Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: October 28, 2022 | 
| 中文
Zunaira with one of her recent paintings
In recent years women have opted to embark on small-scale entrepreneurial ventures, rather than follow traditional careers. Youlin had a discussion with four women that not only have a unique set of skills, but also have a desire to take initiatives professionally. These women have worked hard and gone the extra mile to create a niche for themselves that they are proud of, and they welcome other women into the world of entrepreneurship.
Formerly a journalist for leading news websites, Munnazzah transitioned to becoming a full-time Pilates instructor and she hasn’t looked back since. In her own words, Munnazzah explains the decision by saying: “I have been doing Pilates since I was 15, so the career transition felt organic. The push, however, came from knowing there was no room for growth in the world of journalism. I felt… stuck and thus decided to make the switch.”
When asked why focus on Pilates, Munnazzah explained: “Two reasons: one, movement, or to be more specific, Pilates has been therapeutic for me. It changed my life for the better and it made sense that if I were to start something of my own, I want it to be something that sparks joy in my life, a joy that I can share with others. I am happiest when I am on the mat teaching clients. Secondly, till my mid-20s I struggled with body dysmorphia (which still creeps up from time to time), and eating disorders. Having known the toll it took on me, made me want to be a part of changing the narrative. I would like to see a focus on being active & healthy.”
Munnazzah from Pilates with Munnazzah
“The movement world is saturated with trainers biased towards aesthetics, and while it can be an aspect of one’s wellness journey, I believe there needs to be a balance; strength, mobility and overall physical well-being also need to play a role. I refuse to use weight loss or high-intensity classes or quick fixes as tools to manipulate and gauge clients, because it is very easy to target people with vulnerabilities,” Munnazzah explained.
Munnazzah says that she believes her advantage is that as a woman who only caters to women, “my classes are a safe space where they do not need to be conscious about their clothing, how they are moving, etc.” “I am hoping to change mindsets with my business, my success comes from clients’ success stories, not the number of followers I have nor how much money I make. If I can make a difference in people’s lives by making them feel better and happier in their skin, then I have done my job,” she said.
“I started designing jewelry quite young, maybe when I was still in primary school. Back then, I'd mostly use strings, buttons, and beads from my mother's knitting kit and make silly little bracelets for my sisters. My father saw me trying to tirelessly shape an aluminum wire one day, and introduced me to brass wires,” Aisha said while discussing how her business model was created.
“I never thought I could earn selling the jewelry I made, until one of my cousins placed an order and it started to look like an actual business idea. JBA turned 9 this year, and we look forward to many more great years ahead,” she said.
Jewels by Aisha (JBA)'s products
“Jewelry is the medium I chose to show my idea of wearable art. The interesting thing about handcrafted jewelry is that each and every piece tells a story, something you don’t find everywhere,” said Aisha while discussing her selection of such a unique form of art. In the future, JBA is set to create a space for people to come and experience designing their own unique pieces that they will cherish.
“Cooking and baking are my passion, and food is a very big part of my life with every celebration and event. All important decisions take place at mealtime, I come from a family which loves food but is extremely picky,” Sundar said, while discussing why she also decided to leave behind her career as a journalist, and created a company that provides allergen free food.
Continuing her story Sundar said: “I was diagnosed with celiac disease, fibromyalgia and multiple food allergies/intolerances while I was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from New York University (NYU). After I moved back from college, I started a career in journalism, and after five years switched to corporate communications briefly. Her switch to a more relaxed career as a Corporate Communications consultant gave her that opportunity and in 2019, she started her food business on the side. She realized she wanted to devote all her time to the food business when the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Sundar's company now sells gluten free flour
Discussing why she chose to work on only allergen free food, she said: “At Gluten Free Foods, we cater to food allergies and intolerances be it gluten, soy, dairy, nuts, eggs etc. Through my business, I aim to create awareness of food allergies and intolerances as well as provide people with nutritious and delicious alternatives to foods that they cannot eat.”
However, Sundar sees that there’s a stigma and lack of understanding regarding food allergies and intolerances. “Normally people dismiss these allergies as quirks, but for many people special diets can be a matter of life and death. I think the level of research, development, and commitment to quality and customers’ needs sets my business apart,” Sundar said, adding that they are now working towards opening up a cafe that serves allergen free food.
Zunaira Jawed Ansari is a young self-taught artist and entrepreneur from Karachi. “Art has always given me peace; it has been my passion since a very young age. When people started appreciating my art, I was inspired to start my business in 2019. I now sell my paintings, jackets, luggage, T-shirts, shoes, tote bags and masks through an online business.” Zunaira says she sells what she likes to wear. “Painting was only my passion when I started selling them on social media 4 years ago, and what sets me apart is that in our line of business, every artist has their style and thus one cannot copy the other’s work.”
A piece of custom luggage by Zunaira
It is heartening to see women starting their own businesses, trying to inspire others, and bringing ease and comfort to others’ lives. Aisha, Sundar, Munazzah and Zunaria are but a few of these inspirational women entrepreneurs in Pakistan, which is a good sign for country’s future.
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