Today in Kazakhstan, more and more people strive to have items with national color in their interiors and wardrobes to feel a connection to their culture and stay closer to the history of their ancestors.
Nurank client Inabat Ayazbayeva decided to contribute to the restoration of traditions and revive the art of making syrmaks. She opened a workshop and a small showroom in our city, where customers can view and order products made using a unique technique.
Could you please tell us what a syrmak is and why you decided to work with this technique?
Syrmaks are handmade products made from patchwork in a mosaic design. In our work, we make sure to use traditional Kazakh ornaments, thereby emphasizing the diversity of the nation's culture and its uniqueness. Every ornamental pattern is filled with deep meaning that emerged many centuries ago and has survived to this day. In ancient times, ornaments were considered talismans, meant to protect from misfortune and bring luck to people.
In general, there are many directions in sewing. We cut out a pattern and hand sew it onto the base. Three types of fabric are used for this: lining, inner filler, and the top layer of fabric. By using camel wool, our products turn out to be of very high quality.
My clients purchase products to feel closer to their roots and the spirit of the nation. In addition to making syrmaks, we sew wedding dresses in national style, bridal dowries, and chapans.
How did you come up with the idea of creating your own atelier and showroom?
I enjoyed embroidering and quilting clothes from an early age, so at the age of seven, I already knew what I wanted to do in the future. However, due to family circumstances, I entered university and obtained a prestigious degree in linguistics. After receiving my diploma, I worked as a methodologist at a university for nine years. During that time, I wanted to fulfill my cherished dream and start creating beautiful things.
When I shared my plans with close ones, I heard a lot of criticism. My family was not enthusiastic about the idea of engaging in creative work. "You have a good, stable job. Why do you need this?" they said. But I decided to take the risk, quit my job, and began to study the basics of entrepreneurship, learning business fundamentals and improving my craftsmanship.
In 2019, I participated in the "Bastau" project organized by the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken" to acquire entrepreneurial skills. I also participated in the "Women in Microbusiness" program, where I was among the best. During my training, I learned about state support programs for SMEs, within which you can obtain a subsidized loan at a rate of 6% through the Damu Fund.
Afterwards, having prepared a detailed business plan, I started visiting banks to arrange a loan. After carefully comparing the offered conditions, I consciously chose Nurbank. The bank was ready to offer a six-month credit holiday, which was very important for me. Moreover, Nurbank has been operating on the market for more than 30 years and is a reliable financial institution with a good business reputation. I took out a loan of 15 million tenge to acquire premises and open a showroom and atelier.
What is the main thing in your work? What motivates you?
I really want products made in the style of syrmak to be in every home in our city, bringing joy to their owners. It is important to me that we work while adhering to complex traditional technology. Each product retains a piece of the warmth of the hands that worked to create it. I dream of creating a network of stores where I can sell items decorated with embroidery in the national style so that more people in the country can appreciate our quality.
What challenges have you faced on your journey?
On the way to my dream, I had to face various challenges. There were times when I worked from home, where it was impossible to accommodate all the necessary equipment, and there were occasions when customers returned items I had worked on day and night, dissatisfied. Sometimes, I couldn't correctly follow the technology, and had to start all over again. This is life, and it comes with difficulties, so I just kept pursuing my cherished dream without giving up. Thanks to my love for the craft, I was able to overcome these challenges. I always say that it's impossible to achieve success without making mistakes.
Are there competitors in your field? How do your products differ?
We make cochlear products from camel wool and embroider patterns on them. In Aktobe, only our atelier has its own workshop where we can fully adhere to the production technology. Today, as more people want to have items in national style in their homes, we are not the only ones engaged in making syrmaks. However, I cannot call them competitors because we share a common goal – to revive the art of making syrmaks. We are all colleagues.
The main distinction of our works is the exclusivity of our products. We do not "mass-produce," but create unique works, which is why they are in demand. Moreover, they are 100% environmentally friendly, and we do not harm the environment in production.
Items made from camel wool have long been known for their healing properties. Since ancient times, Kazakhs have known and used them to improve their health. The thing is that each fiber of the wool is generously coated with a special animal wax, or as it is called scientifically, lanolin. Under the influence of body heat, this substance is absorbed into the skin and heals sore muscles and joints.
Do you think it is easy to run a business in Kazakhstan?
Today, the state pays great attention to the development of small and medium businesses in our country. Through Damu programs, the state allows access to subsidized loans, comprehensive consulting support, and entrepreneurial project assistance.
What advice can you offer to young entrepreneurs?
If you have a goal, go towards its realization confidently, do not be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. You will never know what you are capable of until you go the whole way. As the saying goes: "the road will be mastered by the walking." If you think you know little, that's not a problem. Problems start when you think you know everything. As a result, a business owner develops excessive self-confidence, which hinders work.
Buy only what is truly necessary, do not be wasteful. Let things go their own way, it's impossible to grasp the immeasurable all at once. I myself began by purchasing household sewing machines, gradually acquiring more complex professional equipment. This is my advice to budding entrepreneurs.
Young entrepreneurs will also benefit from learning about SME support programs through the Damu Fund, which allow access to subsidized loans. The choice of bank is also important. I would like to recommend Nurbank. The most comfortable conditions are created here for each client, and the bank's staff are always ready to help resolve any issues and provide consulting support at all stages of business development: from the idea to implementation. Individual service and personal attention are the bank's credo.
Source: diapazon.kz
