Sometimes, scrolling through Instagram, you might feel inclined to put your money to meaningful use during this month of giving, or you might be looking to distract yourself from a Ramazan day’s hunger. Rest assured that there’s something for everyone that these uber-talented women creatives of Pakistan are bringing to the table through their small businesses.
1. Pet CNICs (@petcnics)
@petcnics on Instagram is making sure that your furry companion can now also be your fellow Pakistani citizen. Complete with a holder’s signature (read: paw print) and a sleek finish, these cards are customizable, absolutely adorable, and remind you that animals have rights, too.
2. Poppy Color Co. (@poppycolorco)
The ethereal tones of @poppycolorco’s handmade multichromatic eyeshadow pigments will make you feel like a faerie from outer space. If you like to play with editorial makeup or are simply a fan of iridescents, opalescents, and pearlescents, these are for you, and they are vegan, toxin-free, and cruelty free, too!
3. Go Flour – Bakery with a Conscience (@goflour)
What’s better than a bakery business? A bakery business that empowers bakery businesses! If your Iftari is @goflour’s uniquely scrumptious menu items such as beef romesco, pad thai, and shakshuka, know that you’re also supporting the culinary training of low-income women, or as their team likes to say, changing women’s lives one loaf at a time.
4. Qissay (@qissay_)
7. Haryali Store (@haryalistore)
In an increasingly industrialized urbanscape, you can still connect with the spirit of Mother Nature this Ramadan by buying whole foods, homemade sharbats, natural skincare, and beauty products from @haryalistore. A fresh, organic lifestyle just got easier to embrace thanks to this one-stop shop!
8. Ramlable (@ramlable)
The eastern, western, and fusion designs brought by this everyday wear store are simple yet exquisite. With a look and feel of utter sophistication, Ramlable might just be a call to ditch your overly priced high-end fashion purchases for a more sustainable choice.
9. Candle with Care (@candlewithcarepk)
Some of these decorative hand-poured candles with make you go *chef’s kiss*. From teddy bears to seashells and flowers, @candlewithcarepk’s work is truly expanding the limits of what you can do with candle wax. Handle—or should I say, candle—these intricate pieces with care!
10. Fish Design Studio (@fishdesign.co)
Maybe it would be easier to get out of bed for school if you knew you had cute stationery in your kit—no worries, @fishdesign.co got you. Describing itself as a lifestyle brand for kind humans, it features stationery and home goods, including a very relatable mug that says “Survived Monday.”
11. QnE (@qne.pk)
This student-led hand-crafted accessory store has something for every aesthetic. Cute, chic, faerie, goth, you name it—their phone charms, rings, earrings, and necklaces are all the rage.
12. The manaldraws Club (@manaldrawsclub)
Even more playful jewelry and accessories! Seriously, where does the women-owned business talent end? (Hint: nowhere)
13. Cake Pit (@cake.pit)
These utterly gorgeous buttercream cakes are as much a treat for the eye as they are for the tastebuds! Some of these artisan desserts are high-key putting expensive wedding cakes to shame, and we’re here for it.
14. Sweet Tales (@_.sweettales)
Not to make you drool, but this Multan-based bakery is yet another culinary delight to indulge in! Baked and decorated with love and attention, their cakes are fully customizable. 15. Pixidew (@pixidew_)
If you’re all for a dreamy, soothing vibe, Pixidew is the jewelry store. Stringing together pearls and crystals, this small business will help you wear a soft, gentle look.
So, which of these women-led initiatives were you enamored or inspired by? Don’t be afraid to show them your love!
