In the bustling town of Karte Adalat in Balkh Province, Zakia Wahezi, a 36-year-old entrepreneur, has transformed her life through the power of digital marketing. A mother of three, living in a rented one-room house, Zakia’s story is one of resilience, vision, and a relentless pursuit of growth. “My motivation came from a desire to grow and prove my capabilities,” she reflects. “I saw this project as a way to connect with people and fulfill my long-held dream.”
Zakia’s venture began with an ice press machine, but her aspirations extended beyond traditional business practices. Recognizing the potential of digital tools, she embraced the training provided by her savings group, Hamdast Group, where she learned the fundamentals of business and self-belief. “The business training I received, particularly recognizing my strengths, increased my self-belief,” she shares.
Her introduction to digital marketing marked a turning point. “I learned that I can market and sell my products online,” Zakia recalls. “Once I started, I realized my goals advanced faster, my products gained visibility, and I expanded my customer base while reducing the costs associated with traditional marketing.” Platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram became her tools of choice, enabling her to reach customers far beyond her local community.
Zakia’s success is a testament to the impact of tailored training. “The digital marketing classes were incredibly beneficial,” she notes. “These tools helped me save time by allowing me to connect with clients at any hour, day or night, avoiding wasted opportunities.” With newfound confidence, Zakia began creating professional content, a skill she honed through her training. “Initially, I had a basic understanding, but after completing the digital marketing training, I began creating content more professionally and effectively,” she explains.
Today, Zakia’s business thrives, with 60-70% of her customers connecting through social media. Her monthly income has grown to 5,000 Afghanis, a remarkable achievement for someone who recently ventured into online marketing. “Social media has been extremely beneficial,” she says. “It helped reduce unnecessary expenses, expanded my market, and allowed me to identify my target customers based on their preferences, income, and location.”
As her business flourishes, Zakia envisions a future of even greater growth. “I have many plans,” she declares, “including expanding my business through virtual platforms nationwide and beyond, aiming for international growth and development.”
Zakia’s story exemplifies how digital marketing can empower entrepreneurs, turning dreams into tangible success. Her journey serves as an inspiration for others, proving that with the right tools and determination, barriers can be broken, and horizons expanded.
