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If you thought Bahrain's Micro- finance initiative was only for new businesses then think again, Awatif Ali Al Dossary has been making and selling perfumes for the past 15 years.
And with the help of Micro-finance she has built a successful business while helping to keep a traditional skill alive.
Awatif, from Hamad Town, wanted to become an independent woman, with a skill she could develop and benefit from and, of course, earn extra income to support the people she loves the most, her family.
Forty-eight-year-old Awatif, a mother of four girls and a boy, aged between 14 and 25, applied for a loan with the Micro-finance project more than 10 years ago.
"I heard that this project helps Bahraini men and women with skills to sell their products from home and I just thought why not apply if it is going to help me gain more cash," she said.
"I started with a BD50 loan and now my loan has reached to BD900. I have to pay off the loan in one year."
Micro-finance was formed by the United Nations Development Project (UNDP), The Social Development Ministry and Al Ahli United Bank.
The project, entitled 'Provisions of Sustainable Micro-Finance Credit and Services to Needy Citizens of Bahrain', aims to provide small, short-term loans to low-income individuals, especially women.
This project is the second of its kind, following the successful Micro-start which was initiated in 1999.
Awatif learned to make Bukhoor (a traditional scent) from a close friend.
"I used to watch my friend when she made Bukhoor and to help me financially she offered to teach me how to make it so I could sell it from home," she said.
"Making Bukhoor is a long process, you have to combine a lot of traditional scents in addition to sugar and water and cook it together then keep it to dry in a room for two to three days."
Awatif also makes perfumes and lotions for the body and the hair.
She said: "I use medical creams for my lotions and add to them a few natural ingredients which do not have any side effects as well as fragrances to give them a nice smell.
"I have learned how to do it from expert people who have been working in this field for years now."
Awatif has taken part in many exhibitions and festivals in and outside Bahrain to sell and promote her products.
"Six months ago the BBC interviewed me as well. They were looking for local women with skills. It was a great opportunity for me to tell the world about what I do.
"I am grateful for my loyal customers who have been dealing with me for years now. They are happy with what I offer them and that makes me feel proud.
"I love what I do ... it is great to be able to make something useful for others and at the same time learn a skill which helps you to be independent financially.
"I love developing my skill and learning more about my field. I always go to shops and ask people about their products and learn from what they are making and selling," said Awatif.
"It is not an easy job, sometimes my whole body aches from working for long hours but at the end of the day it is worth it."
Awatif said she is helping keeping an old traditional skill alive.
She can be contacted on 39024152. For further information about the Micro-finance project call Awal Women's Society on 17678974 or visit any branch of Al Eslah Society.
