Zanan Herat Silk

Vendor Biography

My name is Maryam Sheikh, and I am one of the small business owners from Herat province, Zindajan district. I live in Zindajan with my parents, sisters, and brothers, and our family consists of six members. I completed my higher education in the field of Management at a private university named Hari Kardan and successfully graduated.

Silk weaving is the traditional profession of my father and ancestors. Since childhood, I have been connected to this craft, and for the past twelve years, I have been professionally involved in silk weaving and the production of silk fabrics. In 2016,I officially founded my company, Zanan Herat Silk Production Company, and obtained a business license from the Chamber of Commerce.

The reason I started this business was my strong interest in silk production and my desire to preserve and further develop my family’s traditional craft. I also aimed to empower disadvantaged women in Zindajan district by creating job opportunities that would allow them to become self-reliant, and to ensure this ancient craft does not disappear.

At the beginning, with a small initial capital, I started my work with 750 women. Among them, 15 women—one selected from each village—joined the leadership committee of the company to ensure transparency. Today, the company has seen significant growth, and many of our workshops are actively operating.

We have expanded production beyond silk and now also manufacture Karbas (cotton fabric) and canvas. Our products include:
silk scarves, silk handbags, carpets, fabrics, chapans, turbans (lungi), blankets, masks, and handkerchiefs. From Karbas fabric, we also produce blankets, handkerchiefs, and scarves.

My goal is to introduce high-quality, naturally dyed silk and textile products to national and international markets, to empower the women of Zindajan district to achieve self-sufficiency, and to further expand my business within the country.