Sawsan Muti’a moves with ease between her sewing machines in her small sewing shop, measuring just eight by three meters, overseeing every aspect of her fashion design and production process. This modest space is located in the living room of her home in the Al-Jeraf area of Sana’a, the capital of Yemen. It represents the realization of her dream to start her own project—a simple yet meaningful step toward her entrepreneurial vision.
“The hum of the sewing machines and the sight of fabrics in every color and texture breathe life into this space and reignite my passion,” Muti’a says.
After much effort and with the support of her family, Muti’a successfully established Al-Shayma’a Sewing Shop, named after her daughter Shayma’a, who is in her twenties. Muti’a is a Yemeni entrepreneur in her forties and a mother of two, and she holds a degree in Business Administration—a field she chose to explore the world of business and entrepreneurship.
“I graduated from Sana’a University about six years ago,” she recalls. “I approached my studies with great passion, especially after taking a long break from education before finally returning to university.”
In 2019, two years after completing her degree, Muti’a launched her business, driven by the scarcity of job opportunities caused by Yemen’s nearly decade-long war. Al-Shayma’a Sewing Shop was born after Muti’a gained valuable experience in the industry: she spent two years managing a sewing shop immediately after graduation, where she developed both expertise and confidence in her ability to run her own business.
Muti’a shares, “In the beginning, my focus was on custom orders—sewing evening gowns, wedding dresses, and children’s clothing. Over time, I began promoting my shop in schools, where I started producing school uniforms and graduation outfits.”
Her project has flourished as her customer base has expanded. She launched a social media presence to showcase her designs and began producing clothes in bulk for sale in local stores. What started with just one sewing machine has grown to five, and while she initially worked alone, she now employs four staff members, with plans to expand her team further.
Challenges and Ambitions
Despite her success, Muti’a faces challenges that hinder her project’s growth. “The difficult economic conditions and declining living standards in Yemen have led to a decrease in demand, which limits business to certain seasons,” she explains. “Competition from imported products is another challenge. However, I am determined to promote locally made products that offer quality on par with international brands.”
Looking ahead, Muti’a aims to upgrade her shop with modern machinery, open a dedicated store for her creations, enter the fashion and design industry with premium-quality products, and establish her own brand.
Muti’a represents countless Yemeni women who are reshaping their futures by starting small businesses, pursuing their dreams, and supporting their families.
