“If you know how to crochet, then why don’t you come up with a business plan?” Ifra suggested.

Rania replied, “No way. I am already stressed and exhausted because of my studies. Sorry, I can’t think like a businessperson.”

“Now this is the problem, Rania. You stress over little things and never give yourself a chance to try something new. Life is short and never comes back,” Ifra added.

That night, Ifra’s suggestion kept echoing in Rania’s mind. To relax, she went out onto the balcony and started talking to herself.

“Should I really start a business? If I already have skills, shouldn’t I use them? I should definitely take suggestions from Mama and Baba,” Rania mumbled.

The next morning at the breakfast table, Rania discussed the idea with her parents.

“If you are willing to start something new, you have to promise us a few things,” her father said. “Firstly, your studies will always be your priority, no compromise on that Secondly, you must be consistent with your business. Even if you start earning, you will not quit your studies or pursue the business as your final career.”

Rania nodded eagerly, her face glowing with excitement. She rushed to her room, picked up her phone and immediately called Ifra, asking her to come over.

Soon, both friends were sitting in Rania’s room, making a business plan. They discussed the pros and cons and the challenges Rania might face.

“Ifra, I want you to be my business partner,” Rania said hopefully.

“Rania, I am not passionate about business nor can I crochet,” Ifra replied gently. “I only gave you the suggestion after seeing your skill. Also, my parents won’t allow it. But I will give you a crochet set as a starter for your business. Come on, Rania, you can manage it on your own.”

Days passed and Rania kept knitting products for her small business. Since it was on a small scale, she made homemade packaging. She didn’t want to invest too much, fearing she might regret it later if the business failed.

She started marketing by clicking pictures and uploading them on her Instagram page. During the first few weeks, she received no orders. This made her feel extremely demotivated, as if all her efforts were meaningless. Every day, she prayed to God Almighty to bless her hard work with success.

One day, her mother entered her room and found Rania crying. When she asked what was wrong, she learnt that Rania was regretting her decision to start her crochet business because there was no sale at all.

Without saying a word, her mother took her to the garden and pointed to a pot they had planted the previous week.

“This seedling hasn’t bloomed yet,” she said. “We planted it just last week, remember?”

Rania nodded.

Her mother continued, “If we give this plant the right amount of water, sunlight and care, it will bloom. The same applies to a business. If you remain consistent and put in the effort, you will eventually see progress.”

She added, “This seedling will also face harsh weather, scorching heat or heavy rain. It may weaken, but if its roots are strong, it will survive. Similarly, you will face ups and downs in your business, but that does not mean you should give up.”

Rania realised that hard work, patience and balance were the keys to success. She gave her crochet business more time and attention. Within a few weeks, she started receiving orders.

Months passed. Rania stayed firm and faced every challenge that came her way. Despite feeling exhausted from multitasking at times, she never gave up. She passed her Intermediate exams with exceptional marks and emerged as a successful young entrepreneur.

Rania’s story shows us that starting a business and achieving success results from consistency, dedication to one’s passion, using time wisely, creating balance and having faith in oneself.

Published in Dawn, Young World, January 24th, 2026