Mina is a woman of many talents, each one vastly different from the other; a fascinating blend of creativity, determination, and passion. Her story is a journey through her life experiences, from her family roots to the challenges and opportunities she encounters along her path.
It all begins with the inspiration from her father, a merchant who instills in Mina a love for entrepreneurship through his skill in commerce. Growing up in an environment where hard work and determination are valued, Mina learns the fundamental values that will guide her in her future endeavors.
Her educational journey further shapes her worldview. Attending an artistic high school for four years in Italy nurtures her creativity and aesthetic sense, leading her to discover the pleasure of creating unique bags and clothes inspired by Moroccan fashion, which are rarely found in Italy.
At the same time, she discovers her passion for sweets. Here, too, Mina feels a lack of Moroccan products and halal options in Italy, a shortage of choices that affects many immigrants from North Africa who are forced to do without suitable clothes and tasty halal sweets.
This awareness manifests surprisingly when she becomes involved in the PLOUTOS Business Lab, a business acceleration programme. Initially attending the courses on Business Language and Financial Literacy of the same project based on the recommendation of a friend who was already a participant, she also enrolls in the PLOUTOS Business Acceleration Programme attracted by the entrepreneurship topics and the patience and skills of CESIE’s facilitators. There, together with the other participants, Mina discovers a world of opportunities and inspiration. She learns to express her ideas with confidence, to present them convincingly, and to exchange knowledge and experiences with the other participants.
Her passion and commitment soon attract the attention of others in the course, who appreciate not only the taste of her sweets but also the cultural and personal significance they represent, many of them coming from Muslim countries. Together, they come up with the idea that the Business Lab in Palermo will be based on: the creation of a halal tea room in Palermo. In this way, Mina and the other participants turn their personal need into a business opportunity, pushing forward the idea with tenacity and creativity and using it as a case study to learn the different phases of starting and managing a business.
Lately, Mina has moved to northern Italy where she is rebuilding her network, finding her balance. Her passions for halal sweets and Moroccan fashion remain, and who knows, perhaps the dream of the tea room will come true one day. We truly hope this for her and wish her the best of luck for her next adventures!