Starting a business isn’t always about making money or escaping a 9-to-5 job. Sometimes, it’s about following a passion—something you’ve put off or stumbled upon unexpectedly. This was the case for five women who left secure careers to build something new, blending creativity with business.

Minilet: Affordable Vegan Elegance
 

For Emane Adly, launching Minilet, a brand of vegan leather bags and casual outfits, was a leap from her stable career in computer science. Adly’s love for stylish, practical bags—and her concerns about animal-based materials—inspired her to create affordable, high-quality alternatives.

“I wanted chic, functional bags to be accessible to everyone, not just those with deep pockets,” she said. Since its launch during the pandemic in October 2020, Minilet has gained a loyal following, proving that vegan leather can be durable, stylish, and affordable. Online sales have been a key driver of her success, making her products easily accessible to students and young professionals.

Minilet vegan leather bags

Mim Creatives: Turning Passion Into Craft
 

Mona El-Sayed, a former Egyptology tour guide in her 50s, transformed her love for all things Egyptian into Mim Creatives, a brand of vibrant bags and comfortable outfits. Inspired by her fascination with trees, she designed bags imprinted with Egyptian tree leaves, made from local fabrics and painted with natural dyes.

With guidance from artist Emane Hussein, El-Sayed honed her hand-colouring techniques, turning a personal hobby into a creative business. “Drawing and printing have always been therapeutic for me,” she said. For El-Sayed, Mim Creatives isn’t just about fashion; it’s about reclaiming originality in a market flooded with imitations. The rise of local brands, partly driven by boycotts of foreign products, also helped her vision take root.

Wafa Wali: A Second Chance at Fashion
 

Wafa Wali, an academic with a degree in English literature and philosophy, always dreamed of designing fashion. She finally took the plunge during the 2011 Revolution, launching a leather bag line. But a lack of business experience and economic challenges, including the 2016 currency devaluation, forced her to close shop.

Determined to try again, Wali spent years learning how to run a startup. In 2020, she relaunched her brand with a sharper focus and a hands-on approach. Now, with a store in Maadi and strong online sales, she’s turned her dream into a rewarding reality, both creatively and financially.

Wafa wali

Sandalia: Footwear with a Personal Touch
 

Twin sisters Ghada and Sonia Ebeid, both teachers in their late 40s, rediscovered their artistic roots through Sandalia, a footwear brand focused on comfort and style. Inspired by their love for drawing and design, they created shoes that transition seamlessly from work to social outings.

The sisters launched in 2020, overcoming challenges like production delays and finding artisans who could match their quality standards. They later expanded into bags to complement their shoes. “We know what Egyptian women want—practical, stylish pieces at reasonable prices,” said Sonia. Their deep understanding of local tastes has been key to Sandalia’s growing success.

Sandalina foot wear (Ebeid sisters)

These women prove that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to something extraordinary. With passion, resilience, and a willingness to learn, they’ve turned their dreams into thriving businesses while championing authentic, locally made products.