My name is Sabrina Ibrahim, and I come from Bangladesh, currently based in Germany. I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration, and more recently, I completed an MA in Sustainable Development, with a thesis focused on women’s entrepreneurship. Over the years, my academic journey has evolved in parallel with my interests in entrepreneurship, sustainability, child development, and women’s empowerment. These interests have shaped my goals both professionally and personally.
In addition to my academic endeavors, I have a small online clothing business in Germany, where I work primarily with South Asian handmade garments and heritage designs. This business is not only a platform for creativity and economic independence but also a way to celebrate and preserve cultural craftsmanship in a globalized world. I am deeply passionate about crafts, heritage-based entrepreneurship, and sustainable business models that empower marginalized communities, particularly women.
I decided to participate in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) program in Italy from May 5 to June 30, 2025, driven by multiple motivations. First and foremost, I was curious about how European countries integrate traditional crafts into contemporary business models. I was particularly interested in Italy because of its rich heritage in craftsmanship, art, and small-scale artisanal businesses. Secondly, I wanted to gain practical insights into how heritage-based businesses are developed, marketed, and sustained in Europe. Lastly, I was inspired by stories from other young entrepreneurs who had participated in EYE and spoke highly of how the experience broadened their vision and gave them access to invaluable networks and mentoring opportunities.
This experience has contributed significantly to both my human and professional growth. On a personal level, living and working in Italy for two months allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, learn a new way of life, and appreciate the diverse perspectives of entrepreneurship rooted in heritage. It also helped me become more adaptable, open-minded, and confident in cross-cultural settings.
Professionally, I gained first-hand experience in network building, grant writing, and identifying suitable stakeholders through branding strategies and customer engagement techniques from a European perspective. I worked alongside some other entrepreneurs and observed the delicate balance they maintain between tradition and innovation. I also learned about sustainable business options, which is a key interest of mine. These lessons are directly applicable to my current business and my plans to scale it into a more structured e-commerce platform that promotes ethical fashion and heritage crafts.
Overall, the EYE program has been a transformative experience. It enriched my understanding of entrepreneurship, strengthened my motivation to pursue a purpose-driven business, and expanded my vision for creating impact through sustainable and culturally rooted enterprises.