Kurdish Globe conducted an interview with a talented young woman from Halabja who has made a name for herself in colorful handicraft production, with many of her products gaining wide recognition.
Arez Farhang, a graduate of the English Language Department in Halabja, has turned the sewing skills she learned in childhood into a reliable source of income.
Arez told The Kurdish Globe: “After my university studies, I thought about how to create my own work and support myself without being unemployed. So, in 2021, I started sewing and stitching. I learned from my mother how to make all kinds of products like bags and clothing—extending to children’s accessories and scarves. I make them all according to customers’ requests.”
She added: “One of my products that has gained popularity and is in high demand is the Mr. Bean bag. I participate in most handicraft festivals, and at many of them, this bag is so popular that it completely sells out.”
She explained: “Some of my products require detailed taste and attention—you need to know how to attract customers, especially by changing shapes and colors. What’s important is that I can seize the opportunity to grow this profession and, as a small business, turn my childhood passion into a commercial product.”
Arez also mentioned: “Initially, I started working online through social media. Later, it became clear that festivals and exhibitions are good opportunities to showcase my abilities. Now I have a page where I display my work. In the future, I’d like to expand and have others work with me. In Halabja, there are many women who do sewing work but may not have had good opportunities. That’s why it’s important to bring these talented women together in a commercial center.”
Regarding the market for handmade products, she said: “I hope handicraft festivals are given more attention, and that dedicated spaces—like markets in major cities—are opened to display and sell handmade goods. This way, women’s handicrafts can find the visibility and market they deserve.”
