(Uzbekistan) – In the quaint district of Chust in Namangan region (Uzbekistan), a remarkable entrepreneurial tale unfolds. Sanobar Tojiboeva, the visionary behind “Uktamjon Servis LLC,” has not only turned her childhood love for sewing into a thriving business but has also successfully positioned her company on the global stage.
From Fabric Scraps to International Markets
“I was 8 when I first saw my father skillfully working with fabric. He was a tailor in a garment factory,” recalls Sanobar, reminiscing about the beginnings of her journey. Her childhood spent amidst fabrics and threads laid the foundation for a passion that would later evolve into a thriving enterprise.
Established in 2013 with just four employees and sewing machines, Uktamjon Servis has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, it employs over 150 people and exports more than USD 90,000 per month. Sanobar’s journey from a local tailor’s daughter to an international businesswoman is nothing short of inspirational.
Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities
Sanobar’s initial foray into the sewing business was met with challenges. Focusing on the local market, she offered high-quality knitwear made of expensive fabrics, but the market prices did not align with production costs. The turning point came in 2014 when the UNDP project “Aid for Trade in Uzbekistan” recognized the potential of Uktamjon Servis and provided a grant for 11 sewing machines.
With newfound resources and training, Sanobar expanded her business knowledge and adapted to market demands. Overcoming hurdles, she now collaborates with over five international companies and participates in major exhibitions, including the Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo in Dubai.
Crafting Success in International Markets
The leap into international markets was not without its challenges. Strict color requirements tested the company’s ingenuity, with Sanobar and her team developing 40 shades to meet customer demands. Today, Uktamjon Servis stands as a testament to high-quality products at competitive prices, earning a USD 700,000 export contract in Dubai.
Sanobar’s commitment to quality is evident in Uktamjon Servis’ products, made from 100 percent cotton. The company’s success in Dubai has opened new avenues for collaboration, with negotiations underway for additional export contracts with companies in the UAE.
Empowering the Community
Beyond business success, Sanobar takes pride in Uktamjon Servis’ role as a community employer. Since 2013, the company has increased its workforce by 40, creating more than 100 jobs for women during challenging periods like quarantine. Sanobar’s dedication to social impact extends beyond her business, as she mentors aspiring women entrepreneurs, sharing the lessons of her journey.
Sanobar attributes her success to the support from her family, staff, and UNDP, acknowledging the confidence instilled in her as a budding entrepreneur. Now, as a mentor, she inspires other women in Chust to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
Sanobar Tojiboeva’s story is more than a tale of business triumph; it’s a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Uktamjon Servis not only weaves fabric but also threads a narrative of success, passion, and the indomitable spirit of a local entrepreneur from Uzbekistan with global ambitions. (Note: this article main source is from undp.org, courtesy of undp.org)
