{"id":56770,"date":"2026-01-07T11:50:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T11:50:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/trapped-in-iran-war-to-chasing-business-dreams-in-rwanda-the-journey-of-persian\/"},"modified":"2026-01-12T17:46:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T17:46:25","slug":"trapped-in-iran-war-to-chasing-business-dreams-in-rwanda-the-journey-of-persian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/trapped-in-iran-war-to-chasing-business-dreams-in-rwanda-the-journey-of-persian\/","title":{"rendered":"Trapped in Iran war to chasing business dreams in Rwanda: The journey of Persian Beauty Spa founder (Video)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Born and raised in Bujumbura, Burundi, Saya is of Persian (Iranian) and Burundian descent. After completing her studies in Burundi, she moved to Iran, her father\u2019s homeland, seeking new opportunities and a chance to connect with her roots.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter finishing my studies, I decided to go to my father\u2019s country. I had never lived there and thought it would be like Africa\u2014liberated (free and open). I knew it was a Muslim country, but I didn\u2019t realise how strict it would be, particularly for women. I thought I\u2019d manage, but it was a very hard place to live as a lady. Despite my family\u2019s warnings, I insisted: \u2018No, I\u2019m going to try. After all, it\u2019s my country,\u2019\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\"Born<\/figure>\n

She spent nearly two years working at a large travel agency, gaining experience and exposure to professional life. But she quickly realised that as a woman, her ability to grow as an entrepreneur was severely limited.<\/p>\n

{{Journey to Rwanda
\n}}<\/p>\n

During this time, her fianc\u00e9, who was living in Kigali, encouraged her to visit Rwanda. \u201cHe kept telling me, \u2018Come to Kigali, give it a try. Rwanda has developed, it\u2019s now the Singapore of Africa.\u2019 I was hesitant, but he insisted, \u2018Just come for one day and judge for yourself.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

That one-day visit changed her perspective. \u201cI went back to Iran and made the decision to move permanently to Rwanda. I started planning to open my beauty center in Kigali. Rwanda had advanced 20 years ahead of what I had known,\u201d Saya says.<\/p>\n

Six months later, Saya relocated to Kigali. \u201cI was impressed by how efficient everything wa, no corruption, clear processes, and the business setup was remarkably smooth. From finding a location to importing equipment from Italy and China, everything was fast. Rwanda makes the impossible possible,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n

\"Persian<\/figure>\n

In September 2025, Persian Beauty Spa and Laser Center opened with four employees. Rapid demand quickly expanded the team to 13.<\/p>\n

{{The Iran conflict experience
\n}}<\/p>\n

Saya\u2019s journey wasn\u2019t without danger. While travelling to Iran to pick up equipment for her spa and attend a family wedding, she became trapped amid the Iran-Israel conflict. <\/p>\n

\u201cThose 11 days of war were the worst period of my life. I had to sleep in underground metro stations, seeing fires, bombs, and missiles. Communication was cut off\u2014no internet, no calls. I couldn\u2019t reach my family or fianc\u00e9,\u201d she recalls.<\/p>\n

Eventually, she reached her fianc\u00e9, who secured embassy letters and arranged transport to the border. \u201cI begged, cried, and spent the night on the ground at the border post. The next morning, an officer finally let me through,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\"Persian<\/figure>\n

Back in Kigali, she resumed work. \u201cThat experience was the only real challenge I\u2019ve faced as an entrepreneur, not opening the business in Rwanda, but being stuck in Iran during the conflict,\u201d she notes.<\/p>\n

Saya invested around $45,000 (approximately Rwf 66 million Rwandan francs) to launch the spa in Kibagabaga, importing high-quality European skincare devices. Persian Beauty Spa and Laser Center offers facials, acne and hyperpigmentation treatments, therapeutic massages, nail care, and more.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

Her clients include both Rwandan and international customers. \u201cRwandan women take incredible care of themselves even in their 50s and 60s; their skin remains smooth and wrinkle-free,\u201d she says, adding, \u201cI would like to welcome everyone to the Persian Beauty Spa and Laser Center. It\u2019s a great opportunity to try our services and meet me in person. You won\u2019t regret it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Watch the full video to see Saya\u2019s journey from Iran to building her dream spa in Kigali.<\/p>\n