Firyal Ahmed is a 45 year old woman living in Jenin.  She's married and has 3 boys and one girl. Her eldest son recently graduated from university and is now a university lecturer, the second is studying at university.  Her daughter is also studying at university. Firyal is able to educate her children despite the fact that she and her family are suffering from dire economical circumstances.

Firyal refused to ask for help from anyone and says she decided to depend on herself and stand by her family; especially her husband who is unable to work due to his illness.  Initially, she wanted to invest in her sewing skills, but she never really enjoyed any great profit.

It was very difficult for her socially, because her family did not support her decision to work. It was also difficult for her because although she was using her talent, she was a laborer.  However, her harsh economical situation forced her to persevere. In 2007, Firyal took a loan from Asala for $500 and bought children's clothes to sell.  This project was successful and she realized that there was a strong demand for her products.  She took a second loan for $2,000 in order to open a boutique for children and women's clothing.

Firyal has a strong personality, she is fun loving, and has a large circle of friends.  Her clients trust her, and she notes ‘My clients always come back, I never loose clients.  On the contrary, I'm always gaining new ones!'  The major reason for her success was an internal driving force that encouraged her to do more for her family; aside from providing very well for her family, Firyal is now recognized as a strong woman in her community and in her family.  She believes that her success is greatly due to her husband, children and friends' continuous support.  She is also grateful to Asala for its constant follow up and support.

Firyal is now thinking of moving her boutique to a larger premises with new internal décor. Firyal's message to women is that the taste of success is exceptional and that although hard work and determination are necessary to reach goals, it is more than worth it once you reach the goals.  The only way to address poverty is head-on with hard work and resolve.  Finally, Firyal notes that nothing is impossible.