In the heart of the picturesque Talas province, nestled within the north-western part of Kyrgyzstan's magnificent landscapes, lives a remarkable woman with a mission to preserve the Kyrgyz traditional art. Nuria Isakova, a 54-year-old mother of four and grandmother to ten, has embarked on a journey of economic empowerment that is not only transforming her own life but also igniting a beacon of hope for women across the country.
With a background in education as a teacher of Russian language and literature, Nuria's life took a different turn when she discovered her true passion - the art of Kyrgyz folk artisanship. Her hands, guided by the spirit of tradition, are now busy crafting exquisite works of art through felting, knitting, crocheting, and the intricate embroidery of Kyrgyz culture known as "kerme saima." Her creations span a breath-taking array of panels, clothing, accessories, shoes, outerwear, and intricate handwoven braids, known as "өrmөk."
Nuria's journey into the world of handicrafts began during her childhood visits to her grandmother's village. It was there, amidst the beauty of rural life, that she absorbed the rich tapestry of Kyrgyz folk art. Despite these early influences, the demands of family life put her creative spirit on pause for many years.
It was not until a decade ago, when the world of stable internet connection and free time beckoned, that Nuria reignited her passion. She scoured websites, discovering diverse folk art traditions from around the globe. Yet, her main achievement was yet to come. In 2022, following a life-changing trip to India, Nuria launched her YouTube channel, where she enthusiastically shares her expertise and conducts free masterclasses. Today, with more than 2000 subscribers and over 180 published videos, she has achieved the incredible feat of monetization, solidifying a partnership agreement.
Nuria's dedication knows no bounds. She teaches traditional artisanship in both Kyrgyz and Russian and is currently learning English to reach an even wider audience. Her YouTube channel showcases not just her artistic talent but also her skills in video production, a testament to her unwavering commitment to preserving and passing on traditions.
At the core of Nuria's mission lies the noble aim of preserving Kyrgyz folk artisanship. By teaching others, especially women from remote villages, she offers them an opportunity to engage in handicrafts, enabling them to generate income from the comfort of their homes. Her work is not just about achieving financial independence; it also acts as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the tradition is passed down without interruption.
Nuria's journey towards economic empowerment received a significant boost when she joined the "Economic Empowerment of Women in the Talas Region" programme led by the Talas Entrepreneurship Support Centre and supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek. This transformative programme equipped her with invaluable knowledge on self-presentation, business planning, financial management, legal documentation, marketing, and much more. In recognition of her dedication, Nuria has received professional camera equipment and a laptop, a testament to the program's commitment to supporting her artistic endeavors.
In closing, Nuria Isakova shares a simple yet profound message with all who seek inspiration: "Love what you do and believe in yourself!" Her journey exemplifies the power of determination, the preservation of culture, and the boundless potential of women to thrive in the world of entrepreneurship.
Join Nuria in her journey of artistry, empowerment, and community building through her social channels:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@kyrkkyz
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nuria_isakova/
*Since 2017 the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek has been supporting the development of SMEs across Kyrgyzstan. Notably, to date the Programme Office helped establish and continues to support the operation of Entrepreneurship Support Centres in Batken, Jalal-Abad, Issyk-Kul, Osh and Talas provinces. In 2020-2021 on the basis of the two ESCs in Batken and Issyk-Kul provinces, the Programme Office has developed a women's entrepreneurship support project, which has won the 2022 OSCE Gender Champion Award in the Best Initiative category. The Programme Office's team remains committed to supporting sustainable development of women and men's SMEs in the provinces of the host state.
