Tag Archives: Indian Muslim Women Entrepreneurs

Meet 9 Famous Mumbai based Muslim women Entrepreneurs who share their Entrepreneurial Journey on International Women’s Day

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Accept Happy Women’s Day from Hello Mumbai News.com Team :

Each year, Hello Mumbai News takes the privilege to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th to propagate and recognize women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements through featuring stories on their successful journey in their field and to call for gender equality

This is with a goal to raise awareness about the need to end gender-based violence, promote women’s leadership, celebrate their contributions, promote entrepreneurs, startups and advocate for women’s economic empowerment around the World.

We, Hello Mumbai News Team have compiled a list of noteworthy and inspiring Entrepreneurs drawn from across the Country.

We hope their stories will inspire one and all.
So guys read on:

There is a tremendous growth in Muslims foraying into Entrepreneurship in the country.
Amid the World celebrating the International Women’s Day, Hello Mumbai News is taking the privilege to interview the Muslim Entrepreneurs from  Mumbai and so forth in their Series International Women’s Day.

As of now Women Muslim Entrepreneurs have defied this stereotype even as cashing in on the rapidly growing market for Muslim-focused Business.

Muslim Women Entrepreneurs are and have proved they are nothing less. Today they are into varied businesses and are growing with it on their own merits.

They have adopted the business and labour practices of global capitalism.

Muslim Women Entrepreneurs have made a mark in Mumbai and they have emerged as successful at entrepreneurship.

Sana Khatri:

Famous As: Business Entrepreneur

Hello Mumbai News: Could you please Introduce yourself to our readers?

Sana Khatri: Hi. I am Sana Khatri, I was born and brought up in Mumbai and hail from a Muslim Menom Community. Though I was an housewife earlier, presently,
I am the Founder of Grace Network Event and Exhibition Company.

Hello Mumbai News: What Inspired you to venture into your own Business?

Sana Khatri: Well, being a Muslim Woman I observed that there is a lot of potential and talent in our Muslim Women but there is no specific platform for them to explore their talent. Hence decided to do it. Moreover, I belong to a business family background, so business is in my blood. And in a bid to empower and promote Women Entrepreneurs, I decided to start this business.

Hello Mumbai News: What Challenges you faced as a Woman Entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?

Sana Khatri: Look, In every business challenges occur and it is very common. So for me to create a network of women professional and Entrepreneurs was a Big challenge. I became very active on social media and did hard work on ground level. From person to person i created this platform.

Hello Mumbai News: Tell us something about your Start-up and how people can benefit from it?

Sana Khatri: My startup company name is Grace Network which provides a platform to MSME and women Entrepreneurs to showcase their products. We organise Exhibition twice a month in different parts of Mumbai. Women Entrepreneurs participate in this Exhibition display their products and get benefits. In last five years and as of now, we have organized more than 24 Exhibition across Mumbai.

Hello Mumbai News: Where did your Inspiration come from?

Sana Khatri: I was inspired by my Family members and my Husband

Hello Mumbai News: Do you feel that in India there are enough structures and facilities put in place to assist women to expand their Startup Journey?

Sana Khatri: Yes. India is a Very huge Market and our present Government is doing good to support MSMES and small Startup.

Hello Mumbai News: How you balance your professional and personal life .

Sana Khatri: Well, though quite difficult, yet, I managed. In this, I always had the support from my Husband.

Hello Mumbai News: What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to be a Women Entrepreneur?

Sana Khatri: My sincere advice is to be positive and increase confidence. Y will definitely get success.

Hello Mumbai News: Which Woman Inspired you?

Sana Khatri: Quite obviously my Mother.

Hello Mumbai News: What is your message on International Women’s Day?

Sana Khatri: Yes.To Empower Women Empower Nation. Happy Women’s Day.

Hello Mumbai News: Being a Muslim Woman Entrepreneur what type of challenges and difficulties you faced.

Sana Khatri: Frankly speaking my biggest challenge is to bring Muslim Women Entrepreneurs under one roof. Our Community Women follow Pardhaa still now. And being a Muslim Woman Entrepreneur, Networking among Women is the biggest challenge

Hello Mumbai News: What’s your vision and future plan about your startup?.

Sana Khatri: Well, I want to make Grace Network a big platform across India and to promote Women Entrepreneurship culture among Muslim women. Very soon I will be organising an Exhibition in every district of Maharashtra and Big Metro cities of India.

Hello Mumbai News: Do you agree Mumbai being a financial capital a good Market for Startup and Entrepreneurs?

Sana Khatri: Yes of course. No doubt about it. In Mumbai Entrepreneurship culture is growing day by day among women Entrepreneurs.

Sanaubar Aijaz Malik:

Famous As: Business Entrepreneur

I am Sanaubar Aijaz Malik the owner of Glamour and Style a well-known clothing brand in Mumbai. I was born and brought up in a Muslim family in South Mumbai.G


I graduated in psychology from St Xaviers College and postgraduated in counselling psychology.
My life’s journey was so very professional as a psychologist to begin with. I then got the opportunity to join a special school run by an NGO as principal and administrator and dedicated nearly 15 years for the upliftment of underprivileged women and children with special needs. This was a different level of contentment altogether for me. I have such precious and unforgettable memories of these days of my life.

Alhamdulillah born in a well educated Muslim family, all my family members were professionals, I did not have to face any societal pressure. The school where I worked was run by an NGO run by broad minded women themselves. Being a psychologist, I knew the importance of mother’s role in the development of children so I left my ideal and secure job to give time to my two kids, Anam and Jawaad, thanks to my supportive husband Aijaz and in laws. My hobbies were reading, handicraft making, stitching, embroidery, painting, dress designing and so much more…
During this time my husband had to shift to Pune for work and our kids started growing up. As a result I now had few hours free for myself. I then started giving voluntary vocational training to underprivileged women and children with special needs, helping them to lead independent self reliant lives.
Suddenly, my life turned upside down with my mom’s death due to cancer, my own and my husband’s ill health. It was during this phase that I started selling self created handicraft items and dress material to keep myself busy and distract myself from such circumstances.
Alhamdulillah, we overcame this depressive phase and grew stronger.
Then came the lockdown that changed the lives of so many people. It affected my life too but in a positive way.
My online sales improved Alhamdulillah. I also got involved in a lot of charitable work. I noticed that a few karigars and tailors were out of their jobs. Some even left the city. I then thought of getting suits stitched and selling so that they could feed their families. I participated in a lot of exhibitions where I met a lot of other women entrepreneurs especially those who organized exhibitions and encouraged small business owners. No act of goodness and hardwork goes wasted. Blessings of all those who were helped led to the brand called GLAMOUR AND STYLE today. Glamour and Style grew into a successful brand in a significantly short span of time. Today, we have a team of karigars each expert in their own forte, team salesgirls, team of photographer and models, a team handling my social media, a graphic designer and so on. From an individual person handling business, glamour and style is benefitting so many people, both men and women who work from home.
Another major aim is satisfaction of customers. We are continuously striving to make the best exclusive designs at affordable rates especially for middle class families.
Thanks to my supportive husband Aijaz Malik, my family and friends, who always encourage and motivate me, i have been able to reach here.
During lockdown many businesses failed and women came to the forefront supporting the family. The only advice that i can give someone who is an aspiring women entrepreneur is to never give up. Allah taala is watching. If your intentions are good, you will get success. Faith, willpower, hardwork and perseverance pays.

I take inspiration from wife of our beloved Prophet(pbuh) Hazrat Khadija (r a) who was a successful Muslim woman entrepreneur.
Fashion is a signature of your unique style and it has a lot of scope. Today,
Sanaubar Aijaz Malik’s Glamour and Style is a well known ladies clothing brand boutique located at Dongri, Mumbai. The place vibrates with hues and sophisticated designs….a candy to the eyes. It deals in ready to wear Indian attires, keeping in mind the customers budget and latest trends.
The price range is super affordable without stooping on the quality. You can pick a lovely casual wear cotton outfit @ just Rs 1200/-
Each suit made is exclusive. One of its kind. They have sizes from Small( S or 36) to 5XL (or 50).
Available at our outlet are
Stitched and semi stitched Kurtis/tunics.
Casual cotton and lawn suits embellished with laces.
Festive collection with embroidery and patch work.
Premium and designer party wear collections.
and much more.
You can
WhatsApp on 9833873378
Website www.glamourandstyle.in
Instagram glamourand.style
Address: 233, Bundar bldg, SVP Rd, Next to Buland Darwaza, opp. Khoja Kabrastan, Dongri Mumbai 400009.
There are over 1000 suits available to select from.
Shop is open 11am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday.
Courier facility is also available all over India.
Best quality at affordable prices. We match style and class with luxury and comfort.
With the changing mindset, Inshaallah Muslim women will continue to make great strides in the business world in the days to come.
In future, I see myself continuing my endeavour of helping the needy and impacting the lives of people so that the world could become a better place to live in. Inshaallah I plan to expand my business to cater to the needs of more and more people.
On women’s day the only message that I want to give to all women entrepreneurs is to maintain quality of life. You need to balance your family, career, health as well as friends. This will automatically lead you to success. If I could do it, you can do it too. Happy women’s day.

Sanaa Gaazi:

Famous As: Mehndi Artist

Hello Mumbai News:  Could you please Introduce yourself to our readers?

Sanaa Gaazi: Hi. Privileged to connect with Hello Mumbai News. I am Sana Gazi, born and brought up in Mumbai and hail from a Muslim Community. Though I was an housewife earlier, presently,
I am the Founder of Sana Gazi Mhendi Artist Beauty Startups.

Hello Mumbai News: What Inspired you to venture into your own Business?

Sanaa Gaazi: Well, Since my child i was interested in Beauty Industry specially in Mhendi Design. From the day one my mother supported me a lot and i joined Mhendi classes done course. After this i decidedly to make it a professional. and decided to start this business.

Hello Mumbai News:  What Challenges you faced as a Woman Entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?

Sanaa Gaazi: Look, In every business challenges occur and it is very common. So for me to create a network of women client was a Big challenge. I became very active on social media and did hard work on ground level. From person to person i created this platform.

Hello Mumbai News: Tell us something about your Start-up and how people can benefit from it?

Sanaa Gaazi: My startup company name is Sana Gazi Mhendi Artist which provides a Mhendi designing specially Dubai flavour.our speciality is Designing which women like it very much.

Hello Mumbai News: Where did your Inspiration come from?

Sanaa Gaazi: I was inspired by my Mother Family members and my Husband

Hello Mumbai News: How do you balance your professional and personal life .

Sanaa Gaazi: Well, though quite difficult, yet, I managed. In this, I always had the support from my Husband.

Hello Mumbai News: What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to be a Women Entrepreneur?

Sanaa Gaazi: My sincere advice is to be positive and increase confidence. Y will definitely get success. Work hard belives in your self

Hello Mumbai News: Which Woman Inspired you?

Sanaa Gaazi: Quite obviously my Mother.

Hello Mumbai News: What is your message on International Women’s Day?

Sanaa Gaazi: This International Women’s Day, is very special for me, because it was on this auspicious day that I got married. This women’s day marks my 4th Marriage anniversary.
I want to give special message to all women to support and help each other grow together and Make Nation strong.

Hello Mumbai News: Being a Muslim Woman Entrepreneur what type of challenges and difficulties you faced.

Sanaa Gaazi: Frankly speaking my biggest challenge is to create good quality client because Mhendi is an Art and its difficult to convince the client about Designing.

Hello Mumbai News: What’s your vision and future plan about your startup?.

Sanaa Gaazi: I want to make Sana Gazi Mhendi Artist a Big beauty Startup through this platform i want launch Mhendi classes want to teach poor and needy girls.Through my Mhendi art i want to support my society.

Hello Mumbai News: Do you agree Mumbai being a financial capital a good Market for Beauty Startup and Entrepreneurs?

Sanaa Gaazi: Yes of course. No doubt about it. In Mumbai Entrepreneurship culture is growing day by day among women Entrepreneurs.

Farzana Imran:

Famous As: Makeup Artist

Predominantly Business is a male-dominated world, and in the Muslim community, where female modesty is held at a premium, one might assume that was doubly the case.

But as of now Muslim Women Entrepreneurs are making a Huge impact they have defied this stereotype even as cashing in on the rapidly growing market for Muslim-focused Business.

Like other Non-Muslim women entrepreneurs who have conquered the Male Counterparts in every field of profession, so too Muslim Women Entrepreneurs are and have proved they are nothing less. Today they are into varied businesses and are growing with it on their their own merits.

One such ambitious charismatic and vibrant is Farzana Imran recognised as Zaana Make-up Artist.

Hello Mumbai News took the opportunity to catch up with the enterprising Make-up artist for an exclusive interview on International Women’s Day. Excerpts of the interview.

Hello Mumbai News: Hi. Farzana, welcome to Hello Mumbai News. Could you please introduce yourself to our readers.

Farzana: Hello. This is Farzana Imran, a Make-up artist.

Hello Mumbai News: Farzana, how did u foray into the beauty business?

Farzana: Well, I forayed into the beauty business way back 4 years ago as makeup artist and a subsequently an hairstylist.

Hello Mumbai News: How would you Describe your Signature Look.

Farzana: I have always attempted to enhance one’s inner beauty, Pakistani bridal look and elegant party makeups are my signature looks. It has been my passion towards makeup and engaged in beauty industry is all that I had always wanted and it was my cherished dream.

Hello Mumbai News: What made you come up with your Own Make up line.

Farzana: Beauty is endless and one doesn’t need to look fair as far as beauty is defined, but just that you need to be a good hearted person to look beautiful…..(but a lil mascara never hurts)

Hello Mumbai News: Please throw light on your speciality and services you provide.

Farzana: It has always been my priority to provide with the best of service to my clients. I also visit venues where there is a need for makeup. And also visit accept destination wedding makeups

Hello Mumbai News: Which elements of job that attracts and you most enjoy?

Farzana: Well, I just love doing eye makeup and enhance eyes. As a saying goes “Keep going and never stop your bank account has more numbers than your mobile number”.

Hello Mumbai News: What type challenges you have you encountered amid your professional Journey.

Farzana: Yes. I did have had to face lot of hassles but by the grace of God I could hustle, bustle fight and bounce back.
Let me tell you that Women are blessed with power if whatever they decide they will ultimately succeed in life

Hello Mumbai News: Whom have you looked up for inspiration?

Farzana: Yes, amid peels of laughter, Parul Gurg a seasoned Makeup artist is my inspiration and touchwood I am fortunate to have a very supporting husband so everything gets managed.
Am accessible on @zaana_makeup_artist and on Mob No. 9022696457

Fatima Qureshi:

Famous As: Beauty Entrepreneur

Hello Mumbai News: Could you Introduce yourself for our readers.

Fatima Qureshi: I am Fatima Qureshi, Beauty Expert by profession.

Hello Mumbai News: What Inspired you to venture into your Business?

Fatima Qureshi: It was the need of the hour and an Urge to be self-dependent.

Hello Mumbai News: What Challenges have you faced as a Woman Entrepreneur and how did you overcome them.

Fatima Qureshi: Well, amid taunt from the society as this profession was not appreciated in those days. Then traveling to places for work. Maintaining balance between home and work

Hello Mumbai News: Tell us something about your Start-up and how people can benefit from it.

Fatima Qureshi: For venturing into any business one has to invest a lot of money. Hence, I started giving tuitions and then utilized that money as a freelancer beautician.

Hello Mumbai News: Where Did your Inspiration come from?

Fatima Qureshi: It was a safe job as I had to deal with females.

Hello Mumbai News: Do you feel that in India there are enough structures and facilities put in place to assist women to expand their Startup Journey?

Fatima Qureshi: No

Hello Mumbai News: How do you balance your professional and personal life.

Fatima Qureshi: I organize my work as per priority. It’s difficult but I systematically manage it.

Hello Mumbai News: What advice would you give to aspiring Women Entrepreneur?

Fatima Qureshi: Just go for it. Achieve your dreams. Make the Impossible possible.

Hello Mumbai News: What Women Inspire you.?

Fatima Qureshi: To be Enthusiastic Positive Confident

Hello Mumbai News: What is your message on International Women’s Day.

Fatima Qureshi: Nothing is impossible for a WOMAN. Stand up for yourself.

Hello Mumbai News: Where can our readers find you and keep in touch with you.

Fatima Qureshi: On Instagram and Facebook @Femsglamour

Hello Mumbai News: Being a Muslim women Entrepreneur what type of challenges and difficulties you faced?

Fatima Qureshi: Too much restrictions on work timings and travel

Hello Mumbai News: What’s your vision and future plan about your startup?

Fatima Qureshi: I am a self-starter who intend to make the most of every opportunity that life offers me I want to become an inspiration for all the women who want to become an inspiration for others I want to help all those to achieve their goals.

Hello Mumbai News: Tell us in brief about your services.

Fatima Qureshi: We deal with all types of skin and beauty services.

Hello Mumbai News: Do you agree Mumbai being a financial capital a good Market for Startup and Entrepreneurs?

Fatima Qureshi: Yes, by all means.

Aisha Tabrez Chinoy:

Famous As: Food Entrepreneur

Hello Mumbai News: Could you Introduce yourself for our readers.

Aisha: I am a mother of 2 lovely kids, housewife and an entrepreneur who loves to hustle and wants to make an identity for myself in the society and be an inspiration for a lot of females to do something on their own.

Hello Mumbai News: What Inspired to start your Business.

Aisha: the challenge that I was going through in the kitchen specially while making birista where we had to peel onions, cut, chop and fry them to make birista inspired me to make kitchen life easy for a lot of kitchen queens and also my passion for cooking.

Hello Mumbai News: What Challenges have you faced as a Woman Entrepreneur and how did you overcome them.

Aisha: There have been end number of challenges that I have faced… Taking care of joint family, kids, household chores, staff, sales, manufacturing and many more challenging… But I am fortunate enough to have my husband who is the strongest pillar of my life and also for S.A Foods. He has a lot of experience in the corporate world dealing into sales and customer service. He’s always ensures to share and implement his experience in S.A Foods…

Hello Mumbai News: Tell Something about your Start-up and how people can benefit from it.

Aisha: Firstly all our products are all made using the finest ingredients and we offer premium quality marinades, birista, ginger garlic paste, chutneys, mayos to make kitchen life easy and zaikedaar for kitchen queens. We have more than 5000 customers and they all share their feedback that our products have made their kitchen life very easy and zaikedaar.

Hello Mumbai News: Do you feel that in India there are enough structures and facilities put in place to assist women to expand their Startup Journey.

Aisha: It is only the will, passion and persistence that helps you achieve your goals whether it is India or any location in the world. Make use of the resources available and looking for solutions to your problem is the key to success.

Hello Mumbai News: How you balance your professional and personal life .

Aisha: It is difficult and challenging… But when your husband and your family support understands you passion and you dream you can do wonders. I am fortunate alhamdulillah to have a strong family with very strong values and also my staff who are more like my family… Then it becomes easy to distribute your work load. Special thanks to my entire staff of S.A Foods.

Hello Mumbai News: What advice would you give to someone who are aspiring Women Entrepreneur

Aisha: Only 1 advice… Understand what makes you happy and work on your product/service daily… Love what you do and also be consistent… It’s you persistence and determination that will give you name and then everything falls in place.

Hello Mumbai News: What’is your message on International Women’s Day.

Aisha: Love yourself, be confident about the work you do. Make your own identity not to compete with anyone, but just to discover your strength and discover yourself.

Hello Mumbai News: Being a Muslim women Entrepreneur what type of challenges and difficulties you faced.

Aisha: A challenge is a challenge when you don’t have anyone to support you… But alhamdulillah I am blessed with best husband, parents, in-laws and my entire S.A Foods family who have been my strength and never made me feel if there’s any challenge. I see a challenge and alhamdulillah my husband comes up with a solution and my entire staff supports to complete those challenges.

Hello Mumbai News: What’s your vision and future plan about your startup.

Aisha: Ek hi vision hai… Make life easy and zaikedaar for all the kitchen queen… #hargharsafoods

Hello Mumbai News: Tell us brief about your services.

Aisha: We offer home delivery services and any customer can book their products through our website, Instagram and WhatsApp. We also keep on uploading new recipes on Instagram for our customers so that they know how they can prepare some yummy recipes for their own family easily. We also share more than 150 recipes through WhatsApp to make their kitchen life easy and zaikedaar.

Hello Mumbai News: Do you agree Mumbai being a financial capital a good Market for Startup and Entrepreneurs.

Aisha: I was born and bought up in Mumbai… There is always a lot of scope to start your own business and make a name for yourself. Just believe in yourself and make small progress daily. Naam ke liye kaam karo… Kaam khud ho jayega… 

My mom and my mother in law who coincidentally has same name Sabera n of course my name Aisha and that’s the initial in S.A Foods… Their never to give up attitude inspires me and I am blessed to have them in my life.

Nikhat Khan:

Famous As: Makeup Artist

Hello Mumbai News: Could you introduce yourself for our readers.

Nikhat Khan: Nikhat khan as makeupbykhan
I am professional makeup and hair artist

Hello Mumbai News: when and how did you get into beauty industry

Nikhat Khan: Makeup is my passion and in makeup industry I am since 3 yrs

Hello Mumbai News: How would you Describe your Signature look.

Nikhat Khan: The best way to create a signature look is to think about what is you want to accentuate about your natural beauty and then play around and see what makes you feel best

Hello Mumbai News: what made you come up with your own makeup line

Nikhat Khan: It’s my passion which made me come up with my makeup line

Hello Mumbai News: What is beauty for you

Nikhat Khan: It’s our strength and self confidence to know that with or without makeup the real beauty is “you”

Hello Mumbai News: Tell something about your specialty and service you provide

Nikhat Khan: We provide makeup that should look soft elegant and natural

Hello Mumbai News: which elements of job do you most enjoy

Nikhat Khan: As a makeup artist you have the power to make beautiful when ur clients see them in the mirror after your final touch the smile that you see on their face is “princeless”

Hello Mumbai News: Do you have any tips or advice for Aspiring makeup artist

Nikhat Khan: You should have a strong passion for the makeup industry and you should be creative

Hello Mumbai News: What type challenges have you faced during your professional Journey

Nikhat Khan: We all have to accept a challenge in every job how to balance it it’s up to us

Hello Mumbai News: What’s your message on International Women’s Day

Nikhat Khan: Happy Women’s day to all the incredible women ! “Not just today but everyday “

Hello Mumbai News: who is your favourite makeup artist

Nikhat Khan: Mine favourite makeup artist is Nasreen ma’am coz she’s the one where I am today she’s my makeup guru

Hello Mumbai News: how you balance your professional and personal life

Nikhat Khan: We should be very calm in both personal and professional life

Hello Mumbai News: when our readers can find you and keep in touch with you

Nikhat Khan: I m on Instagram as makeupbykhan3
WhatsApp on
9082958822

Yasmin:

Famous As: Makeup Artist

Hello Mumbai News: Could you Introduce yourself for our readers.

Yasmin: My name is yasmeen i am a professional makeup artist

Hello Mumbai News: when and how did you get into Beauty Industry.

Yasmin:  I just love to do makeup right from my childhood but I tried it as a profession after my marriage by getting inspiration from all the ladies out there in the industry who just want to pursue something on their own.

Hello Mumbai News: How would you Describe your Signature Look.

Yasmin:  As I said I just love doing makeup but my clients and friends love how I do box liner and nude makeup a lot as it enhances the natural beauty of the person irrelevant of their ethnicity.

Hello Mumbai News: what made you come up with your Own Make up line.

Yasmin: Nothing just a passion for makeup and a love of sharing the knowledge which I have.

Hello Mumbai News: What is Beauty for you.

Yasmin: To me, beauty is all about being comfortable in your skin, its about knowing and accepting who you are.

Hello Mumbai News: Tell Something about your speciality and services you provide.

Yasmin: My specialty is makeup and knowledge in it and that is the service that I provide, by the grace of Allah I am very good at it

Hello Mumbai News: which elements of job do you most enjoy.

Yasmin: you know, when we are done with our work and we receive a beautiful smile and positive feedback from the client, that’s it that’s the best part of the job which I enjoy

Hello Mumbai News: Do you have any Tips or advice for Aspiring Make up Artist.

Yasmin: Do what you love and love what you do, and follow your passion blindly don’t run after fame make your work shout out your name and fame will come running after you.

Hello Mumbai News: What type challenges have you faced during your professional Journey.

Yasmin: Nothing can be achieved without any challenges as being a married woman and a mother the difficulty level for starting a career at this time of life is way up high and the list is way long enough from the tension of who’s gonna look after the children to how well everything will be managed. But as they say, where there is a will there is a way, everything will be managed gradually.

Hello Mumbai News: What’s your message on International Women’s Day

Yasmin: A woman can do anything she is willing to do, the only thing she needs is just a small backing from the family and people around her. She may not be strong physically but strongest emotionally and mentally.

Hello Mumbai News: who is your favourite Make up Artist.

Yasmin: The makeup artists who inspire me and whom I admire a lot are Khushi Virani, Sheena Kaur, and Meenakshi Dutt. No comments the best in the industry.

Hello Mumbai News: How you balance your professional and personal life.

Yasmin: My personal and professional life are way more different and wide apart but we have to balance between them like they both are connected with a rope of family support, sacrifices, passion, and enthusiasm for the work and you have to balance yourself on it, the stronger the pull is the stiffer the rope gets and so it gets easier to balance between them. Just ignore the “char log” who are always behind your back and come to disbalance your life.

Hello Mumbai News: when our readers can find you and keep in touch with you.

Yasmin: my instagram id
Yasmeen–makeup–artist
Makeup by yasmeen86
My youtub id
Yasmeen shaikh
Yasmeenshaikh4230

Mehvash Arfat shaikh:

Famous As: Business Entrepreneur

Hello Mumbai News: Could you Introduce yourself for our readers.

Mehvash Arfat shaikh: Mehvash Arfat shaikh
Owner of Selfcare_station21
I deal in Oriflame Company products.
Oriflame guarantees the quality of any Product which carries the Oriflame name and certify that they are manufactured by, or for us to meet the highest standards of quality. We are confident that our Customers will find our Products satisfactory in every way.

Hello Mumbai News: when and how did you get into Beauty Industry.

Mehvash Arfat shaikh: One year back Wanted to help & empower women to work with zero investment at their own time like work from home. We help all women and teenagers to be entrepreneurs…with zero loss…and zero investment..

Hello Mumbai News: How would you Describe your Signature Look.

Mehvash Arfat shaikh: You’re never going to get your best work done if you’re not satisfied with all aspects of your life.

Hello Mumbai News: What is Beauty for you.

Mehvash Arfat shaikh: A beautiful person is someone who stays true to themselves and their spirit; someone who is self-confident and can make you smile.

Hello Mumbai News: Tell Something about your speciality and services you provide.

Mehvash Arfat shaikh: When you register as Oriflame Brand Partner you will be one of our partners. You can take advantage of the opportunities we offer to make money by selling our products to others and to potentially build its own network of advisers.

Hello Mumbai News: which elements of job do you most enjoy.

Mehvash Arfat shaikh: Make people belive in themself ….
And start earning from their own business.
Being successful doesn’t just mean making a lot of money. It means achieving success in all aspects of life

Hello Mumbai News: What’s your message on International Women’s Day

Mehvash Arfat shaikh: Women are an inspiration to everyone. Cheers to all women on Women’s Day 2023! There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.

Hello Mumbai News: How you balance your professional and personal life.

Mehvash Arfat shaikh: Organising your day and making a schedule for yourself will help in having a stress-free day. working from home can actually be the most efficient way to get things done.

source: http://www.hellomumbainews.com / Hello Mumbai News / Home> Mumbai Local / by Aleem Shaikh / March 08th, 2023

How Kolkata Girl Alina Alam’s Mitti Cafe is Enabling People With Disabilities & Even Helping The Needy During The Coronavirus Lockdown

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, COVID 19 - Community of Soldiers, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL:

When we talk of youngsters in their early twenties, of course, we think that it’s time for them to work hard and party harder. Right? But we are seeing a lot of youngsters take up entrepreneurship at a young age to make it big. But there are some like Alina Alam from Kolkata, who took to social entrepreneurship to make the world a better place for the differently-abled. All of 27 years of age, Alina started with her ‘Mitti Cafe’ when she was 23, which is run entirely by a staff of persons with a disability, ranging from visual and hearing impaired to Asperger’s and to Down’s syndrome.

The Mitti Cafe

While pursuing her graduation from Azim Premji University, Alina volunteered in an organisation that works with adults with a disability. That’s when she realised that the problem is not their ability but the disability in our perception, which needs to change. Talking to us about the cafe, Alina said, “I started with the Mitti Cafe in 2017, with an aim to create platforms for adults with physical, intellectual and multiple disabilities to showcase their abundant potential for productive activity and create awareness for the cause of equal opportunities in employment.”


Not every enterprise needs a VC funding, as Alina started this venture with funding from her friends, family and partnerships with Deshpande Foundation, NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore & N-Core Foundation. And now she has several branches of the cafe in both Kolkata and Bengaluru.

Facilities Enabling The Staff
One can find menus printed in braille, food orders written on sheets of a note pad, self-explanatory placards and flicker lights that signal the staff when a customer calls for them, and more such unique ideas to facilitate the differently-abled staff at the Mitti Cafe.


Apart from remuneration, Alina explained how they have additional benefits like accommodation for the staff, “Since most of our employees along with having a disability come from a low-income background, apart from salaries, we also provide them with accommodation, food and logistics. We provide wheelchairs to those who cannot afford it. There are placards in the cafe for communication with our HSI staff and menu as well as instructions in Braille for our staff with visual impairment. The training methodology for our adults with an intellectual disability involves innovative techniques that involve songs, poetry and pictorial training.”

Impact & Help With The COVID-19 Outbreak
Talking about the impact of her venture, Alina said, “We currently have a total of 71 adults with disability employed at the various cafes branches and we provide experiential training to adults with a disability who is placed in the hospitality sector, retail sector or decide to start their own business.” Not only that, currently Alina and her team is also helping the vulnerable sections of the society affected by the Coronavirus lockdown. Talking about the same, she added, “The MITTI team is working on a war footing currently to help in the COVID 19 crisis by providing the most basic of the necessities: food to 2000 of our Frontline Heroes-daily wage labourers every day.”

Alina runs the social enterprise with the help of her amazing team members who left their cushy corporate jobs for the cause, including the COO & Director- Swati, another Director- Anjani Gupta and Area Operations Heads- Sanidhya Bindal & Amruta Wadekar.

She also shared her future plans with us which include, “Creating awareness about economic empowerment and dignity-one cafe at a time, till Mitto Café becomes outdated. We are hopeful that should be soon.”

source: http://www.inclusiveindia.in / Inclusive India / Home> Feature> Inclusivity / by Shobita Dutt / April 17th, 2020

Hyderabad siblings create ‘Dovely’, bike taxies exclusive for women

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Transport, Travel & Tourism, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabad siblings create Dovely, bike taxies exclusive for women
Team Dovely (from Left to Right Mohammed Obaidulla Khan, Zainab Khatoon, Uzma Khatoon and Masarrat Fatima)

Hyderabad:

How often do casual conversations on women’s safety get realised into full-fledged businesses focusing on women empowerment? One such conversation led to the creation of the ‘Dovely’ app by-city-based siblings Uzma Khatoon and Zainab Khatoon.

Concerned over women’s safety, Uzma and Zainab thought of coming up with a solution to address the issue. The Dovely app provides a bike taxi service exclusively run by and for women. Apart from ensuring women’s safety, the entrepreneurs also aim to make women financially independent.

The four-person run application comprises founder Zainab who is a final year B. Pharmacy student, Uzma, a final year B.com Computers student, and Masarrath Fatima and Obaidulla Khan who are final year B. Tech students.

As of now the platform has 20 riders and over 400 users and functions through its website and connects riders and passengers through WhatsApp.

The app is still undergoing improvements. “We will be able to develop a full-fledged app only after we reach a certain milestone like 200 rides,” said Masarrat.

She further added that the company can’t risk putting up the app on the app store or the play store since users may face challenges as it is manually operated at present.

Speaking to Siasat.com the founder and CEO of Dovely, Zainab Khatoon said, “The idea to create Dovely first struck me and originated from a conversation between me and my mom, who wanted to visit my granny and was looking for cost-effective and safe rides.”

The idea only came into existence following an unpleasant autorickshaw experience, aimed at ensuring women feel safe and secure during their journey.

“The idea struck me once again while I was travelling with my friend in an autorickshaw when the driver looked at us from the rear view mirror making me feel uncomfortable,” Zainab added.

“We sat down with our parents to discuss the name of the company. After going through about 400 names, our father came up with the name Dovely,” said Chief Operating Officer and co-founder Uzma.

“Apart from providing rides for women, the app also allows women to connect with us as Dovely partners. To access information regarding the platform one may visit the Dovely website. At the time of filing the story, Dovely successfully completed 37 rides,” Zainab said.

Addressing the query regarding profit sharing, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Obaid Ulla Khan said, “Currently all the money earned is being kept with the riders themselves, and we aren’t earning any commission.”

Bootstrapping for funding Dovely:

Running a startup is not an easy task and requires consistent funding. However, Obaid believes in “Bootstrapping”, where entrepreneurs fund their own ventures. “Even if we approach venture capitalists at this stage they would set milestones based on which they would provide the money, hence it is better that we set a milestone for ourselves before we reach out to investors.”

“In order to pitch the business idea, we are collecting all the information ranging from the number of riders to the number of users along with the IDs of our riders in an excel sheet, this will make it easier for us to attract investors,” he explained.

With regards to the credibility of the riders, Zainab said, “I personally handle the onboarding process for Dovely. As part of the hiring process we ourselves take long distance rides with the candidates to test their driving skills.”

On Safety

Shedding light on the steps taken to ensure the safety of the riders and passengers, Uzma said, “One of us is constantly checking on the live location from the beginning to the end of the ride, and the riders are only supposed to switch off the live location after completing the ride.”

Adding to Zainab’s response, Obaid said “More than the candidate’s driving skills, we focus on their behaviour since we want to provide the best possible service to our customers”

Addressing the query on whether riders have to be logged in for a specific period of time on a daily basis, he said, “Keeping in mind the household responsibilities of our partners, we don’t have any specific login timings for now.”

A few Dovely partners were also present during the interview and they shared their experience with Siasat.com. Nahera Lohreen, one of the partners said,” The first ride was a bit challenging since I was hesitant as to how it would go, but after a while, I felt comfortable and it has been a great experience.”

Nahera is also the first partner to be roped in by Dovely.

Zareena Begum, another partner with the firm said,” It is a great opportunity since it gives us financial independence and I was looking forward to such an opportunity”

Speaking of future plans, the company’s CEO Zainab said, “As of now we are focusing on a minimum of 10 rides per day, we will gradually expand into three and four-wheeler markets.”

She further said, “Apart from bike taxis, we are planning to deal with transport and logistics which will also be led by women. The greater vision of the company is to empower women across India and make them financially independent.”

www.dovely.org

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Mohammed Baleegh / June 19th, 2022

NGO to felicitate three Muslim women who defied society’s frown

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Science & Technology, Sports, Useful / HEALTHCARE, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Modelling professional, rugby player and dermatologist among role models.

(From left) Bilkes Perveen, Saba Ali Firoz and Suraiya Rahman.
Gautam Bose

A young woman set a condition to her would-be husband that she would marry only if she was allowed to pursue sports after wedding.

A girl whose neighbours once complained she wore jeans pursued her dream and became a fashion model, an entrepreneur and an anchor-presenter.

Several Muslim women who refused to tread the steps that many others wanted them to — get married, have children and live a domestic life — are now successful professionals. They came together at a gathering on Thursday afternoon.

The women will be feted by the NGO Friends of Alumni of Colleges Educational Institutes and Schools (FACES) and Mashriq Education Trust next week.

The Telegraph listened to some of their stories:

Bilkes Perveen

Anchor, model and entrepreneur

She was once frowned upon for wearing jeans. Bilkes, in her early 30s, who grew up on Convent Road in central Kolkata, said she was probably the only girl in her community in the neighbourhood who wore a pair of jeans.

“My neighbours were not happy with me wearing jeans. It was a very conservative space where I grew up,” she said. But she didn’t budge.

When she was 18, Bilkes took a night-shift job. She would go to her workplace wearing jeans or trousers. “I was 18. I wanted to be financially independent. Relatives and neighbours questioned why I took a night job. They wanted me to marry and have a kid instead of working. Fortunately, my parents stood by me,” Bilkes said on Thursday.

Life had better in store for her. At 19, she took up a job with a bank. It is while working there that she found her future husband, Tanmay Chatterjee. “Tanmay has always been very supportive. He wanted me to be a role model for others. After marriage I set up a company named Perveen and Chatterjee,” she said.

Bilkes wants to help women who have dreams but are afraid of defying the moral police. “My company trains Muslim women in personality development,” she said. 

Bilkes herself hosts events as anchor and is also a model for a sari brand. “I am today happy with what I am doing,” she said.

Saba Ali Firoz

Rugby player and stylist

Saba had set a condition to her husband before marriage — she would pursue sports, her passion.

“My husband was fine with it,” said the 39-year-old mother of two.

She continues to do it despite unsolicited comments meant to fetter her. “I had to wear short skirts for playing, for which I had to hear comments like ‘you are not Sania Mirza’. Wearing a short skirt is a taboo,” she said.

Daughter of a retired police officer, Saba, a resident of Metropolitan off EM Bypass, got inducted into sports from her early teens by her father. “I did sprints and long jumps. It was my father who inspired me to take up athletics.” 

Saba’s interest in sports spans disciplines. She has represented her club CCFC in rugby. She has played darts, badminton and tennis. She has also inculcated the passion for sports in her kids. Her 15-year-old son has represented the state in swimming and her 9-year-old daughter is training in swimming and basketball.

Imran Zaki, president of Faces, one of the organisers of Thursday’s get-together, said Muslim women were usually not encouraged by the society to take up sports and continue that after marriage. “It is to Saba’s credit and her will that she has managed to do what she loves. She is the one to emulate,” said Zaki.

As a professional, Saba runs her own studio at her home. She is a stylist and a make-up artist.

Suraiya Rahman

Gynaecologist and owner of a hospital 

Suraiya earned her MBBS degree from Bihar in 1967. She was the only Muslim woman in her batch. She later completed her MD from Kolkata in 1975. Again she was the only Muslim woman in her batch.

“There were objections from relatives and acquaintances. They thought it was disgraceful for a woman to go to a convent school and a medical college,” she said. “But my parents never let those objections reach me. My younger sister is a gynaecologist,” she said.

If Suraiya was a rare example in her student days, she is one even now. At 76, Suraiya is running a hospital on Dilkusha Street near bridge number 4 in Park Circus. She does procedures, looks after the daily administration and advises junior doctors. “I am only 76,” she said when applauded for being so active at her age.

Farah Khan, director, Mashriq Education Trust, said: “Suraiya Rahman is a role model for the entire community. So many young doctors from our community, both women and men, look up to her.”

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph, Kolkata / Home> My Kolkata / News> Women’s Empowerment / by Subhajoy Roy / June 10th, 2022