“Retirement is not an end but a new beginning” … With this attitude, Wafaa Ameen received her retirement. Inspired by her family’s encouragement to escape the confines of post-retirement life, she embarked on a journey to realize her long-held dream of entrepreneurship.
Wafaa Ahmed Ameen, an agricultural engineer who graduated in 1987 from Faculty of Agriculture, Plant Production Department, Mansoura University, has always harbored a profound passion for plants.
“I have loved agriculture since childhood,” Wafaa reflects. “It became my cherished hobby. Plants were more than just elements of decoration; they felt like confidants sharing my feelings. Despite this deep affection, I remained steadfast and disciplined in my role as the General Director of the Gardens and Nursery Department at Mansoura University. My dedication saw me arriving early and leaving late. I also engaged in numerous celebrations in Dakahlia and at the Nile Club.”
Wafaa’s meticulousness and exceptional work quality earned her the prestigious Ideal Mother Award from the university in 2022. She successfully nurtured three children: two sons who graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, and a daughter who now serves as a professor at the Faculty of Education.
Reflecting on her post-retirement endeavors, she says, “I decided to bring to life the project I had long dreamed of, the “Nada Nursery,” named after the delicate droplets that adorn flowers’ surface. Initially, the nursery operated solely online.”
She continues, “I rented a space for the nursery and gradually acquired a variety of plants until the nursery was fully established. The most challenging aspect was launching the venture without any partners. However, I was driven by my determination to succeed and the unwavering support of my family. I had postponed this dream to ensure it did not interfere with my responsibilities at the university and to maintain my good reputation, avoiding any suspicion that I was taking plants from the university.”
Gesturing towards the contents of her nursery, Wafaa proudly states, “I didn’t begin with grand displays; I started with modest resources. My husband and children were my greatest supporters, assisting me in the nursery after I had planted the initial plants. One of my sons, inspired by a shared passion for plants, decided to enroll in the Faculty of Agriculture after graduating from the Faculty of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department.”
Wafaa traverses the country, particularly to Alexandria and Cairo, personally selecting a variety of unique and rare plant species. She explains, “the nursery features shade plants for indoor environments, flowering plants, and aromatic species. I strive to meet all customers’ requests, with kitchen herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary being the most popular.”
Highlighting the nursery’s unique offerings, Wafaa remarks, “I own rare and distinctive plant species, acquired through my travels to find plants not available in the governorate.”
Although she treats all her plants like cherished “children,” Wafaa has a special fondness for cacti. “Cacti bring me joy and do not harbor negative energy, contrary to some beliefs. They are resilient plants with many colorful shapes and flowers that adorn my nursery.”
Reflecting on her aspirations, Wafaa underscores that her ultimate dream is for everyone to cultivate an interest in agriculture, envisioning a more verdant and beautiful Egypt. She concludes her heartfelt message with a powerful call to action: “to every woman, I urge you to persist in your mission and remain productive for as long as you can. Do not let age or retirement be a barrier to your continued endeavors.”
