From tradition to enterprise

In 2016, a profound shift occurred in Nagima Duysekbay’s life when she began exploring the art of sewing. It started during the preparations for her daughter’s wedding ceremony, where she wanted to personalize the traditional Kazakh dowry, known as “Kyz zhasaulary,” with her own craftsmanship.

What initially appeared as a simple adherence to Kazakh customs gradually evolved into a meaningful vocation – a commitment to sowing and creating beautiful pieces of fabric.

Over the years, her sewing venture flourished, eventually developing into an enterprise employing six individuals. Her creations garnered admiration, attracting over two hundred loyal customers from across Kazakhstan. Her product range expanded to include “Kurak korpe”: a quilted blanket and poignant symbol of Kazakh heritage.

In March 2023, Nagima applied for a microloan from ACF, marking a pivotal moment in her entrepreneurial journey. Within a year of collaboration with ACF, her equity surged by 2.5 times showcasing the transformative power of strategic support.

After identifying a need to diversify her business, she ventured into education. In August 2023, she inaugurated a sewing school in Shymkent, where children and teenagers aged 5 to 17 could cultivate their creative skills. At present, 150 talented youth are part of the sewing school.

Looking ahead, Nagima envisions extending the educational offer.