- Lawrence Road, Jinnah Town, Lahore
- (042) 3631 3186
- Info@homenetpakistan.org
Saima, a 38-year-old transgender woman residing in Samanabad, Lahore,has faced her share of challenge. She completed her education till matriculation but then she had to move out of her house when her family’s acceptance towards her became a challenge. Initially living with a group of fellow transgenders, she later moved in to her own place.
Working as an outreach health worker for the Khwaja Sira Society (KSS) helped Saima contribute to her community, but rising inflation made it challenging to cover her expenses. Recognizing the need for additional income, she decided to start her own business.
Inspired by Saira, a successful transgender entrepreneur in the fabric business, Saima decided to explore her potential. She began by informing her community about her business plans and started selling unstitched suits purchased from wholesale markets. Initially cautious, she only bought a few items, unsure of their salability and profitability.
After gathering support from her community, she began buying unstitched 3-piece suits from the wholesale market and selling them alongside her group. Initially, she purchased only 10-12 items due to uncertainty about their sale and a lack of understanding about how to turn a profit. Despite her efforts, she struggled to generate sufficient income, often relying on her salary to cover business expenses.
KSS introduced Saima to HomeNet Pakistan (HNP), an organisation focused on women’s empowerment. Attending HNP’s meeting, she learned about the Financial Inclusion of Home-based Workers’ Enterprises through Business Booster Loan and Trainings (FBLT) project. This project aimed to empower home-based workers with training in business management and access to financial services.
Saima got so inspired by the theme of the project that she enrolled in FBLT and started its Foundation Level Training. It was during her training that she launched her business, Saima’s Collection.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
The Foundation Level Training equipped Saima with fundamental business management skills.One of her primary challenges was commuting to wholesale markets to purchase materials,which added significantly to her expenses. However, the training taught her to offset these transportation costs by setting realistic prices for her products. Additionally, she learned the importance of including a fee for her effort and ensuring a profit margin on each purchase to ensure the sustainability of her business.
Furthermore, she acquired valuable time management and communication skills through the training. These skills proved instrumental in negotiating with customers and securing better deals for her fabrics.By implementing these strategies, including setting appropriate prices, negotiating favourable rates, and effectively managing her inventory, she witnessed a notable increase in sales and, consequently, her profits as well
FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
To assist Saima in establishing her business, FBLT facilitated a loan of PKR 150,000 through HBL Microfinance Bank.HNP not only connected her with the bank but also provided support throughout the documentation and verification process. Following a thorough assessment, the bank approved her loan during Ramadan. Saima utilized this sum to purchase fabric for Eid clothing, capitalizing on the high demand during this season.
Previously,Saima had been investing her salary in her business,yet she was left empty-handed by the end of each month.However, shenowearnsbetweenPKR45,000 to50,000monthly.After covering her expenses, she manages to save between PKR18,000 and PKR20,000 per month.Despite living far from her family, she maintains contact with her father, who supports her financially with her income.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
Saima acknowledges that she still has a considerable journey ahead.Balancing her job with her business currently limits her ability to dedicate full time and attention to her entrepreneurial venture. However, she remains optimistic that as her network expands and her savings grow, she will eventually leave her job to focus entirely on her business.Her ultimate aspiration is to become a successful businesswoman, allowing her the freedom to work independently and empower others through her work.
Saima’s story has inspired others, including a transgender woman who transitioned from stitching clothes to running her own business. Through determination and empowerment, Saima is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for herself and her community.
SAIMA’S COLLECTION, LAHORE, PAKISTAN – CONTACT: 0306 2280228
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