Although she said that she could not be a shoemaker because the people around her were women, Şenay Erdine did not give up on her dream. Having never worked in her 14-year marriage, Erdine took the step to start her own business. She transformed her business, which she started by attaching buckles to slippers in her workshop, into a shoe upper manufacturing plant. She now employs 4 women, 3 of whom are men, in her workshop established within the Women Entrepreneur Support Center.
This journey, which began with the support of her husband Mustafa Erdine and KAGİDEM General Coordinator Nihal Peker Sabak, enabled Erdine to become her own boss with her determination and perseverance. Şenay Erdine aims to employ both men and women by establishing a large factory.
“It was always my dream to establish my own workshop”
Erdine, who met with shoemaking in 2013, started by attaching buckles to slippers at home. Later, Erdine, who set up her workshop and started sewing slippers, made an effort to develop her business. Thanks to KAGİDEM General Coordinator Nihal Peker Sabak, who supported her, she started to cooperate with companies and now produces for 2 corporate companies.
“Nobody Believed It, But I Did It”
Erdine, who was initially made fun of, did not lose her determination despite those who said, “You are a woman, you cannot do it.” Erdine, who grew her business in 7 months and proved her success, believes that women can handle any job and aims to inspire other women by sharing her success story.
“I Want Women to See Their Success”
Erdine, who enjoys working as a shoe meter, currently employs 6 people and plans to grow even more in the new season. Wanting to show that women can be successful, Erdine wants to encourage and support other women.
“I Want Women to Be Confident in Themselves”
Pursuing her dreams, Erdine encourages women to believe in their own potential and realize their dreams. Erdine thanked her husband, the supporting female entrepreneurs and Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Fatma Şahin, and stated that she expects support from all women.
