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Client Image

Magda Salem, a mother of three children and a wife of a taxi driver, started her own business of buying fabric from suppliers, cutting and sewing it into scarves and selling them to her neighbors and relatives. Magda soon saw an opportunity in the overpopulated neighborhood in Cairo, the Dar Al Salam district. She decided to grow her business by leasing a shop in order to rent dresses to women in the neighborhood. “I realized that this could be a profitable business for me and a service that women need frequently for many occasions and events” explains Magda.

Magda heard about Lead Foundation and has received her first loan in 2007, valued at LE 1000 (US$ 182) and the second loan value increased to LE 3000 (US$ 545) which helped her to purchase new dresses, “I keep watching the displays in the shops to identify the recent fashion trends and styles before purchasing” says Magda.

Magda now fully supports her family—her husband had an accident four months ago and can no longer work. Her income covers household expenses as well as her children’s education. She also she bought trousseau items for one of her daughters who is preparing to get married.

“I am very proud of what I have reached. At the beginning my husband raised objections against starting my own business but now he is absolutely proud of me and became very supportive.” elaborates Magda.

Magda is willing to continue with Lead foundation to improve her own business by taking more loans and she dreams of getting a new shop in Maadi district.

This story is also posted at One Hen: Microfinance for Kids