From salon worker to business owner

Aigul Dotalieva has been working in beauty salons for more than 35 years. She knows her craft well - hair, nails, makeup - but for most of her career, she worked for other people. It wasn't until her personal circumstances changed that she made the leap to start something of her own.

"I lost my husband and had two children to take care of," she says. "I needed a steady income. And I knew I had the skills - I just needed to try."

Two years ago, Aigul opened her own salon in a shopping center in downtown Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She rented a small space, hired two employees, and got started with what she had. It was her first time running a business, but she hasn't looked back.

A small loan helped her get up and running

When she opened, the salon was mostly empty. "We had mirrors, but not much else," she recalls. That changed when she walked across the street to a branch of Bailyk Finance. She had some experience with loans in the past, but this was her first time applying for one to support her business.

Her first loan - KGS 201,000 (approximately USD 2,300) for 12 months - helped her buy a water heater, salon chairs, and worktables. Once fully repaid, she took a second loan of KGS 100,000 (approximately USD 1,100) over 9 months to set up a small manicure corner - adding a new service her clients were asking for.

"The staff of Bailyk Finance was kind, and they explained everything clearly," she says. "It wasn't stressful. The loan helped me take the next step."

With her first two loans repaid, Aigul most recently took out a third loan of KGS 240,500 (approximately USD 2,750) in April 2025. She plans to use it to prepare for the next phase of growth for her salon.

Interviewed on the job

We met Aigul during working hours - her hands were busy, clients were coming and going, and there was a steady hum of activity. Appointments are often booked in advance, and she now has a base of regulars who keep coming back.

"It's not fancy, but we're always working," she says, smiling from behind the hairdressing chair - her favorite spot in the salon. "I like cutting and styling hair best. It's where I feel happiest."

Looking ahead

Now that the salon is stable, Aigul is thinking about what's next. She's already found a larger space nearby and hopes to move by the end of 2025. She wants to expand her team and offer more services, including eyelash extensions.

"Before, I was afraid of business," she says. "Now I want to grow."

Advice to other women in Kyrgyzstan

"Don't wait. I waited too long. I only started because I had to - but now I wish I'd done it earlier. If you know your work, you can do it. It's not as scary as it seems."

Why this story matters

Aigul is one of many small business owners in Kyrgyzstan who've used a bit of financial support to build something of their own. With the help of Bailyk Finance, she was able to turn years of experience into a business that supports herself, her staff, and her family.

It's a reminder that sometimes the biggest shift is not the funding itself - but the belief that it's possible to begin.

Supporting women-led businesses

Through our partnership with Bailyk Finance, we help extend financing to women like Aigul - those with skills, drive, and ideas, but limited access to capital. These small loans can mean the difference between staying stuck and taking a first step.