In November of 2022, at just 14 years old, I launched Soosoos Shop from the sunroom of my home. Being the oldest of five children, I wanted to create something meaningful and sustainable. My love for sweatshirts and embroidery became my starting point, as I taught myself the craft and began sharing my work.

With the support of my parents, I invested in the tools I needed and used online resources to perfect my skills. By January of 2023, I shared my first piece on Instagram, and the response was overwhelming. As orders came in, I felt a sense of purpose—but as my business grew, so did the skepticism from some in my community. I quickly learned not to let their opinions affect me.

Driven by my culture, religion, and history, I began using my platform to spread awareness about the struggles in my home country, especially after the violence escalated in October 2023. Despite losing followers, I remained devoted to speaking out through my work.

Today, Soosoos Shop is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of my values and commitment to making a difference. My offerings now include tote bags, cups, stickers, and keychains, each with a meaningful message.

Founder of Soosoos Shop,

Saussan Hamud