Rehema’s recipe for self-made success

DAR ES SALAAM: IN the bustling heart of Dar es Salaam, where the sound of sewing machines blends with the rhythm of city life, Rehema Benjamin has carved a name for herself as a professional tailor and a beacon of inspiration for many young women.

Her journey is not just about fabrics and stitches but also about courage, determination, and empowerment. Rehema’s story began in 1998, when she joined Form One at Peramiho Girls Secondary School in Ruvuma.

As part of her social skills classes, she was introduced to textiles, a subject that unknowingly set the foundation for her future. But her passion for tailoring didn’t only come from school. At home, she watched her mother sew part-time.

“I used to sit beside my mother and admire how she transformed fabrics into beautiful clothes. That stayed with me,” Rehema recalls.

For several years, life took her in a different direction. Rehema worked in the government sector, enjoying the stability and respect that came with a formal job. Yet tailoring remained her true calling. Eventually, she made the bold decision to resign. It was a move that shocked many around her.

“Everyone questioned why I left a government job to become a tailor. But I knew what I wanted. Now, those same people can see the impact I’ve had on my family and the community,” she says.

At first, she sewed at home while balancing family responsibilities. Slowly, she built a loyal customer base and made plans to sharpen her skills.

Rehema’s transformation is a true tale of “from forests to fashion.” Once responsible for overseeing forest conservation as a government officer, she now nurtures creativity through fashion design.

The same dedication she gave to protecting natural resources she now channels into shaping garments that carry her unique touch. Her story shows that passion can redirect one’s path without erasing the value of past experiences.

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In 2017, she enrolled in training that turned her from an enthusiastic tailor into a certified professional. Six years later, in 2023, she proudly opened her own office where she runs her business.

“What I love about tailoring is not just making clothes but the happiness it brings,” Rehema says warmly.

“My customers are satisfied, and that makes me happy too. More than that, I enjoy helping others become like me, especially young girls. It is part of my mission to empower women.” True to her words, Rehema has dedicated herself to mentoring the next generation.

On her street, she teaches girls eager to learn tailoring. For her, it is not only about passing on skills but also about giving young women the tools to achieve independence.

“I want them to know that they, too, can build a future with their own hands. Empowering other women gives me fulfilment,” she says.

Her vibrant workshop tells its own story. Rolls of colourful fabric line the corners, sewing machines hum steadily, and designs cover the walls. Customers from young professionals to families leave not just with clothes, but with a piece of Rehema’s passion stitched into every garment.

Some of the girls she has mentored are already sewing independently, contributing to their households and even earning incomes. Beyond tailoring, Rehema has become a voice of encouragement for young people facing the frustration of unemployment.

“I always tell the youth that opportunities exist around us. You don’t always have to wait for someone to hire you create something from what you love. That is how I started, and today I’m proud of the outcome,” she says.

She reminds them that the lack of formal employment should not discourage them, but instead push them to look within their communities for opportunities.

“I always tell young people, especially those I live with, that everyone has a passion for something. They should follow it and turn it into a career. Waiting for employment alone is not the only option,” she advises.

Today, Rehema beams with confidence when she talks about the transformation she has witnessed in her life and in the lives of those she has mentored.

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“This is something I love, and it gives me joy. I left my government job for this, and I have never looked back. Tailoring has given me purpose and opened doors I never imagined,” she says.

For Rehema, tailoring is not merely about fabrics, needles and thread. It is a journey of resilience, a statement of independence, and a legacy of empowerment. Each stitch she makes tells the story of a woman who dared to dream differently — and in doing so, inspired others to follow their own paths.

“Every stitch I make is more than clothing bodies, it is about weaving dreams into reality,” she says with a smile.