Vocational Training Opens Doors for Chechen Entrepreneur
In Chechnya they say “Every man wants to receive food from a beautiful hand” – and so the logic follows that a good manicurist will always have work. This wisdom, coupled with entrepreneurial spirit, is seeing young women in the war-ravaged republic start to dig themselves and their families out of poverty.
Birlant, age 29, has been working as a manicurist in her own salon for two weeks. She is a recent graduate of a vocational training course in the district of Urus-Martan, run by IRC and its partner organization, Patriot, with the support of USAID. Previously, the only income being earned for Birlant’s family of seven was her mother’s small pension along with what little Birlant was able to make working at the local market. The family had lost most possessions during the Second Chechen War.
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Birlant looks after a satisfied customer in her salon in Urus-Martan, Chechnya. Using the practical skills she learnt on a vocational training course, run by IRC and its local partner, supported by USAID, Birlant is now able to support her family of seven.
Photo Credit: IRC |
“I always enjoyed giving my friends manicures, so when I heard about the chance to study to become a professional manicurist I leaped at the chance,” says Birlant. She explains that she could have never afforded to do the course privately, would have had little opportunity to practice, and would not have received any recognized qualification upon completion.
Impressing the tutors with her drive and commitment, Birlant successfully gained a place on the manicurist course. While honing her skills in class, she decided that she would like to set up her own salon. She sold her jewelry to rent a room at the back of a clothing store and, in her time away from class, carried out renovations and set up equipment to turn the little room into a salon. Birlant even secured the services of another student, Milana, studying hairdressing with IRC, to work with her in the salon.
After only two weeks, the business is earning 1,500Rubles (about 60USD) a day—and already is seeing repeat customers. Indira lives in Grozny, approximately 30 kilometers away, but happened to use Birlant’s salon on a recent visit to Urus-Martan. She was so pleased with the quality of Birlant’s work, that she continues to return to the salon from Grozny for a manicure by Birlant.
Encouraged by her success, Birlant has more plans for her business. She’s launching an advertising campaign and plans to have a cosmetologist join the salon to further build business. Most exciting for Birlant is the difference the income from her salon makes to her family, and the pride she feels as a result. “I feel wonderful - I am independent and I can help my family, I am equal to anyone,” she says, beaming.
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