Çiğdem Tumami: From a Half-Finished Brush to Reborn Hope

At just 12 years old, Çiğdem Tumami picked up her scissors and brush, dedicating an entire lifetime to the profession rooted in her soul. Although life led her down various paths, hairdressing always remained a safe harbor for her. Today, rising from the ashes of profound sorrow, Çiğdem views her craft not just as a means of livelihood, but as a way of holding onto life itself.

From the Shadow of Pain to the Power of the Profession: A Challenging Return

The unbearable pain of losing a child and the immense losses brought by the earthquake  caused Çiğdem to lock the doors of her profession for two years. Following this heavy trauma, she found the courage to stand up again through the encouragement of an acquaintance. Returning to work by both serving in a salon and providing mobile services to homes, her reputation for quality and her sincerity spread rapidly by word of mouth, earning her a loyal clientele.

MaviKalem: Professional Transformation Through Initial Support

For Çiğdem, who progressed throughout her career by “scratching out” without any outside help, meeting MaviKalem became a turning point. Receiving institutional support for the first time allowed her to complete her missing equipment and diversify her services. Now, she can respond to incoming demands with much greater professionalism. This support did not just make her business sustainable, it served as a source of morale by making her feel that her hard work was finally recognized.

Children’s Future and a New Bond with Life

Using every penny she earns to grow her business and provide for her children’s needs, Çiğdem has streamlined her workflow thanks to the hairdressing equipment support. Embracing her profession so tightly after all these years is more than just a workday for her, it is a victory won against life. Every piece of equipment she receives makes her years of labor more visible and nourishes her hopes for the future.

“After the earthquake, I felt paralyzed, but this profession and the support I received reconnected me to life; now, I am back at my work, stronger than ever for my children.”