From a Hobby to a Thriving Business: Hacer Sönmez’s Entrepreneurial Journey
From a Hobby to a Thriving Business: Hacer Sönmez’s Entrepreneurial Journey
February 19, 2025 | Sedanur Albaş
Fifteen years ago, when Hacer Sönmez designed a zipper bag just for herself, she had no idea that it would eventually lead her to start her own business. Encouraged by her family to sell her handmade bags, she spent a year producing them as a hobby at home. Over time, she realized the growing interest in her designs. Wanting to create new designs and take this venture further, she rented a workshop and started production. However, she struggled to make sufficient sales.
In 2017, she decided to turn her talent into a business and continued to stand out with new designs. With the support of the Chamber of Industry, she set up a booth and, for the first time, achieved great success by selling all her bags. This experience gave her the confidence to develop her business further. Although the pandemic temporarily halted her sales, Hacer Sönmez never stopped producing.
In 2024, she was introduced to Building Markets through an invitation to a training event in Gaziantep. This meeting marked a new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey. At the event, she discovered a support program open to entrepreneurs but realized she couldn’t apply because she had not yet registered her business officially. With guidance from Building Markets, she formalized her company and successfully applied for the grant. With this support, she strengthened her business by acquiring four new production machines and an ironing table.
With ambition and determination, she built her business from the ground up. However, as a mother, she faced challenges in balancing her personal and professional life. She emphasizes that the moral support of her family played a crucial role in her success.
By participating in the training and mentorship program of Building Markets and Islamic Relief USA’s Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Earthquake-affected Regions Program, she began managing her business more strategically. She opened her first store in central Gaziantep, expanded production, and increased her sales 20% by connecting with new buyers through Building Markets.
Today, although she still works alone, she plans to hire employees to keep up with her increasing production capacity. In the short term, she aims to strengthen her presence on digital platforms, and in the long term, she aspires to expand her workshop and establish her brand.
“Building Markets has made a real impact on my life, and I hope I can also inspire and support others who are starting this journey just like me,” says Hacer Sönmez, as she continues to write her own success story.
