Bpeace in Afghanistan (Again)

Farah, Wendy and Bakhtnazeria at her workshop.
Farah and Bakhtnazeria's family.

Burqa bread.

Wendy and Farah spent three days with Bakhtnazeria. BN is excited about incorporating window treatments and uniforms into her business. They talked about market segmentation and how to market to different segments. Once BN determined that she wanted to focus on providing window treatments to the new office segment, they started talking about how to approach this market.

Wendy asked BN about her contacts and she said she had none. HOWEVER, as they talked some more, it seems that she met a contractor who needed uniforms made. In addition, after the training session, we learned that both Kamala and Latifa’s consulting firm as well as Virginia Sheffield business center in Kabul could be an ideal sources of leads. So BN learned that indeed she does have contacts! They made an appointment to see the uniform people the next day and went to lunch, where BN noticed that while the walls and floors were decorated with tribal textiles and rugs, the tablecloths and napkins were plain white. She took it upon herself to suggest to the waiter that she make napkins and tablecloths. Wendy and BN spoke with the owner who said this is exactly what he too had in mind and asked BN to contact him the following week once she has a source for the fabric. The owner told us that he wants to employ Afghan women who are starting businesses.

We were all thrilled!!

The following day Wendy, Farah and BN went to the uniform contractor and learned that the person we needed to see was in Dubai. He will be back on Thursday and we were told they would call us to re-schedule a time for Thursday. They were discouraged that the man we were to meet with wasn’t there, but it turned out well as his assistant filled us in on exactly what they were looking for. We are now very well prepared for Thursday.

Afterwards we went to BN’s home, a light and open place where she has her workshop. She prepared a FEAST!! Wendy and Farah met her BEAUTIFULLY behaved daughters and son – American parents, PLEASE TAKE NOTE!! – and sat around on the rugs eating this delicious Afghan meal. There were even pieces of bread that looked like burqas!!

After lunch they spent time in the workshop. BN’s sister works for her and was making Laurie’s Chock’s scarf when we entered. It was interesting to see the working conditions and equipment that by our standards is antiquated. There are still quality issues to overcome and it is so very helpful to see everything as we can learn what is needed and what needs to be done.