Aiza Hussain is a Pakistani entrepreneur who hails from Lahore. She is one of those business women who have been able to make their passion or love for Saaris dressing as their profession. Her aim is to revive the love for Saaris among the young Pakistani female which once used to be there before 1980s.
Rohail Amjad: What was the concept behind Saari girl ?
Aiza Hussain: I wish to normalise the trend of saaris, as it once was in a pre-Zia era. They’re a part of our culture, and it’s time we owned up to them! The idea is to provide affordable, casual and formal saaris to women. I keep prices very low, and also support a number of charity initiatives with proceeds. As a rule, I have fixed 5% of sales to be donated.
Rohail Amjad: Mostly people dont rely on online Businesses due to scams and lack of quality. How do you ensure that you have to face this issue?
Aiza Hussain: With patience, time and effort. I interact personally with my clients, and cater to their questions very candidly. This personalised communication helps them build trust. I also upload multiple pictures of the same product so they can gauge quality through different angles and in various lighting. This also helps tremendously. As a rule, I believe honesty is rewarded. And being absolutely transparent in my dealings has helped me form wonderful connections with clients, some of whom are now close friends!
Rohail Amjad: How much capital is required to have such a startup ?
Aiza Hussain: You can start with a small sum, and then invest into it from time to time. I started as a student with bare minimum savings. I believe hardwork is the real driving force, and would encourage people to begin on the smallest of scales. A tree was once a seed too.
Rohail Amjad: A Country like Pakistan where Saari isnt a daily dress, must be having an impact on your sales?
Aiza Hussain: Actually, it’s the opposite. People love the idea, and are keen on experimenting. They’re reconnecting with the saaris their nanis and dadis would wear this way, and really enjoying this concept!
Rohail Amjad: People who like Saaris are normally inspired by Fancy Saaris. What sort of Saaris you offer?
Aiza Hussain: People like all sorts of saaris! My clients are mostly girls around my age —in their 20s or 30s — which makes engagement even more fun and relatable. I stock casuals and formals but have a wide variety of semi formals, which can be worn on multiple occasions — at a casual lunch or your best friend’s engagement!
Rohail Amjad: Do you have your production or rely on vendors?
Aiza Hussain: I source my products from a number of markets, and look forward to beginning customized production soon too!
Rohail Amjad: It has been a pleasure talking to you, wishing you all the very best for this venture. Hope you’ll be able to revive the pre 1980s Saari craze in the country. Allah Hafiz
Aiza Hussain: Thank you so much, was a pleasure talking to you as well. Khuda Hafiz