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Hadya Smuqi, a Yazidi businesswoman in Germany, speaks with Rudaw on February 1, 2025. Photo: Rudaw
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A Yazidi woman running a thriving online cosmetics business in Germany is encouraging other women to pursue online careers.
Hadya Smuqi, originally from Shingal, moved to Germany in 2016, two years after Islamic State (ISIS) militants overran her hometown.
“After 2014, I did not want to need anyone. I wanted to be the one who helps people in need. I wanted to be the person who extends a helping hand. That is why I decided to learn more about working with technology and working online,” she told Rudaw.
She worked a security job while building her online business as a makeup artist.
“I want to reach a point where I can help our people, people who want help, and those who need help. I also work as a makeup artist with cinematic makeup, maskenbildner as they call it in German. I also do ordinary makeup for parties and occasions,” Smuqi said.
She highlighted the advantages of the digital age, how it allows people to run a business in their free time and encouraged women to take advantage of what technology has to offer.
“You have a phone with you anyway. You can use the two or three hours of free time you have and benefit from it,” she said.
Hadya Smuqi, originally from Shingal, moved to Germany in 2016, two years after Islamic State (ISIS) militants overran her hometown.
“After 2014, I did not want to need anyone. I wanted to be the one who helps people in need. I wanted to be the person who extends a helping hand. That is why I decided to learn more about working with technology and working online,” she told Rudaw.
She worked a security job while building her online business as a makeup artist.
“I want to reach a point where I can help our people, people who want help, and those who need help. I also work as a makeup artist with cinematic makeup, maskenbildner as they call it in German. I also do ordinary makeup for parties and occasions,” Smuqi said.
She highlighted the advantages of the digital age, how it allows people to run a business in their free time and encouraged women to take advantage of what technology has to offer.
“You have a phone with you anyway. You can use the two or three hours of free time you have and benefit from it,” she said.
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