Meet Estabraq Idris, one of our Refugee Launchpad Program entrepreneurs. She is a Sudanese refugee, university student, and founder of Estabraq Accessories, a handmade fashion brand that combines culture, creativity, and community empowerment.
By Ghada Rashed
At just 20 years old, Estabraq Idris is already making her mark as a designer and entrepreneur, with a mission that goes beyond fashion. A Sudanese national living in Egypt, Estabraq is currently studying engineering at Cairo University while running her growing handmade accessories brand.
Her journey began with a simple desire: to be useful. After moving to Egypt with her family, Estabraq volunteered with UNICEF, the Egyptian Youth Sports Organization, and later, Save the Children. She discovered her passion for crafting handmade accessories during one of the workshops, and quickly she turned this passion into a purpose.
She launched her brand, Estabraq Accessories, starting small by selling her creations to friends and family. Encouraged by their support, she began showcasing her work in bazaars, steadily building a name for herself. Through the Refugee Launchpad Program, Estabraq took her brand to the next level. She launched her first website and established a strong presence on social media by creating high-quality content that reflects her unique aesthetic. As part of the program, she also had a professional photoshoot for her latest collection — a move that helped her attract a wave of new customers and significantly expand her reach beyond her immediate community.
But for Estabraq, it was never just about the products. As her confidence grew, so did her vision. She began leading hands-on workshops, teaching over 75 women and girls from Sudan, Yemen, Eritrea, and Syria in both Cairo and Alexandria. Through these sessions, she shared not only her techniques but also a message of empowerment — showing how creativity can become a tool for self-expression and independence.
Looking ahead, Estabraq dreams of one day creating what she calls a “safe space,” where women affected by displacement and war can come together to learn, connect, and create freely. While still a vision for the future, it reflects the spirit that drives everything she does: building community and inspiring resilience.
What is Estabraq’s ultimate goal?
That Estabraq for Accessories is to be featured on global stages, from fashion runways to red carpets, and to become a brand that celebrates culture, strength, and creativity.