What’s have you been up to since the Time to Grow programme last year?
This year I am starting the time to grow programme too. Before I finished the time to grow programme last year, I started my own business. I was working as a representative for AVON. I also had a gift-wrapping business where people would ask me to make their gifts special, I love writing touching sentences and putting love and passion into the presents! However, Covid has affected this greatly and now I can’t deliver the presents. I have also started training myself to initiate new projects in the future, I am particularly interested in starting my own restaurant. I love Syrian food and my friends have told me to start my own business.
Before you came on the Time To Grow programme, where were you at with your venture?
Before I joined the time to grow programme, I was new here at the UK, I was looking to join a programme, but I couldn’t due to visa issues. However, I was looking to improve my skills and help me integrate into the community. So, I started to do voluntary work at ‘Rethink Rebuild Society’, a Syrian community centre. I even received an award for my voluntary work! I also helped my friends with issues surrounding translation. For instance, if one of my friends had a doctor’s appointment, I would come with them to translate the conversation.
How has the Time to Grow helped you?
The Time To Grow programme has helped me in so many ways. When I came to the UK, I had no confidence because I was in a new place with a new language and culture. I felt so out of place and alone. When I came to the UK, I was expected to do everything myself, and finding a community to support me was very hard for me. Luckily, I came across the Time To Grow programme and started to gain self-confidence and I started to focus on improving the skills I have, as well as gaining new ones. I wanted to try new things and hopefully have a clearer understanding of what I want to do in the future.
I also tend to neglect myself by prioritising others, and Flourish helped me realise that its okay to focus on myself and my own goals. By joining the programme, I learned that I should do things to make me happy in order to help those around me.
What elements of the Time To Grow programme have been of particular use, what have you used from it?
I remember sitting with Rana and telling her how disappointed I was because of Covid. I felt disheartened and uncertain because of the current climate, and a lot of my plans had fallen through. I was repeatedly told by the government that I wasn’t eligible for programmes due to my visa situation. I felt isolated and neglected. However, Rana began to encourage me and told me that I was stronger than I thought, and I had so many skills I could use. I kept these words in mind and now I am happy with what I’ve achieved so far. I’ve started getting more involved with my community, and I encourage other women in my area to speak to each other and help battle isolation.
How has your journey been since the programme ended? Any highs or lows yet?
Since the Time to Grow programme ended last year, I’ve found it difficult to navigate starting new businesses due to the current Covid situation. Whilst working for Avon, I usually buy the products and store them in my house, however since Covid, I don’t want people to come to my house and buy my products because of the threat that I might get sick or my kids might get sick. Nevertheless, I’m keeping positive! I love spending time with my family, and my mentally is to always look at the bright side!
How do you see the future of your projects developing?
Hopefully within 5 years I will have started my new business of cooking and selling Syrian food. Due to financial issues right now, I can’t start it anytime soon. I’m looking forward to my future business because I know I’m going to enjoy doing it!
Any tips you would like to share with the Flourish network?
Try your best, and don’t sit around without doing anything. Even if you miss your chances, you may find another one in the near future, so don’t feel disheartened and unmotivated! I never lost hope, and I looked for more and more chances, and finally opportunities started coming my way.
Is there anyone or anything that has been inspirational to you when it comes to creating social change?
The most important person I know is myself! I am not the person to look for others to do things for me. I always try to do things for myself. I never like to ask for help, and I rely on myself only. I get up in the morning and stay positive, and I tell myself that I am worthy, and I have skills. It’s important that you believe this, instead of relying on others to tell you this.
