Hadya Smuqi, originally from Shingal, moved to Germany in 2016, two years after Islamic State (ISIS) militants overran her hometown.
“After 2014, I did not want to need anyone. I wanted to be the one who helps people in need. I wanted to be the person who extends a helping hand. That is why I decided to learn more about working with technology and working online,” she told Rudaw.
She worked a security job while building her online business as a makeup artist.
“I want to reach a point where I can help our people, people who want help, and those who need help. I also work as a makeup artist with cinematic makeup, maskenbildner as they call it in German. I also do ordinary makeup for parties and occasions,” Smuqi said.
She highlighted the advantages of the digital age, how it allows people to run a business in their free time and encouraged women to take advantage of what technology has to offer.
“You have a phone with you anyway. You can use the two or three hours of free time you have and benefit from it,” she said.
