Finding Strength in Every Bar: My Journey as a Female, Mother, and First-Generation Afghan-American Entrepreneur
When I started my small business, I didn’t just want to make soap — I wanted to create something meaningful. Something that reflected not only my love for natural, handcrafted products but also my journey as a female, mother, accountant, and first-generation Afghan-American.
Balancing a career in the accounting industry while building a small business has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling chapters of my life. It’s taught me that structure and creativity can coexist — that numbers and nature can find harmony when guided by purpose.
🌿 Growing Up Between Two Worlds
I came to the United States as a small child, carrying only pieces of a story I was too young to fully understand — a story of resilience, hope, and starting over. Growing up here, I watched my parents work tirelessly to build a new life from the ground up. Their strength, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in education shaped who I am today.
As a first-generation Afghan-American, I’ve always lived between two worlds — honoring the traditions of my culture while embracing the opportunities of my new home. This balance of heritage and growth has influenced every part of my life, from my career in finance to my creative journey as a soapmaker.
💛 From Numbers to Nature
My professional background is in accounting, and I’ve spent years working in the finance industry. I love the precision and order it brings — the sense of clarity that comes from balancing numbers. But alongside that structure, I always felt a pull toward creativity and connection.
When I discovered cold process soapmaking, something clicked. The process required calculation, timing, and accuracy — all the things I already loved about accounting — but it also allowed room for artistry and soul. Each batch became a blend of science and self-expression, a perfect reflection of my two sides.
Soapmaking also reconnected me to the natural ingredients I grew up around — oils, clays, and botanicals that have long been part of Afghan culture. It reminded me that beauty can come from simplicity, and that care and craftsmanship go hand in hand.
🌸 Balancing Business, Career, and Motherhood
As a mother, life is beautifully busy. Between work, family, and running a small business, my days are full — and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There are nights when I’m crunching numbers after bedtime or packaging soaps while helping with homework, but those moments are what make this journey real.
My children see me working hard for something I believe in. They see that it’s possible to pursue a professional career and still build something personal and meaningful. They remind me daily that perseverance, love, and balance are what truly define success.
🌿 Purpose, Integrity, and Empowerment
Being a woman in business — both in the finance industry and as a small business owner — has taught me the importance of standing firmly in your values. For me, those values are:
- Integrity — in every professional decision and handcrafted product.
- Sustainability — honoring nature through conscious ingredients and choices.
- Empowerment — using my platform to inspire other women, mothers, and immigrants to follow their passions.
Every bar of soap I create carries a piece of that story — a blend of my culture, my creativity, and my belief that growth comes from courage.
💛 A Message to Fellow Dreamers
To every woman balancing work, motherhood, and personal dreams: your journey matters. You don’t have to choose between being practical and being passionate — you can be both. You can build a career, raise a family, and still create something that’s entirely your own.
My story is one of gratitude — for the sacrifices my parents made, for the opportunities I’ve been given, and for the chance to create something that connects heart, heritage, and hard work.
So here’s to all the women who dream, create, and persevere. May we continue to lift each other up, celebrate our roots, and craft lives that reflect who we truly are.
From my hands to yours, thank you for supporting not just a small business, but a story — one built on hope, balance, and heart.
— Zulfar
Founder, Sauboon Handcrafted Soap