Tunisian Entrepreneur Teycyr Chtioui Wins EU Inclusivity Award for Innovative Upcycled Products
10th Edition of Women Entrepreneurs of Tunisia (FET) Awards
On Monday, February 24, 2025, Teycyr Chtioui, founder of Chkarty, won the European Union's Inclusivity Award in the Market Place category at the 10th edition of the Women Entrepreneurs of Tunisia (FET) awards. This innovative project, launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis, offers unique bags and accessories made from upcycled fabrics sourced from thrift stores. Chkarty aims to replace harmful plastic bags with ecological and aesthetic alternatives, while having a significant social impact.
Teycyr Chtioui, a former camera assistant in the film industry, found inspiration by observing the excessive use of plastic, particularly in bakeries. With the help of her mother, a professional seamstress, she began creating bread bags from fabric, marking the start of an entrepreneurial adventure that quickly diversified. Today, Chkarty offers a varied range of products, including large-format bags, wallets, glasses cases, and laptop sleeves. These items, made from upcycled fabrics, combine utility and aesthetics, responding to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to plastic.
Chkarty is not only a product-based business but also a social project that aims to empower women artisans by offering them professional opportunities. Through this initiative, twelve seamstresses now work for the atelier, improving their families' purchasing power. Teycyr overcame initial challenges, such as production management and structuring her business, by surrounding herself with talented seamstresses and collaborating with strategic partners. The EU Inclusivity Award granted to Chkarty recognizes not only the project's ecological innovation but also its commitment to social inclusion and women's empowerment.
Teycyr Chtioui aspires to strengthen her ecological commitment by obtaining certifications like ISO 9001 and participating in local and international trade fairs.
