From Refugee to Entrepreneur

Follow the story of a refugee who fled their home country somalia and, against all odds, built a successful business in their new community. Dive into their struggles, resilience, and the support systems that helped them along the way.

somalia was a very unstable country in the 90's and through the 2000's because of civil and tribal wars ,it was very hard to open a business let alone maintain one.so when the opportunity presented itself she took it in 2001 , came to kenya with only the clothes on her back and somali was the only language she could speak.

with no family support which she understood was because of old age and poverty ,she moved to the city and quickly realised that language barrier was a big problem but through her resilience and focus went into it anyway knowing just two words, started selling traditonal clothes like the deras and hijabs which to her suprise the people loved. she learnt swahili through the neighbors and customers who were very supportive.

In the heart of Nairobi’s bustling Eastleigh neighborhood, a vibrant marketplace known as "Little Mogadishu," lies the story of Amina Hassan, a young Somali woman who turned adversity into opportunity. Amina’s journey from a war-torn childhood in Somalia to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Kenya is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of hope.

A Childhood Disrupted by Conflict

Amina was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, in the early 1990s, a time when the country was engulfed in civil war. Her earliest memories are not of playgrounds or schoolbooks but of the sound of gunfire and the sight of burning buildings. When she was just seven years old, her family made the difficult decision to flee their homeland. With little more than the clothes on their backs, they embarked on a perilous journey to Kenya, seeking safety and a chance to rebuild their lives.

Life in the Dadaab refugee camp, where Amina and her family settled, was far from easy. The camp, one of the largest in the world, was overcrowded and under-resourced. Food and water were scarce, and opportunities for education were limited. Yet, even in these dire circumstances, Amina’s parents instilled in her the importance of hope and hard work. “My father always told me that education and determination could take me anywhere,” she recalls. “Even in the camp, I dreamed of a better future.”

The Spark of Entrepreneurship

When Amina was 16, her family was granted permission to relocate to Nairobi under a resettlement program. The transition to city life was challenging. The family faced discrimination, financial struggles, and the daunting task of adapting to a new culture. But Amina, now a teenager, was determined to contribute to her family’s survival. She started small, selling homemade snacks and jewelry to her neighbors. Her natural business acumen quickly became apparent. She saved every shilling she earned, reinvesting it into her small ventures.

Amina’s big break came when she noticed a gap in the market for affordable, high-quality hijabs. Many women in her community struggled to find stylish yet modest clothing that fit their budgets. With her savings and a small loan from a local women’s group, Amina launched her own hijab business. She began by sourcing fabrics from local markets and sewing the hijabs herself. Her attention to detail and commitment to quality soon earned her a loyal customer base.

Building a Business and a Legacy

Today, at just 25 years old, Amina is the proud owner of Amina’s Modest Wear, a thriving boutique that employs six other women from her community. Her business has expanded beyond hijabs to include a full range of modest clothing, catering to women of all backgrounds. Amina’s success has not only transformed her own life but has also created opportunities for others. “I wanted to build something that would empower women,” she says. “When I hire someone, I’m not just giving them a job—I’m giving them a chance to support their families and dream bigger.”

Amina’s journey has not been without challenges. As a refugee, she has faced bureaucratic hurdles, discrimination, and the constant pressure of proving herself in a competitive market. Yet, she remains undeterred. “Every obstacle has made me stronger,” she says. “I’ve learned that success isn’t about where you start—it’s about how hard you’re willing to work to get where you want to go.”

A Beacon of Hope

Amina’s story is more than just a tale of personal triumph; it is a beacon of hope for refugees everywhere. It challenges the narrative that refugees are solely recipients of aid and instead highlights their potential as contributors to society. Through her business, Amina is not only providing for her family but also enriching her community and challenging stereotypes.

Her success has also inspired other young refugees to pursue their dreams. Amina regularly mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing her experiences and offering practical advice. “I want to show others that it’s possible to rise above your circumstances,” she says. “If I can do it, so can they.”

she later opened several shops in the city moved her family to a good home,got married and strived to build the best life for herself and her kids. resilience and triumph over adversity are universally inspiring.