Begayim is a mother of many, raising three children. Their lives changed dramatically with the birth of her youngest son Beknur, who was diagnosed with microcephaly and epilepsy. Instead of asking for help, she decided to create an online business to support her family and assist her husband in providing for their children. Every purchase of her products becomes an investment in their family's future.
Pregnancy and Difficult Trials
Begayim and her husband are raising three children: their eldest son is 11 years old and in the fifth grade, their daughter is 9 and in the third grade, and their youngest, Beknur, is 5 and a half years old. Beknur has been diagnosed with microcephaly and epilepsy with convulsive syndrome.
Begayim's pregnancy with Beknur coincided with the coronavirus pandemic. At seven months, doctors noticed that the baby was not gaining weight and prescribed vitamins. An ultrasound at eight months confirmed that the weight was still below normal.
Begayim began to experience severe swelling and headaches. During a routine check-up, doctors found high blood pressure, and she was urgently hospitalized in the fourth maternity hospital, where she was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia.
Doctors recommended a cesarean section, but the family firmly refused. The next day, labor was induced, and it progressed rapidly, with no one present. At one point, the baby got stuck in the birth canal—the head was delayed until the doctor arrived. At birth, he was found to have a hematoma in the parietal region, which could have led to suffocation.
Despite the difficulties, the baby cried, breathed on his own, and drank from a bottle—the medical staff assessed his condition as satisfactory. However, on the fourth day, he fell into a coma, which lasted ten days. An ultrasound showed a brain hemorrhage.
After the coma, Beknur breathed with the help of a machine for some time, and only on the 17th day was he transferred to the pediatric pathology department. The family was able to return home only after a month.
First Difficulties After the Hospital
The trials did not end there. The baby began to have seizures and attacks, and he needed resuscitation twice. Beknur sometimes refused to eat and drink for several days. His parents consulted various doctors, including alternative medicine specialists.
Until he was eight months old, Beknur hardly slept at night. His father stayed with him until three or four in the morning, and then Begayim took over.
The older children grew up calm and rarely cried. However, Beknur changed the entire rhythm of their lives. This year, he smiled for the first time—this moment became a symbol of hope for Begayim.
Beknur loves people and a cheerful company. When guests arrive, he becomes lively. Walks and music—especially songs by Kyrgyz singer Bek Borbiev—bring him joy.
According to Begayim, her son has taught her to be resilient and patient, to appreciate small joys as great achievements. Even in the most difficult moments, Beknur strives for life, which has become her main motivation. Despite endless worries, there is always order and comfort in the house.
Creating an Online Business to Support the Family
The family receives a government allowance of 8,000 soms, plus another 7,000 for child care. These funds do not cover all needs, so Begayim decided to work without leaving her son.
She engages in online sales. In 2021, she learned how to order goods from China. Her markup is minimal—only 200-300 soms. Earnings are not always stable: in January, she made only a couple of thousand soms.
She has a group on WhatsApp. Some products are provided to her by acquaintances from the "Dordoy" market for resale. The assortment includes cotton two-piece suits made from boiled cotton (sizes 42–50, pants with elastic, which is convenient for mothers with children), as well as toys.
Once, a girl selling toys gifted the family a cheerful frog. Begayim shared this in her blog, and her followers began asking where they could buy the same one. As a result, the seller sent her ten more frogs for resale.
Begayim constantly thinks about what content to create, what video to record to increase sales. Her husband mainly helps her, and the older children also support her: sometimes she can leave Beknur with them for 2-3 hours.
The woman rarely complains. She even tries to use her phone productively—taking courses, seeking new opportunities, and always striving for development.
Support Through Purchases
Begayim's main motivation is the future of her children. She does not want them to live in rented housing, as they do now. In her childhood, she could not attend courses and develop. Today, there are more opportunities—learning English, IT fields, studying abroad—and Begayim wants her children to have choices.
Working online allows her to stay close to her son while earning. A standard schedule from 9:00 to 17:00 is impossible for her.
Begayim runs a blog on social media where she shares her story, daily life, and offers products for sale. She is open to collaboration with those who can provide goods for resale.
This support is not a fundraising effort but an opportunity to help through a simple purchase: choosing the right product and supporting the work of a mother who daily balances caring for a special needs child and work.
Begayim wants other parents of special needs children to know they are not alone. If her story inspires someone to new achievements, then it is all worthwhile.
Begayim's blog on Instagram — @mamabeknura
