When I was in school, I had a natural talent for languages, so my teachers thought I would pursue a career in literature. My true passion, however, was tapestry, and I devoted myself to learning this craft after graduation. Through continued education and training, I became a skilled tapestry technician. My goal was to use this craft to highlight the unique cultural heritage of my native Gafsa region and provide opportunities for other women artisans. Together, we created much more than just carpets; we established a strong ecosystem of artisans to promote our regional handicrafts.  

We marketed our products mostly at trade fairs, which worked well for a while. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, all fairs and exhibitions shut down, dealing a serious blow to our business. In the aftermath of this crisis, we received a grant from the COVID-19 Enterprise Recovery Fund established by the U.S. government as part of its USAID Tunisia JOBS program. The funds helped us build up our stock of raw material and cover other operating expenses as deliveries came back in so we could meet our deadlines. Today the business stands strong, still supported by the same women artisans who were with me when I launched. We are more determined than ever to continue growing, create more products, and reach new markets.

Hayet Nasra – Founder, Hayet Design