Hüsniye Keleş: Big Dreams Started with a Sewing Machine!

Hüsniye is a seamstress at home. She makes small alterations, hems and buckles. But she is not new to this business. Her story goes back many years!

“I will set up a place and my name will be on the door, this is what I dream of the most. I want people to work for me, I will provide them with job opportunities!”

Hüsniye started working as a tailor to provide for her home and children. After working in different places, she decided to open her own business. She met with the municipality and prepared. But the earthquake was a turning point in her life as it was in the lives of many people. She lost her house, her belongings and her sewing machines. Initially, she did not think she would get back on her feet. However, she had to put aside despair and start again for her children and family. While living in a tent, she looked for ways to continue her work. She bought a sewing machine, but it was broken. Losing what she had just as she was about to get down to business might have stopped others. But he did not stop. She had to work to build their house and educate their children. She applied to MaviKalem’s project and received a sewing machine that would enable her to do her job.

“Maybe we didn’t go to school, but I have a profession. I always said ‘for my children’, now I do my job for myself, for my dreams.”

Neighbors and acquaintances give Hüsniye small renovation jobs. But she is a woman who decided to work for herself! She knows that this will not be enough to grow her business. She made an agreement with women who make cheesecloth, and she sews the edges of cheesecloth. She made an agreement with a store where she can sell wholesale; she makes and sells hairpins. These jobs provide her with a regular income.