Nasima El Bachiri-Ouamar: A Trailblazer for Women in Business
Nasima El Bachiri-Ouamar, a mother of five and a seasoned entrepreneur with an impressive 26 years of experience, is poised to take her remarkable journey to new heights as she vies for the coveted Business Women Nederland Award in 2026. Born in the Netherlands to Moroccan parents hailing from Nador, Nasima stands out as a finalist among 34 nominees who have been recognized for their significant contributions to their communities and industries. Her inspiring journey reached a pivotal moment as she emerged victorious in the public vote, and now all eyes are on the jury's decision, which will be revealed on November 25. Regardless of the outcome, Nasima hopes that her recognition will serve as a beacon of inspiration for other women, particularly Moroccan and Muslim women, including those who choose to wear the hijab.
Reflecting on her previous accolades, including being named Businesswoman of Flevoland in 2019, Nasima expressed how this nomination resonates differently with her. "It is recognition at a national level, and I feel truly honoured and grateful," she shared in an interview with Yabiladi. Her journey is not solely about personal achievements; she is passionate about representation, visibility, and the opportunity to inspire women from diverse backgrounds.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Seizing Opportunities
Nasima's entrepreneurial spirit ignited 26 years ago when she founded her primary business, B Flex Cleaning. The idea sprouted from her experiences while working in an office, where she recognized a gap in the cleaning services available. "We weren’t entirely satisfied with the cleaning company, so I decided to enter the sector myself," she explained. Today, B Flex Cleaning has flourished, employing over 100 individuals across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, providing cleaning services for various sectors including offices, construction sites, restaurants, childcare centers, hospitals, and hotels.
However, Nasima's ambitious nature did not stop there. She ventured into other businesses, including a bridal dress shop and a window-cleaning company, while also running a construction business until recently. The latter endeavor was born out of necessity during the pandemic when her cleaning business faced drastic declines in income. "During the pandemic, almost everything stopped in the cleaning business. We went from a turnover of a couple of million euros to almost nothing," she recalled. Determined to protect her employees and find new revenue streams, she pivoted into the construction industry, seizing the opportunity as some projects continued to thrive. This led to the establishment of a factory producing wooden structures, from tiny homes to larger buildings, which she sold successfully in September.
Despite her successes, Nasima frequently faces challenges in male-dominated industries. She recounts an experience where a significant client mistook her for the receptionist during a crucial meeting, only to realize her true position as the CEO when her colleagues clarified her role. Such incidents are not uncommon in her journey, especially when she acquired a window-cleaning company and faced immediate employee resignations due to her identity as a Moroccan Muslim woman. "I had to act quickly to retain clients and ensure the business continued to operate," she noted.
Moreover, her decision to wear the hijab has added another layer of complexity to her experiences. "I've noticed that people look at you differently. Being a Moroccan woman was already sometimes difficult, but wearing the hijab adds another dimension," she remarked. Balancing her professional commitments with raising five children has posed its own challenges, but Nasima has managed to blend her responsibilities, working during early mornings and late nights while her children sleep. "Looking back, it was very challenging," she said, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Today, Nasima shares valuable advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs: "Don’t listen to people who tell you that you cannot do something." Her journey serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of representation in the business world.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
