So I have the bat. But the calendar above her desk already shows a complicated and comprehensive bookings system, with appointments inked in weeks in advance. Requests are diverse, as are her clients, who range from local Muslim women to former members of the military. Others, such as year-old beauty salon owner Marwa Sabbah, from Lebanon, are targeting the Kurdish capital, keen to take advantage of comparatively low rental rates, limited bureaucracy and affordable childcare, while getting a headstart on a transitioning region before its independence referendum in September this year.
Of course, Kurdistan is a nascent eco-system recovering from a period of economic crisis, so there are challenges. But this kind of environment can level the playing field and serve as a brilliant opportunity for those previously sidelined to find scalable, sustainable solutions. There were also the financial implications to consider.
Kanny Ahmadi, 30, agrees that while gender-based discrimination is still pervasive in Kurdistan, the scale of potential success overshadows daily inequalities.
Born in Iran, she studied software engineering and business administration at Tehran University, before heading across the border to Erbil with dreams of launching her own fashion design empire. People will take a chance on you if you have the right attitude. Go for it, girl. Sign up to become a member of the Guardian Small Business Network here for more advice, insight and best practice direct to your inbox. Facebook Twitter Pinterest. Small business Women features. Reuse this content.
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