From a Small Home Business to a Family’s Stability
From a Small Home Business to a Family’s Stability
March 19, 2025 | Nawar Maarri
When Lujain Al-Aoun arrived in Türkiye from Homs, Syria, in 2013, she was focused on rebuilding her life in a new country. She got married, had a baby, and as time passed, the financial pressures on her family grew, especially with her husband’s health challenges limiting his ability to work. Lujain knew she had to contribute to the household income.
She noticed that many Syrian women in her community preferred working with a trusted Syrian woman for photo and document printing, particularly because of language barriers and trust factors. Recognizing this gap in the market, she saw an opportunity to turn a personal dream into a business.
In 2019, she took her first step—purchasing a computer and printer and launching a small home-based printing business. As demand grew, she expanded into custom gift printing, including mugs and other personalized items.
With time, her business flourished, and she secured a loan from an NGO, which enabled her to invest in heat printing technology. Later, she connected with Building Markets, where she received business training, mentorship, and networking opportunities that helped her refine her business strategy and expand her services. She reinvested every penny she earned back into her business to improve it.
In 2023, the earthquake damaged some of Lujain’s machines, and for nearly six months, business came to a complete halt as people stopped placing orders. With support from Building Markets, she secured a grant for earthquake-affected businesses, allowing her to purchase a new machine and restart her work. Not only did she recover, but she expanded into laser cutting and engraving, adding new services to attract more customers. "I started with just 3,000 Turkish Lira and a single machine. Now, my business has grown to 15,000 Euros in equipment and assets."
Lujain believes that women entrepreneurs need more support because they constantly balance family responsibilities and their businesses. She explains that financial support alone is not enough—having the right knowledge and guidance is just as important to navigate challenges or grow a business. Through the Building Markets program to empower women-owned businesses in the earthquake-affected region, supported by Islamic Relief USA, she has taken part in mentorship sessions, training, and networking events. These experiences have helped her improve her marketing, increase her sales, and connect to more opportunities. But beyond that, they have provided her with a sense of support and motivation.
She looks forward to every session with her mentor, Dania AbuSaleh.”I wait for each session because it strengthens not just my business skills, but also my well-being—it gives me clarity, support, and the energy to keep going."
Lujain’s business is more than just a way to earn a living. With her husband’s disability limiting his income, her work has become a foundation for her family’s future, ensuring not only financial stability but also access to education, opportunities, and a sense of security for her children.
"My business isn’t just about making a living; it’s about building a better future for my children by giving them the education and opportunities they deserve."
