Fehime Arslan Natural Cheese, Yogurt and More!

Fehime Arslan is a woman who has been working in agriculture since her childhood. When her husband became unable to work due to health problems, she had to become the breadwinner. At a time when she was thinking about how she could contribute more, she presented her husband with a business idea related to animal husbandry. Thus, she started animal husbandry by buying a cow. With the support of her husband, she has been providing for her family by producing milk and dairy products for 15 years.

In the February 6 earthquakes, Fehime’s house was destroyed, her barn was damaged and some of the materials she used in production became unusable. Since the markets were not established after the earthquake, she had to suspend her business and could only sell to her neighborhood for a while. A few months later, when the markets reopened, he went back to the market and started selling his products. However, even though his sales increased, his income was not enough. It was not possible for him to expand his business without the materials he lost in the earthquake.

It was during this process that she heard about MaviKalem’s project through her husband’s friend. When her application was accepted, hope was born again for Fehime. With the materials provided, she facilitated her work, increased and improved her production.

Fehime takes responsibility for her home, takes care of her children’s education and maintains her business. She currently produces natural dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and salted yogurt. She makes a living by selling her products in the market and in her neighborhood. She also sells through customers in her neighborhood and strives to expand her business. Fehime, who had eight cows before the earthquake, now has only two. But her biggest dream is to expand her business and contribute more to her children’s education!

“I make and sell tomato paste and olives as well as dairy products. I can’t stop working. This is a habit for me and this is how I support my family. I think it is very good for women to work.”