Noora Sharrab – Sitti Soap

1. How long have you been in business and why did you start?

Sitti was born in 2015, when my co-founder, Jacqueline Sofia and I were closely working with women in the Jerash Camp in Jordan, and were approached to help skilled artisan women in selling cold-pressed olive oil soap. What started as a small bar of soap soon transformed to a social enterprise with a mission to create sustainable employment opportunities for women and men in the camp.

2. What’s your go-to Elevator Pitch?

Sitti is a conscious lifestyle brand committed to the self-reliance of refugee and displaced communities through long-term employment opportunities and skill development training, empowered by an inclusive global economy.

3. Which geographical areas do you service?

Our products are produced in Jordan. We sell to a global market, with customers from Australia, Middle East, Europe and North America.

4. How long has your organization been certified with WEConnect International?

We have been certified with WEConnect International for a little over a year.

5. What are the benefits of this network and of certification?

Working with companies that prioritize working with women-owned companies goes a long way. WEConnect International in Canada puts together workshops and opportunities that helps entrepreneurs gain the skills, networks and exposure they need to get access to a global marketplace that supports women-owned companies.

6. What 3 tips do you have for women entrepreneurs?

1. Go for it, even if there are others in the field doing the same. What you have to offer is unique.
2. You’ll get doors closing in front of you, and lots of “no’s” in the path of your journey; use it as a way to challenge yourself to grow and develop your work.
3. Put yourself out there. Pitch yourself, perfect the pitch and do it again and again. Keep telling your story till it sticks.

7. Any big plans or announcements you’d like to share?

When COVID halted everyone’s work, my co-founder and I wanted to make sure that no one would be impacted or laid off; we lost a lot of corporate and wedding orders that were in the pipeline. We will be launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise $130,000 to help support and secure the livelihood for over 20 artisans while continuing to serve the community, with a call-out for corporates to switch their corporate gifting towards ‘conscious gifting’ efforts that help support a certified women-owned company.