For years, women in this small Georgian village had to travel nearly 45 kilometres to the nearest city just to enjoy basic beauty services. Today, thanks to the determination of one woman, that long journey is no longer necessary.

Sophia, a mother and lifelong beauty enthusiast, once made a difficult decision many Georgians know too well—leaving home in search of better opportunities abroad. In 2018, she moved to Iraq, working two demanding jobs: as a hotel cleaner and as a stylist in a local salon. Her goal was simple yet powerful—to save enough money to one day open a salon of her own back home.

“It was very hard being away from my children and working in a foreign country,” Sophia recalls. “But I kept reminding myself that every day brought me one step closer to my dream.”

After four years of sacrifice, she finally returned to Georgia with her savings and new professional experience. But building a business from scratch in her hometown was no easy task. Opening a beauty salon required more than just passion—it demanded resilience, planning, and community support.

With sheer determination, Sophia transformed her vision into reality, opening her own salon right in Vertvikhala. What began as a modest setup soon became a vital hub for her village and nearby communities of nearly 7,500 residents. For the first time, locals had easy access to modern beauty and self-care services without the need to travel long distances.

Her salon, fittingly named “Sofio,” quickly earned a reputation for quality and care. From hairstyling and treatments to skincare, it became more than a place of beauty—it became a space of confidence, connection, and empowerment.

But Sophia’s journey didn’t just change her own life—it created opportunities for others too. Today, she employs two women from the village who previously struggled to find work and were even considering leaving Georgia in search of jobs abroad. Now, they are not only financially independent but also proud contributors to their local community.

“We serve four neighbouring villages, and every day I see the difference this salon makes in people’s lives,” Sophia says with a smile. “For me, it’s not just about business—it’s about keeping people rooted in their homes, giving them reasons to stay, and helping them feel good about themselves.”

Sophia’s story is a shining example of how perseverance and vision can transform challenges into opportunities. What started as a dream carried across borders has now blossomed into a local success story—one that not only empowers women but also strengthens the very fabric of the community.