Silva: The Redemption of a Nail Technician in Homs
“My name is Silva, I’m 22 years old, and I work as a nail technician.” Thus begins the story of this Syrian girl, who lives in the city of Homs and who, since becoming one of the beneficiaries of the RestarT Project in Syria, has regained control of her future.
And the right to imagine a life in one’s country, to continue to be part of one’s community and contribute to its development.
From self-taught passion to independent activity
Nail care, reconstruction, and decoration have been a passion she’s nurtured since she was very young: “I taught myself, without taking any courses. I also worked in a salon, but I didn’t have the equipment necessary to start my own business.” It was the RestarT Project team in Syria who provided Silva with what she needed after she applied for support because she wanted to be independent in her work.
Professional equipment and project success
The girl received all the necessary equipment, including a table, chair, paraffin treatment devices (a special wax rich in vitamins and oils used as a wellness ritual for the hands), and a complete nail kit.
After receiving the support, Silva immediately started working: “I felt that discovering the RestarT Project in Syria was a real stroke of luck. I became independent, I put my skills into practice, but I also learned new things. “. The number of customers has increased steadily, as has the young woman’s confidence in the future.
Financial independence and dreams for the future
“My earnings have also increased. Before receiving support and having the tools to work, I was only earning a third of what I earn now. Since I have the equipment and the project is entirely my own, my income has improved.”
In Silva’s future, there is a large beauty salon, with several nail stations and a large staff.
The value of reciprocity and giving
In the present, however, there is also the reciprocity: “I wanted to help people, following the principles of communion and reciprocity, and a year after joining the RestarT Project in Syria, I offered a free nail reconstruction course. Other times, I offered courses at very low rates. On special occasions, I gave free nail treatments to young women in need. I wanted to give back for the kindness I had received.”