With Kashmir coming out of the throes of decades long conflict situation youth are fast taking a front seat in shaping both political and economical landscape of this tormented but beautiful land.
Women in Kashmir have always played a key role in shaping the society here be that in social arena or business. Young women entrepreneurs are beginning to make a mark in the field which was hitherto dominated by their male counterparts.
Mufti Sadia, (23) youngest amongst her three sisters, opened Hangers: The Closet, a women’s boutique last year. It is a runaway success. Sadia has made a mark as a dynamic entrepreneur smashing many a myths.
Sadia took time to speak with Insha Farid of Kashmir Observer on the first anniversary of her outlet.
Insha: What prompted you to plunge into this business?
Sadia: Over the years I was witness to many big brands coming and setting up shops in Srinagar, all for gents.
No big brand was there for women folk. Moreover our market is still traditional and western attire produced by big brands is not largely acceptable here. This is how idea got conceived but I was a bit indecisive for sometime.
Q: Hangers!!! Quite an appealing name?
I want my designer wear to hang in every closet. My only dream, at the moment, is that every girl in the town should wear our designed outfit only. That’s how Hangers came into being
Q: Being a female, how do you deal with people visiting your outlet?
It is still a taboo in our society for a girl to do her own business. But when you have support from your family and friends nothing dents your spirit. We have to shun our negative mindset & remain focused on our work. And it has been a good experience till now.
Q: Who are your potential customers?
There are no potential customers as such as I welcome everyone and of any age. Young girls get automatically hooked to changing trends and fashion, so they are in a way a target group.
Q: How many brands you offer to your customers?
Right now I am trying to make my own brand Hangers-The Closet.
Q: Who are your competitors?
I take every store which deals with the same stuff as my competitor. Competition is good and I love healthy competition. This is one of the reasons that push me to create something different and new.
Q: How did you see the future of business for young women in Kashmir? What are your future plans?
It will take some time here to accept business as a career option for girls. It is always challenging to discover the vast contours of business. I have so far loved my work. We need to get out of our negative mindset and shun the inhibitions. I would like to open my store in different towns of the state and let us see where destiny takes me.
Q: Whom do you credit for your success?
After Almighty, I credit my parents for my success as they have always supported me. I am also thankful to my customers for making my business a success.
Q: Describe Hangers in 5 adjectives?
Holistic, fashionable, enticing, ravishing and affordable.
What people feel about Sadia’s Collection?
Beautiful collection at best price in Kashmir! Way to go…Umar Farooq
Collection of Pherans is irresistible. Very nice and uncommon designs so far in Kashmir… Fiza Khandey
Great going, nice stuff to hang with…Syed Wajahat Qazi
I appreciate your effort and wish you best of luck for future. Collection is good… Faisal Maqbool
She offers best collection of casual wearing. Affordable price and very stylish collection…Nowsheen Sameer
Good to see such designer collection produced by our own Kashmiri girl. Very proud of her. Wish her more success in future…Nowsheen Khan
Now I dont have to roam around for shopping because Hangers gives me all that I want. Be it Kashmiri traditional Pheran or any western attire…Lubna Baba
All in one package. Hangers is something which every girl desires of Farhan Sunaha
If you want to select the best outfit for yourself. Hangers is a better place for it…Ufaq Zehra
They add a touch of elegance to your closet…Rufaida
Fantabulous collection of winter stoles…Insha Mir
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