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FBLT Success Stories SADAF PARVEEN
STAR BOUTIQUE
SADAF PARVEEN
Sadaf Parveen’s journey from adversity to success is a testament to her resilience and determination. As a 37 years old mother of four, Sadaf faced destitution and challenging times in Musharraf Colony, Karachi. Her husband’s income as a machine operator in a cooking oil factory was barely enough to cover their basic needs, let alone support their children’s education. However, Sadaf’s story is not one of defeat, but of perseverance and empowerment.
To supplement their income, Sadaf began stitching clothes at home, charging minimal amounts. Along with this, she used to stick stones or beads on readymade clothes for a boutique and earned PKR 100 per day. Despite the long hours and hard work, the earnings were meagre, and she often had to borrow money from neighbours. The situation seemed bleak until HomeNet Pakistan (HNP) conducted a survey in Musharraf Colony, revealing shockingly low wages Sadaf and others like her were working on. Encouraged by the HNP team, Sadaf began exploring better-paying opportunities and soon started receiving more lucrative orders from shops and markets.
Sadaf’s journey took a significant turn when she joined Financial Inclusion of Home-based Workers’ Enterprises through Business Booster Loan and Trainings (FBLT) project, implemented by HNP. This initiative aimed at capacity building of home-based workers through training, mentorship, and access to credit. Through the Foundation Level Training of FBLT, Sadaf learned the importance of record keeping, inventory management, and pricing strategies.
Armed with her new skills and knowledge, Sadaf applied and acquired a loan of PKR 75,000 through HBL Microfinance Bank to start a boutique featuring men’s and women’s wear. Although the boutique had to close due to space constraints, Sadaf continued her stonework business under the same name, ‘Star Boutique’. Initially, she started picking orders from the market for herself, but as the workload increased, she
realized she could induct others around her in the process too. She expanded her network by picking up bulk orders and providing employment opportunities to other women in need. Currently, she has over 100 women from her community, working with her to make their lives better.
As Sadaf’s business grew, she faced the challenge of maintaining quality and meeting increasing demand. Through HNP’s Foundation Level Training, she learned effective team management, communication skills, business planning, project management, bookkeeping, etc. By implementing these strategies, Sadaf was able to sustain her business’s growth and reputation in the market. Managing over 100 women workers, Sadaf frequently experienced stress that adversely affected her business. Through FBLT, she learned strategies to manage her emotions. Reflecting on her past struggles, Sadaf admitted, “I would often lose focus at work due to stress and poor management.” She continued, “FBLT taught me to maintain a positive outlook and remain composed in stressful situations. Now, I stay calm, realizing that a positive mindset enhances my productivity, and the women workers also perform at their best.”
With her husband earning a monthly income of PKR 18,000, running their household was a challenge. They had to borrow money from family and friends every month, and when her husband received his salary, half of it went towards repaying loans. However, after getting involved with HNP, Sadaf’s family experienced a significant improvement. Presently, their monthly expenses amount to approximately PKR 100,000, while their combined earnings range from PKR 150,000 to 200,000. Notably, 75 per cent of this income is derived from Sadaf’s earnings alone.
Looking ahead, Sadaf has ambitious plans for her business. She aims to convert her home into a factory unit, providing a dedicated workspace for her workers. Furthermore, Sadaf intends to explore new avenues for expansion by entering into sales. She plans to collaborate with wholesalers to sell a portion of their products and utilize social media platforms for online sales and promotion. These initiatives will not only boost the sales but also create a new revenue stream through online channels. Sadaf Parveen’s story is a powerful example of how determination, hard work, and access to resources can transform lives. With the help of FBLT, Sadaf not only transformed her own life but also empowered others, making a lasting impact on her community.
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