Young floral designer opens business after confidence boost
In the heart of Hargeisa, tucked away in a bustling alleyway, sits a small shop called Bulsho, the Somali word for "community." Inside, Farah, 25, creates vibrant floral garlands and bouquets from colourful ribbons, offering a locally made alternative to expensive imported flowers.
Her handcrafted arrangements brighten graduations, weddings, national celebrations, and family gatherings across the city. But just a few years ago, Farah never imagined she would become the founder of her own business.
When her university shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Farah began spending hours teaching herself how to design artificial flowers by watching online tutorials and practising techniques at home.
As her skills improved, she noticed a gap in the local market. Many floral decorations used for celebrations in Hargeisa had to be imported. Fresh flowers were also costly and only lasted a few days in the hot climate. Farah saw an opportunity to create affordable, durable, and beautiful arrangements locally.
“My business is about making bouquets to wear during graduation, wedding ceremonies, welcome flowers, and national celebrations,” she explains. “Graduating students fancy flower arrangements that match their gowns or whatever attire they are wearing.”
Farah realized that to move from a hobby to a sustainable livelihood, she needed more than technical skills; she needed a professional foundation. By joining SOS Children’s Villages’ youth economic empowerment initiative, she received support to strengthen her business knowledge and confidence.
The program helped her develop practical skills in:
- Financial management and business planning: Transitioning from creator to accountant and marketer.
- Self-awareness and confidence: Learning to present her solutions and grow into a leadership role.
- Strategic investment: Raising seed funding that was matched by the program, doubling her investment and accelerating her business launch.
Today, Farah is the founder, lead designer, and marketer of a thriving business. She generates a stable monthly income that has transformed her life and inspires others in her community to follow their own path.
Her journey shows us that when young people shift their mindset from frustration to entrepreneurship, we don't just help one person build a future; we plant seeds of opportunity for many more.
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Around the world, young people hold the key to solving some of our most pressing challenges, yet too many are held back by barriers beyond their control. In Sub-Saharan Africa, more than one in four youth are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and young women are nearly twice as likely to be affected. These are not just statistics; they are missed opportunities.
Green Growth: Empowering Youth for a Green Future is a five-year initiative launched in partnership with the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. The initiative supports young people in building sustainable livelihoods and strengthening economic resilience in their communities.
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