Barran Press - Eynas AL-Hemiari
In the heart of Taiz, Yemen, five deaf sisters are on the verge of launching a restaurant called “Five Sisters,” turning their passion for cooking into a thriving business despite the challenges facing their city and country.
The sisters—Aisha, Bashair, Wafa, Huda, and Noha Al-Jubari—are not just opening a restaurant that serves pastries and healthy meals; they are sending a powerful message of resilience and ambition in the face of adversity. Their establishment, located at Al-Ikhwan Junction in Taiz, will offer fast food, baked goods, desserts, and natural juices.
From Idea to Reality
The journey began with the sisters’ love for cooking and their desire to create something meaningful. What started as a small dream has now transformed into a tangible project. “We wanted to prove that difficulties do not hinder success; rather, they can motivate us to move forward,” one sister shared with Bran Press.
However, the path to realization was not easy. The sisters had to develop a comprehensive business plan, select a suitable location, and meticulously plan every detail. Despite limited financial resources, they invested all available possibilities to make their dream come true.
Challenges and Courage
Like any new venture, the road was fraught with obstacles. A lack of financial resources posed the greatest challenge, requiring significant effort to overcome. Additionally, being women from the deaf community led some to question their ability to successfully manage a business. Nevertheless, the sisters faced these challenges with confidence and determination, proving they could defy stereotypes and achieve their goals.
Family and Community Support
Family support played a crucial role in realizing this dream, providing both emotional and financial backing. The sisters noted that this support extended beyond their family to encompass the surrounding community. Friends and local entities offered substantial encouragement and praised their initiative, serving as an additional motivator to persevere.
Team Spirit
Throughout the development of “Five Sisters,” the sisters maintained a spirit of cooperation and understanding, which they identified as the “secret to the project’s success.” Each sister has a specific role that aligns with her skills, and they work together to make decisions. Their diverse backgrounds in higher education and vocational training allow for effective task distribution, with some focusing on management and planning, while others oversee cooking and menu development.
Ambition and a Promising Future
As the restaurant's opening approaches, the sisters are filled with excitement and anticipation. They have ambitious plans to expand in the future, aiming to create a model of social entrepreneurship. They aspire to turn the restaurant into a well-known chain across Yemen and provide training courses for deaf women, empowering them to start their own businesses.
Through this endeavor, they hope to positively impact the community by raising awareness about the importance of supporting people with disabilities and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
A Message to the Community
In a promotional video, the sisters addressed the community, saying, “We believe that success starts with a step, and that support and encouragement are the foundation of ambition. We are grateful to everyone who supported us and promise to always deliver our best. You are our true partners in realizing this dream.”
“Five Sisters” is more than just a restaurant; it symbolizes hope and determination in a country facing ongoing crises. It demonstrates that achievements are possible despite challenges and promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in society, showing that they can be active contributors and sources of inspiration.
The story of the five sisters serves as a message of optimism and a call to action, urging others to overcome any barriers that may hinder their dreams.