After a successful pitch on Egypt’s Dragons Den, a 16-year-old entrepreneur from Solihull has given the Egyptian business sector fresh hope and optimism. Alia’s candle-making business grew after she received backing from the sharks, as they are known in Egypt.
According to the BBC, Alia now oversees her firm during school holidays in Egypt while also studying for A-levels in Solihull. Ahmed, Alia’s father, expressed great pleasure in his daughter’s accomplishments, hoping that they may inspire others.
Alia, an Egyptian-born Solihull School student, first started making bracelets during lockdown. Her venture expanded into a candle-making business utilizing soy, which also serves as a skin treatment when melted.
Alia’s school allowed her to travel for job experience, leading to her appearance on Shark Tank Egypt in December. Despite her youth and lack of business experience, she persuaded three out of five sharks to invest, causing her tale to spread throughout the Middle East, with over 7.6 million views on her Facebook video.
Her father, who was proud of Alia’s progress, stated that today’s generation is autonomous and often decides to pursue their own route.
Alia’s Instagram business account increased from 3,600 to 68,000 followers in just 10 days following her Shark Tank Egypt participation. Her products frequently sold out within 10 minutes of being listed on her website. Following the concert, she employed three people from a burn victims organization to whom she had previously contributed earnings.
Alia plans to expand her candle production to the UK. She presently makes batches on family vacations in Egypt.