While trying to treat her hands, Rana developed a healing product
The story of a dedicated biologist, Rana Al Hefawi, is a testament to how scientific expertise can blossom into a thriving business when provided with the needed support. Her journey began while working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic; a time when she returned to her studies with a renewed focus.
Driven by a desire to work in harmony with nature, she began experimenting with organic soap and shampoo production, eventually creating her own brand, Ran Nature Cosmetics.
"I have always appreciated nature and what it can provide us with. As a biologist, I am passionate about developing products using natural ingredients, thus avoiding unknown chemicals that could cause allergies and discomfort," says Rana.
While all her products were a labor of love, a personal accident sparked her most innovative creation. After burning her hands while cooking, Rana utilized her biological background to develop a natural burn-healing gel. The gel was an immediate success for those who tried it. Still, Rana knew that to reach full potential and ensure customer safety, she needed to navigate the complex world of official regulations. She set her sights on a significant milestone: obtaining Jordan Food & Drug Administration (JFDA) approval.
The services I received from Iqlaa helped me create new products, further develop their quality and presentation, and reach new markets, especially after formalizing my business, which led to generating better income for my family and me
Rana, Biologist and entrepreneur
Rana also faced obstacles in marketing, branding, and developing her bookkeeping and taxation knowledge.
The path forward became clear when Rana attended different sessions by the Informal Livelihoods Advancement Activity (Iqlaa) - funded by the United States Government - at one of Iqlaa’s business hubs. There she learned about the importance of business formalization, navigating tax requirements, and impactful marketing and branding.
The experts she met at the business hub provided much-needed advice, explaining that official business registration was the essential first step toward securing the JFDA approval her burn-healing gel required. The business hub team guided Rana on how to formalize her business, which led to obtaining JFDA approval for her burn-healing gel soon after. Rana also developed a marketing plan for her products and improved packaging and branding, allowing her to build a professional identity that reflects the quality of her natural ingredients.
The Business Hubs initiative – developed by one of Iqlaa’s implementing partners, Migrate - was the ideal place for Rana to find the services and knowledge she needed to enhance and promote her business. It was the right place to meet suppliers and potential clients. She also used the space for office facilities and to conduct the research needed to further develop her products.
As part of its strategic objectives to facilitate access to business opportunities for micro and small enterprises, Iqlaa, through the Business Hubs initiative, contributes to strengthening collaboration among businesses and connecting them to much-needed business development services. Iqlaa established six hubs in different governorates, reaching hundreds of small businesses across the kingdom.
To date, more than 700 enterprises have gained access to this enabling ecosystem that has strengthened business linkages and stimulated commercial transactions. This has been achieved by providing an integrated business environment that brings together specialized expertise, advisory services, and fully equipped workspaces, supporting enterprise growth and long-term sustainability.
As a step forward towards contributing to the digital economic development and expanding the reach of business hubs' services, Iqlaa has recently launched the first fully integrated Business Hub Digital Platform in Jordan, bringing together businesses from various sectors within a single, interconnected network. The platform aligns with Jordan’s efforts to provide a modern digital business environment, seamlessly enabling entrepreneurs and businesses to access larger markets, expand their operations, and enhance the competitiveness of the national economy within a comprehensive digital framework.