Dalal would often do eyebrow threading and make-up for cousins and friends for free.
Born in Syria, Dalal lived in New Zealand for four years before moving to Australia with her husband and young son. She was excited to come to Australia to have more family support and looked forward to the warmer weather.
Dalal’s priority has always been her children, and over the past two decades, she has been dedicated to supporting their care and education, creating a loving family home environment.
She loved watching the latest videos about hair and make-up in her spare time. Learning new techniques and styles was a passion for Dalal, and she would practice with her family and friends. They were impressed with her skills and encouraged her to set up a business.
“I completed a certificate in hairdressing before the coronavirus pandemic,” says Dalal.
It was difficult for Dalal as she had been unwell but was committed to completing her studies. After graduating, she gained some experience working in a hairdressing salon as a trainee, and then COVID-19 hit.
Dalal took a break from working to focus on her health, but her love of hair and beauty persisted, and she began to make plans to establish a home-based hairdressing salon in her garage.
“I tiled the floor and painted the walls. It is a good garage, like a normal room of the house,” she says.
“I used to do it for fun, but now I want to make it a serious business.
Dalal regularly shares photos of her hair and make-up on Instagram and she has almost 5,000 followers.
“Everyone encourages me to start a business. The Centre Manager, Nawal, reached out to me and told me about Grameen…the Grameen loan will help me buy a hairdressing chair and some security screens,” says Dalal.
“I have enjoyed attending the weekly meetings and talking to the other women in my group.”
Dalal’s advice to other women is that even though you may spend many years taking care of children and the household, you can still pursue your passion.
“It’s never too late to start a business,” she says.
Dalal’s story is now part of Grameen’s history, with her business chosen as the first recipient of Grameen loans in Australia.