The European Union is a strong promoter of the importance of Skills, which are especially relevant in today’s market. Through a number of initiatives, the EU supports young women and men across the Southern Neighbourhood to develop their competences and secure a promising future. 

In this Flashback series, we spoke to youth who benefited from these projects. Today, they reflect on the positive impact this support has had on their life.

Hend Ksiaa benefited from the support of  the EU-funded programme Innovi’I -EU4Innovation to turn her scientific research into a sustainable business that provides eco-friendly products for babies and infants. Sourire aux Anges now offers 8 natural, locally-sourced products for healthier and happier children across Tunisia.

When you embarked on this journey, what were your dreams?

I wanted to give my newborn baby, and all other infants in Tunisia, quality products that prioritise well-being and respect of the environment. The Tunisian market is inundated with imported products that people often consider “superior”. I dreamt of challenging this perception and to show people that ethical and locally-produced baby products can be the best alternative for a healthier future.

I was convinced that I could build a sustainable business that does not compromise on quality, and can rise to the challenge of low-cost alternatives.

What skills did you gain through the EU-funded programme and how did they help you advance your dreams?

Through my participation in Innovi’i – EU4Innovation, I completely switched my focus from being solely a scientific researcher to being a true entrepreneur.

I gained the most precious skills to help me transform my idea into a business. I had made a number of mistakes before, and the financial experts, marketers and accountants of the programme helped me understand why. I assessed gaps in my business and I refined my vision. While I was initially focused on marketing and social media, the programme supported me in transitioning to partnerships with pediatricians and pharmacies. Honestly, this helped me avoid repeating very costly mistakes which can be very detrimental to a young business like Sourire aux Anges.

Learning soft skills was incredibly precious too. Things as simple as public speaking require work and the programme helped me tremendously with that.

Having financial support and official recognition also boosted me because it was a testament to my credibility. I won the Social Entrepreneur of 2021 award and obtained loans that were also crucial for me. I invested them to obtain ISO certification for my lab, recruited sales staff and increased my outreach with pharmacy visits and product commercialisation. 

Today, what is your proudest achievement?

My biggest pride is when I receive messages from parents and pediatricians saying ‘thank you for the products you make, they helped my infant feel so much better’ or ‘thank you it relieved their irritation and they are healthier’. Sometimes, these are people I have never met who tell me ‘you must be a wonderful person because you make wonderful products’. 

That’s it, I don’t need anything else. 

For me it is marvellous to see other people who share my eco-responsible concerns and it warms my heart to see the impact we can all have. This makes me even more determined to continue doing what I do.  

Flashback to: https://south.euneighbours.eu/story/imagining-collaborative-pathways-to-culture-lebanons-one-of-a-kind-environmental-film-festival/ 

Website https://souriresauxanges.tn/