“Felting made my business unique!

ERSAI Company has long been a generous supporter of the Kuryk community. In order to provide employment alternatives to residents of Kuryk, ERSAI Company started to improve local community through entrepreneurship. More than 70 people learnt basic business skills and 40 women were trained in folk crafts under “Boosting up Entrepreneurship Potential in Kuryk” Program. 

Aynur Kylibaeva was born in Kuryk village and moved to 70 km away Zhetibay village after getting married. According local traditions Aynur had to stay at home and was not ever expected to work. And she did for 12 years… In early 2013 she heard about a new entrepreneurship development project coming to her native village, and this opportunity not only made her independent but also helped her to get recognition of her family, public recognition, and provide her family with considerable income.

 Aynur quickly became the most active participants in the crafts training course. Trainers led participants step-by-step through the process of developing traditional Kazakh crafts – felting and embroidery. The participants agreed that craft trainings not contribute to regeneration of traditional Kazakh crafts but also empower women, especially housewives, and help to discover their talents and develop skills.

 Thanks to the training Aynur learnt how to make a wide range of felted products, including slippers, scarves, waistcoats, toys, sitting mats, panels, hats, bags, pillows and pillow cases, women accessories.

“Felting made my business unique to local market and helped to raise funds to develop my workshop. People buy my crafts and place orders. I’m happy that my business is recognized.”

 “Geographic isolation from metropolitan areas makes many opportunities inaccessible for us. Thanks to ERSAI project local craftswomen had a chance to learn new crafts and obtain new knowledge such as art marketing and customer service. This program is important for women living in rural areas, now many of us can find a job or start our own business.”

 “I started my business to help other housewives in the village to find work and empower them.”

 In 2014 she developed a business plan on opening felting workshop and applied for a grant from DAMU. She won 3 000 000 tenge and purchased carding and blowroom equipment to treat local wool and sewing machines. Later in 2015 she received an interest free loan (1 500 000 tenge) from UNDP to purchase raw materials. Aynur opened her workshop and hired 5 local women, including oralmans; together they produce felt slippers and felt coats.

 She actively participates in local and regional fairs and exhibitions. Also by running her felting micro business Aynur has earned the Recognition Award from the Mangistau Chamber of Commerce. As well she receives a wide support from local administration.

 In late 2015 Aynur opened a store in Aktau business incubator and planning to open another one in Aktau International Airport. She has invite her fellow training participants and local women to join her team and place their crafts in her stores.