From Sewing Skills to Steady Income, Massouma’s Coffee Cozy Success Story
Over the past three months, Massouma Mohammadi has transformed her sewing talent into a meaningful source of income by creating handmade coffee cozies. What began as a small activity has grown into a promising opportunity for her and a group of women who share similar skills and determination. Massouma joined a team of women who work together to sew and prepare coffee cozies for sale, and they are supported by members of the local host community who guide them in connecting their work to real customers and markets.
Their products are now reaching handicraft shops, restaurants, and even history museums, places that value unique, handmade items with a personal touch. During one sales opportunity, the group sold ten coffee cozies in just two hours, proving that there is real demand for what they create. On average, each woman in the group can produce around 21 coffee cozies in a single day, with each cozy taking about ten minutes to complete. Thanks to her years of experience in sewing and working in the garment industry, Massouma can produce even more when needed, sometimes up to 45 or 50 coffee cozies in a day.
What makes her story especially inspiring is how she balances this work with her responsibilities at home. Like many women, she manages household duties while also pursuing income-generating activities.
Her commitment, discipline, and time management allow her to do both successfully.
The coffee cozies they produce are sold for between $10 and $12 each, which creates a worthwhile return for their effort and craftsmanship. After the items are sold, Massouma and her teammates receive monthly payments, giving them a steady and reliable source of income that supports their families.
Massouma’s journey did not happen by chance. She previously took part in a sewing class organized by the International Institute of St. Louis through the Afghan Support Program. This class helped her strengthen her sewing skills and understand how these abilities could be turned into practical work. The training gave her technical knowledge, confidence, and a sense of direction. She learned not only how to sew better, but also how to think about her skills as a way to earn money and contribute to her household.
Today, Massouma is eager to find more opportunities to expand her work and turn her experience into a small business of her own. She continues to learn, improve, and explore new possibilities. Her story shows how practical training, community support, and personal determination can create real change in someone’s life. It is not only about making coffee cozies; it is about empowerment, self-reliance, and the power of skills to open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future.