I’m running a successful business of kids’ garments in Sharqpur city.
My husband was a Government employee and was the sole bread earner of the household. Soon after his retirement, we faced a financial crisis. All our savings went to our 3 daughters’ weddings and it became hard for us to provide a good education for the remaining 3 children.
To help my husband and to generate some income, I started a stitching training center to impart skills to the females of my community. My husband made linkages in the readymade garment market, by using these links couple secured cloth from the market on CMT basis (Cut Make Trim). This business not only enabled me to overcome the financial crisis but also instilled confidence.
I purchased two machines and involved students on a contractual basis to increase my productivity. Soon, I realized that if I could utilize my own raw materials, my income would increase. I heard about the financial services of Damen Support Programme (DSP) and was successfully granted a loan of PKR 30,000 (USD 200). I was, therefore, able to secure raw materials to prepare garments at home along with CMT. I have been wise to reinvest the savings back into my business.
Out of today, I have taken a total of 5 loans from Damen to expand my business. Now, I have a proper stitching unit with several machines. I am supplying my garments in more than 20 shops in the wholesale market of Lahore and have a strength of 13 female employees in my stitching unit.
I was able to overcome the obstacles as a novice entrepreneur due to my determination. When I started my business, a female of my community challenged me that I could never succeed in this business as I am not a businesswoman. I accepted the challenge and used all my energy to meet the challenge successfully.
Now, I am fully empowered to bear all expenses of my home as I am earning approximately PKR 80,000 (USD 520) per month from my business. My business has also a positive impact on my family and other females of my community as they have become more confident and feel empowered.