The strong personality of Jihan Abu Al Rubb and her persuasive capacities have clear impact on changing the attitudes of the people of Jalboon in Jenin in the north of the West Bank. Her capacity to persuade has also convinced her family to start their own business in order to improve their income and to contribute to the education of Jihan's brother.  

It all began in 2006. Jihan started a business. She opened a small store selling clothes and accessories in Jalboon. It was not easy in the beginning for Jihan because the society did not like the idea, especially when the business had an evening shift.

In any case, Jihan's business succeeded. She achieved success because she believed in it and she insisted on it. She believed that success was possible and she had the will to succeed and she found the way to do so. 

The success of Jihan in Jalboon led to another success in Jenin. Jihan opened a new store in the city of Jenin. The store is located in a distinguished part of the city where the purchase power is higher and the opportunity to communicate with shoppers is also higher and the sales rates are better. Jihan has also developed her new store, increased goods' quantity, and improved goods' quality. 

Jihan requested a $2000 - dollar loan from Asala in early 2009 in order to cover the costs of developing her store. The loan was repaid in full within a year. However, Jihan requested another loan in March 2010. That loan's amount totaled $4,000. The loan improved Jihan's income remarkably and enabled her to develop her business and increase the quantity and quality of the stock. The business now has its regular customers who "specially come to shop from my store," said Jihan.

Jihan is 30 years old. She lives with her family of eight members. She couldn't complete her education stopping at the preparatory school. She had to quit education in order to work and support her family, which had a difficult economic situation. Jihan supports her family. The value of her business' capital is $7,000. She dreams of improving her store. She wants it to be capable of meeting the entire women's needs of clothes and accessories. She also wants to import goods from their sources of production.

Jihan could recall the difficulties she encountered at the start of the business. She was afraid of failure. It was hard for her to communicate with the traders due to lack of experience. There were also financial difficulties. However, today Jihan is proud of the experience she acquired and the will to succeed. She has plans to start another business in Jalboon in addition to the business in Jenin.