In recent years, e-commerce has become a major avenue for young entrepreneurs in Pakistan to generate both side and full-time income. With the growing accessibility of the internet and platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Daraz, more young individuals are tapping into the online business world, seeking financial independence and creative freedom. One such success story is that of Muhammad Umer, a young entrepreneur who built his own jewelry business, “Significant Jewelry,” by leveraging his family’s legacy in fashion wholesale and adapting it to the digital age.
Umer’s journey began when he observed the e-commerce boom in Pakistan. With a keen eye for opportunity, he wanted to capitalize on the growing trend of online shopping and digital marketplaces. Initially, he set his sights on popular social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where many small businesses were gaining traction. He thought that finding customers through these platforms would be straightforward, given their massive user base. However, after months of effort, Umer realized that things were not as easy as they seemed.
Despite his persistent efforts on social media, Umer struggled to bring in consistent business. “I wasn’t able to bring business that way,” he reflects. “I knew I had to think of a different strategy.” Having grown up in a family with two decades of experience in the wholesale fashion jewelry industry, Umer decided to revisit his roots. His father’s business had thrived in the physical wholesale market, but Umer knew the future lay online. Instead of abandoning his dream of e-commerce success, he chose to replicate the wholesale model digitally, turning to Pakistan’s leading online marketplace, Daraz, to expand his reach.
The shift to Daraz proved to be a game-changer. As an established e-commerce platform in Pakistan, Daraz offered Umer access to a wider audience across the country. The marketplace’s well-structured system for sellers, from product listing to delivery logistics, provided a professional and reliable way for him to showcase his products. Umer’s decision paid off quickly. “I remember I got my first order from Rawalpindi, and I was really happy about it,” he says. “Knowing that I had now made my product available nationwide was a huge accomplishment.”
Today, Umer’s business receives 4-5 orders every day, a significant increase from his earlier attempts on social media. His success can be attributed to his strategic pivot to Daraz and his ability to leverage his family’s expertise in the jewelry industry. By aligning traditional business knowledge with modern e-commerce tools, Umer was able to transform his dream into a thriving business.
The story of “Significant Jewelry” isn’t just one of personal triumph—it also serves as a lesson for many young people in Pakistan who are looking to create their own paths to success. In a country where job markets are competitive and opportunities sometimes limited, e-commerce offers a powerful alternative. Whether students seeking extra income or individuals exploring side hustles, digital marketplaces like Daraz provide an accessible and scalable way to build a business.
Umer credits some of his success to recent changes implemented by Daraz, which has increased trust among customers. “Very recently, Daraz delisted some blacklisted sellers and with their new policies, the customers now have a better trust level with reliable retailers,” he explains. This crackdown on unreliable sellers has created a safer, more trustworthy marketplace for both buyers and sellers, which has directly translated into better sales and revenue for legitimate businesses like Umer’s.
For Umer, the journey has just begun. He’s optimistic about the future and encourages others to follow his path. “To all the youngsters and students looking to earn extra bucks or trying to run a side hustle, I would advise you to explore Daraz and sign up for doing good business,” he shares. His words echo the aspirations of many young Pakistanis who see e-commerce as a way to carve out their financial independence and build a future on their own terms.
Umer’s success with “Significant Jewelry” is a testament to the potential that e-commerce holds for young entrepreneurs. With determination, strategic decision-making, and the right platform, anyone can turn their passion into a profitable business. As more young people in Pakistan embrace the opportunities offered by online marketplaces, the landscape of entrepreneurship in the country is rapidly evolving, creating new avenues for success in the digital age.