that improves productivity and reduces processing time.
"Making this machine was not just about improving our work; it was about leaving something good behind for future generations," says Yasser.
Their son Amar also brings new energy and ideas to selling henna.
"I wanted to share our family's hard work with everyone," Amar explains. "I enjoy supporting my mom to grow our business. I'm always looking to widen our connections in the local market, attract more customers, and helping our business expand."
Shakiba and her son Amar team up for the packaging process, preparing their henna for market distribution, Tuban District, Lahj Governorate.
A Flourishing Enterprise
Shakiba's initiative has inspired others in the community to follow suit.
"Seeing the success of my business, other members of our community started growing henna too," Shakiba explains, illustrating the indirect impact of her enterprise on local agriculture.
The collective efforts of Shakiba and her fellow farmers not only led to the expansion of henna cultivation in the area but also created additional income opportunities for the community.
Shakiba and her husband Yasser in a strategic discussion about leveraging their new mill for optimal productivity of their henna products, Tuban District, Lahj Governorate
A Vision for the Future
Shakiba's ambitions stretch beyond Yemen's borders, and she is aiming to export her henna products to neighboring countries.
"I aim to export henna internationally, expanding our business reach and increasing our income," she shares ambitiously.
In addition to her plans for international expansion, Shakiba is also considering investing on solar energy to enhance profitability. "Having solar energy would not only reduce costs but also increase our profits."
Shakiba operates the innovative machine designed by her husband, a precursor to milling that ensures finer henna powder, Tuban District, Lahj Governorate
A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration
Shakiba's journeyhighlights the profound impact of entrepreneurship on community development and women's empowerment. She stands as a testament to what women can achieve, urging them to embrace challenges and seize opportunities.
"Women need to be patient and strong to achieve their dreams," she advises. "Regardless of setbacks or failures, perseverance and determination are key to success in any business endeavor."
As Shakiba and her family continue to grow their business in Lahj Governorate, her message is clear: women have the power to shape their own paths and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Shakiba's success story is also a highlight of the broader impact of the ERRY III Joint Programme, involving four UN agencies: the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Food Programme (WFP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the International Labor Organization (ILO). Supported generously by the European Union and the Government of Sweden, this programme aims to improve livelihoods, ensure food security, and strengthen resilience across Yemen, showcasing the power of joint efforts in creating meaningful impact.
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