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FBLT Success Stories ANUM ARSHAD
D2D BY ANUM
ANUM ARSHAD
Anum Arshad, a 29-year-old divorcee and mother of three, faced numerous challenges in her life. She married young and had to shoulder the responsibilities of a new home, but her husband’s addiction left her to fend for herself and her children. After her divorce, Anum moved in with her mother and began stitching clothes from home to make ends meet. However, the job was demanding and paid little, leaving her struggling to provide for her family.
To enhance her skills and broaden her opportunities, Anum Arshad pursued diplomas in stitching and beautician courses. She was determined to expand her knowledge and explore new paths.
Anum’s introduction to HomeNet Pakistan (HNP) came through a neighbor, leading her to enroll it the Financial Inclusion of Home-based Workers’ Enterprises through Business Booster Loan and Trainings (FBLT) program. Through this program, she identified her weaknesses and learned the importance of effective management. This included understanding the costs involved in her work, such as inventory, expenses, and effort, and ensuring that profits were calculated taking these factors into account.
Reflecting on her experience, Anum shared, “The Foundation Level Training of FBLT taught me the essentials of business planning, profitability, branding, marketing, and expansion strategies. It also instilled in me a sense of self-worth and the importance of commanding respect. Before these trainings, I felt undervalued, but now I recognize the value of my skills and talents.”
Anum’s realization that relying solely on stitching clothes would not yield the desired profits sparked a new idea. To give shape to her idea, she needed financial support. Through the FBLT program, HomeNet Pakistan connected her with HBL Microfinance Bank, which approved a loan of PKR 150,000 after completing the necessary verifications and documentation. With this financial boost, Anum diversified her business by
introducing cosmetics, jewellery, bags, undergarments, and branded clothing.
Her business, ‘D2D (Day to Dream) by Anum,’ became a one-stop shop for women’s needs. Anum also partnered with local high-end brands, purchasing their products in bulk during sales at reduced prices, which she then sold to women in her area. “Women aspire for branded items but often find them unaffordable. I become their preferred choice by offering these products at discounted prices,” explained Anum. “Buying in bulk allows me to maintain profitability while offering affordable options.”
In addition to branded items, Anum continues to offer locally made clothes, cosmetics, and other products, providing women with a range of choices to suit their preferences, all under one roof.
After completing FBLT’s Foundation Level Training, Anum’s monthly earnings soared to over PKR 70,000 to 80,000, a substantial increase from the PKR 25,000 to 30,000 she used to make previously. This boost in income has significantly improved her family’s quality of life. With the support of her mother in raising her children, Anum has found a better balance in her personal and professional life.
Anum’s partnership with HomeNet Pakistan (HNP) has been instrumental in her success. HNP also facilitated her participation in high-end mall exhibitions in Lahore, providing her with a platform to showcase and sell her products. This exposure not only increased her sales but also boosted her confidence in her business acumen.
With her hard-earned savings, Anum was able to rent a shop in the main market near her home, which now serves as the central hub for her business operations. Additionally, she has started teaching sewing at a centre for young girls, adding another stream of income to her flourishing business
In just eighteen months, Anum has orchestrated a remarkable transformation in her life. She now plays an active role in empowering other women in her community. Anum employs her stitching students to fulfil orders, paying them 80% of the income. This not only provides these young girls with a source of income but also instils in them a sense of independence and self-confidence.
Her future plans include opening more shops in malls and high-traffic areas to enhance her brand’s visibility. Through these ventures, Anum aims to provide employment opportunities to other women who are striving for financial independence. Today, she is a respected figure in her community, poised to assist other women in their journey towards self-sufficiency.
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