Umida Karimova
The Path from a Home Workshop to Independent Production: Umida Karimova’s Story
The path from a home workshop to independent production: Umida Karimova’s story
Every entrepreneurial story is not only about business, but also about courage, inner strength, and the willingness to follow one’s own path. Umida Karimova has been active in the textile industry for more than twenty years. Today, she runs her own children’s clothing production, mentors apprentices who are taking their first steps in the profession, and has plans to open a factory.
Photo: HAMROH – Women’s entrepreneurship support company
How It All Began
I have been working in the textile industry for more than twenty years. At the end of the 1990s, I started working as a seamstress in a workshop, where we were called “motoristka.” The machines at that time were very large and noisy, but I enjoyed the process—the fabric, the movement, and the unique rhythm of the work brought me satisfaction. I wanted to succeed in this field and become the best. Perhaps it was then that the idea of opening my own production first began to form.
My first independent steps in this industry started at home. My mother had an old sewing machine, which became the first step toward my dream. I would buy fabric, cut tablecloths, and initially sew napkins for myself and my family. However, when I saw that people liked my creations, I decided to try selling them.
I would save money one sum at a time for a new sewing machine, putting it into a three-liter jar. That’s how, just before the quarantine period, I managed to buy my first professional sewing machine. With it, my real journey began: I started sewing children’s clothing—caps and trousers—and posting them for sale on a Telegram channel. It was frightening: I had no sales experience, no knowledge, and no support. But I decided not to wait for someone to explain everything to me—I simply started.
My next step was opening my own workshop in Parkent and registering the company Umitext. At first, many people discouraged me from establishing a legal entity, but I wanted to enter the export market—and I succeeded. My first export order became undeniable proof for me that if you see something through to the end, dreams really can come true.
Recently, I attended a Creative Industries Forum in Saint Petersburg. There were many entrepreneurs, ideas, and sources of inspiration there. I met dozens of people like myself—people who believe in craftsmanship, quality, and honest work. This experience gave me confidence: we, Uzbek women, can also be part of this vast global industry.
Overcoming Challenges and the Journey
My path has included everything—moments of inspiration, burnout, and times when I felt I had no strength left. But I learned to look at difficulties differently. If the path is hard, it means you are growing.
I am proud that I never gave up. Everything I have today, I built with my own hands. Now I have a small but stable production enterprise and a team of 25 women working with me. In addition, I have part-time employees—some take orders home, and those without machines do hand embroidery.
For me, it is not only about sewing clothes, but also about helping other women believe that everything is possible. I often tell them: “Look at me—I also started with nothing but an old sewing machine. But I believed and kept moving forward.”
For me, this is not just a business—it is a business filled with my love. I do not have children of my own, but I sew children’s clothing because I want every child to grow up in comfort, with clothes made with care and warmth. We use only natural cotton—it is safe and environmentally friendly.
It is important to me that people can see how a product is made from start to finish. I want them to come to the factory, observe the process, touch the fabrics, and feel respect for the work behind it. I dream of holding an “Open Doors Day” so that school students, university students, and families can see how much care and patience stand behind every single item we create.
Online Marketplace and Customers Across the Country
I am currently preparing to launch a new product line—eco-friendly slippers made from natural fabric. This idea was born not only from a desire to create something beautiful, but also something practical and useful. I have already opened a store on Uzum Market with products from my current production lines and plan to list the first batches of slippers there.
For me, Uzum Market is not just a platform, but an opportunity to present my products in a meaningful way and showcase Uzbek textile goods to customers across the entire country. Seeing the items we create with our own hands find their buyers online and reach every corner of Uzbekistan brings a very special feeling.
Photo: HAMROH – Women’s entrepreneurship support company
Future Plans
My next goal is to develop a fully-fledged production complex. I aim to establish a modern factory with comfortable working conditions, where both women and young specialists can work and grow professionally. I also plan to open a kindergarten nearby so that mothers can combine work with childcare more easily and without stress.
Another important direction is supporting socially vulnerable groups, especially orphans, by helping them find employment opportunities. A few years ago, I helped a young man who found himself in a difficult life situation. I became his guardian and supported him in entering college, gaining a profession, and finding a job. Today he lives independently and works, and I am proud that I was able to support him at a crucial moment in his life.
From a production perspective, I see opportunities to expand the product range to include clothing for children, teenagers, and adults, as well as household items, shopping bags, towels, and footwear made from natural materials. I want to develop all of these products based on honest labor, high quality, and respect for people.
Advice for Beginners
To all women, I want to say: start. Even if it feels scary, even if it seems too late. If you believe and do not give up, everything is possible. I started from zero—with an old sewing machine, no money, and no support. But step by step, everything became reality because I simply did not stop. Every big achievement begins with a small idea and the first step. The most important thing is not to be afraid and to believe in yourself.
I know that the potential of women in Uzbekistan is very strong. We know how to work, how to care, and how to overcome challenges. That is why I sincerely believe: if you truly want something, you can achieve anything.
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Photo: HAMROH – Women’s entrepreneurship support company
