In one of the neighborhoods of Tripoli, where daily life is filled with challenges, Dareen stands with determination in the kitchen of her modest, cozy shop, preparing homemade dishes seasoned with love. Her journey hasn’t been easy, but it serves as a shining example of perseverance and the ability to turn difficult circumstances into opportunities for growth.
Dareen, a married woman and mother of four, began her cooking journey at home. After the death of her first husband four years ago, she suddenly found herself facing heavy responsibilities, but she didn’t give up. Later, she remarried, and her current husband was the first to encourage her to invest in her cooking skills and open her shop, “Shawke w Sekkine” (Fork and Knife), using the equipment she already had at home.
Dareen started preparing daily meals for customers and fulfilling orders for local residents, who quickly grew to love her homemade food and its authentic flavor. But the work wasn’t without obstacles. She lacked basic equipment such as a refrigerator and an oven, and had to rely on her kitchen appliances to keep things running. Delivery service was another challenge, making it difficult to meet customer demand efficiently.
With the support of Basmeh & Zitooneh under the FSL program, a project funded by HELP to support small and micro enterprises, Dareen was able to acquire much of the equipment she needed to grow her business. She also developed a visual identity for her shop and managed to purchase several essential items that improved the customer experience and increased order volume.
But Dareen’s ambition doesn’t stop there. She shares her hopes, saying:” I dream of owning a small restaurant with a garden, where people can relax and enjoy the meals I prepare”.
This story is about a woman who chose to build her path despite the odds, and who turned a simple kitchen in Tripoli into a space of opportunity and hope.
Written by: Ibrahim Al Housseiny
