For people with disabilities, starting a business can present a multitude of challenges, ranging from societal attitudes to practical barriers.
The financial burden of managing a disability can make entrepreneurship seem like a daunting prospect. Medical expenses, assistive devices, and specialized services can create significant financial strain, leaving little room for investment in a new venture.
Despite the pervasive hurdles, including accessibility, Atheer Al Balushi has become an inspiration to other young girls, as she has become a testament that if there's a will, there's a way, and that people with disabilities can still thrive as entrepreneurs.
Atheer was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, a mild type of disorder that presents a range of symptoms, including challenges in social and language development.
Commonly, people in Atheer's condition experience delays in language development, walking, and other motor skills. Despite this, with the help and support of loved ones, she started Atheer Delights in 2019, where she can freely express her love for baking and cooking.
Atheer Delights is not just a brand making sweets it's a symbol of empowerment and resistance, and it has now started to market even outside of Oman.
Atheer's project revolves around producing a variety of sweets using dates as a primary ingredient, all without the need for fire or sharp tools which is considered dangerous in her case.
Atheer created her branding and accounts on social media. With her social media following growing, Atheer also decided to venture into life coaching.
Atheer Delights not only showcases Atheer's creativity but also serves as a vocational training platform for girls with disabilities who have been trained by Atheer herself! The goal is not just to train them but to integrate them into the workforce, creating chances and spaces for them, but has become essential in proving that people with their kind of disorder can contribute meaningfully and successfully to society with self-confidence.
Atheer's journey hasn't been easy. Alongside her moderate intellectual disability, she faces speech difficulties and spasms. However, these challenges only fueled her determination and didn’t stop her from making her dreams happen. She has improved herself and wasted no time in launching Atheer Delights, a testament to her resilience and passion for creating opportunities.
The impact of Atheer's project extends beyond the business realm. It's about changing perceptions and breaking barriers. Atheer has been recognized for her achievements, winning first place in talent competitions in Batinah South and Ruaya Competition for youth endeavours in 2019, and participating in numerous community events locally and internationally. Recently, she took a special prize in the UAE for her project one of the pioneering projects for people with special needs. Her message is clear, which is “ people with disabilities are not limited by their conditions. They have the talent, drive, and ambition to succeed in the job market and achieve independence.”
Behind Atheer's success were a great mom and dad, who gave full attention to empowering Atheer with the needed skills and support to stay as a beacon of strength and capability among people with special needs. The parents chose the correct bath for their unique girl, and she succeeded.
Her father commented, "What we hope is to widen our girl's horizons in business and create an optimistic career future and a beautiful life for her.”
Atheer's story is a reminder that with determination and support, anyone can turn their dreams into reality, regardless of the challenges they face.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
