Good News from Afghanistan

Many of our loyal followers will probably recognize Najeba. She is one of the craftswomen we previously worked closely with in Herat, and she was among those who helped develop our bookmarks, which have since become one of Østerland’s best-selling products. Many of you also know her hand-painted Herat vases.

We met Najeba during our trip to Herat and, within just a few days, gained a very special insight into her creativity and ambitions. Among other things, we attended her graduation ceremony from a local handicraft course supported by the UN, where she received her certificate in front of her family, teachers, and other women from the city.

The other day, Najeba sent us photos from her newly opened beauty salon in the heart of Herat. Together with her sister, she has taken a major leap and invested everything they had. They sold their jewelry to open the salon.

“I have always been passionate about beauty and creativity. For me, a beauty salon is a place where I can express myself creatively, meet people, and make them feel good,” Najeba explains.

Although she now works with makeup, hair, facials, and nails, she does not see it as a farewell to art.

“I never actually stopped doing art. I just changed direction and expanded my work.”

Today, she works alongside other women in the salon, where they combine art, sewing, and beauty treatments side by side.

“I want to create a brand that people associate with quality, elegance, and trust. But I also dream of creating opportunities for other women.”

And her biggest dream?

“I dream of developing the salon and becoming more recognized. But most importantly, I dream of creating opportunities for other women so they can also develop their talents and succeed.”

We love stories like Najeba’s. Stories of women who dare to start something new, create their own work, and build something together with other women around them. Because in reality, female entrepreneurs often have more in common than one might think - whether you’re starting a business in Herat or in Copenhagen.