Daily Archives: December 15, 2023

Zainab Khuzema Raja

The Art Gallery, Ruqaiyah Bakes

Chennai 

In the world of women entrepreneurs, there’s a saying that rings undeniably true: “You are never too young to start a business, and never too old to chase a dream.” 

These words resonate deeply with Zainab Khuzema Raja, a graduate in Bsc Psychology, whose entrepreneurial journey has been a testament to her wisdom.

Zainab, a woman brimming with ambition and boundless creativity, possessed an unyielding drive to take risks in pursuit of her passions. Her journey, which began with marriage and the responsibility of raising two adolescents, is a compelling narrative of resilience and determination.

The turning point in her entrepreneurial journey was her participation in the Kunuz program in Mumbai in 2016. It was here that her brainchild, the DIY CLAY brand, was invited to attend the “iqtebasaat” program. Little did she know that this opportunity would rekindle the long-forgotten flames of her capabilities, dormant amidst the demands of motherhood and homemaking.

Surprisingly, Zainab discovered that she could gracefully balance her work and family life, dispelling the concerns of her loved ones, who initially doubted her ability to do so. The years that followed were marked by the typical ebbs and flows, trials and tribulations of entrepreneurship. Yet, her unwavering dedication to her business remained unaltered.

The same family that once harboured doubts about her pursuit now proudly watches her soar. With the blessings of Panjatan Pak AS, the power of prayer, and the benevolent guidance of Aali Qadr Moula TUS, Zainab now stands as the proud owner of three thriving business brands. Her 700-square-foot studio space serves as a humble sanctuary for her creativity. Her products have found a home on “Maheela,” a prominent e-commerce platform, and she has imparted her knowledge to over a hundred eager students who’ve embarked on their entrepreneurial journeys.

But perhaps the most heartwarming transformation has been within her family, who now eagerly await her return home. Zainab, in gratitude to Allah Almighty, sees herself as a beacon of inspiration for countless women like her. Her story exemplifies that with determination, faith, and unwavering dedication, women can turn their dreams into reality, regardless of their age or life circumstances.

The Kusni Purely Bohri

Farida Kagalwala 

Insiyah Salman Vichchiyawala

Coimbatore

In the vibrant tapestry of culinary traditions within the Dawoodi Bohra Community of South India, one name stands out – The Kusni, a culinary venture rooted in the heart of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. For Bohra cuisine enthusiasts, satisfying their cravings can be quite a challenge, as authentic options are often scarce. However, in recent times, a new wave of culinary entrepreneurs, both women and men, have taken up the mantle, bringing the unique flavours of Bohra cuisine to the forefront. Among them, The Kusni – Purely Bohri, holds a special place in the hearts of those who have discovered it.

The origin of this delightful venture can be traced to a time when lockdowns and ample spare hours presented Farida Kagalwala with a puzzle – how to navigate these challenging times. Her husband, Hussain, lit the spark by talking about the delicious masala wala aloo and channa bateta, a Bohra staple that his father used to prepare. With that cherished memory, a culinary journey began.

Farida started her venture with simple dreams, taking in a handful of orders. Little did she know that the tidal wave of enthusiasm would soon follow as word spread about her mouthwatering Bohra snacks. Gradually, encouraged by her growth, Farida expanded her menu to include a variety of dishes, from dal and keema samosas to the irresistible Chicken 65. As Ramadan approached, the demand for iftar treats rose, marking a turning point in their journey.

With this surge in popularity, the brand found its identity – “The Kusni – Purely Bohri.” Farida’s sister-in-law, Insiyyah Salman Vichiyawala, joined the venture, strengthening the team’s resolve to create culinary delights that resonated with their community and beyond.

From humble beginnings, The Kusni soon evolved, transitioning from snacks to full-course meals tailored for groups. They ventured into weekly lunch subscriptions, an endeavour that saw promising uptake, marking a noteworthy start for this culinary venture.

Fast forward to today, and The Kusni is dispatching 15 delectable lunch packs to various locations across Coimbatore. The team, consisting of Farida, Insiya, and Hussain, embodies the spirit of dedication and teamwork. Hussain oversees marketing, while Insiya and Farida curate menus, whip up delightful dishes, handle packaging, and ensure seamless delivery.

It’s going to be four fortune years of their cloud kitchen reaching people for the different delicacies we are making. Other than Bohra dishes, their snacks and Chaat Corner are always in demand. Unlike other restaurants, they believe in ready-to-serve Chaat, wherein every item, even the garnish ingredients, is packed separately. Just have to plate the ingredients one by one and serve. 

“We are soon coming up with a commercial kitchen and hoping that we reach the nearby towns and let the whole south of India rejoice in Bohri cuisine”, adds Farida.

In the story of The Kusni – Purely Bohri, we witness the remarkable impact that women entrepreneurs can have when they uplift each other and their communities. 

It’s a testament to the power of solidarity and shared ambition. These entrepreneurs exemplify leadership through entrepreneurship, serving as beacons of inspiration and unwavering determination. They are the real Wonder Women, the heroes of our modern era.

Samina Lal and Zainab Akil 

www.maheelapower.com and Biz.maheelapower.com

Chennai

Samina Lal and Zainab Akil, based in Chennai, introduced www.maheelapower.com, an e-commerce platform exclusively for women. Here, handmade and homemade products crafted by women find a marketplace. The primary aim was to assist home-based women entrepreneurs who had been financially affected by the pandemic.

Samina, a seasoned home entrepreneur actively engaged in community service with the Burhani Women’s Association, recognized the vast talent pool within her community. On the other hand, Zainab, formerly a product manager at IIT Madras Research Park, brought her technological expertise to the table. The concept for “Maheela Power” took shape during one of their joint recreational runs.

The overarching mission is to create a technology-driven, community-centric ecosystem for women entrepreneurs and professionals to connect, empower each other, and collectively thrive. Zainab, with a strong background in technology and product development, provides valuable support in realizing this vision.

Maheela Power extends its support through professional training and workshops covering various aspects, such as Financial Management, Product Photography, and Digital Marketing. In addition to these, they organize Meet and Greet sessions and enjoyable Fitness activities. This approach fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth, allowing members to draw from each other’s experiences and build a safe space for discussion and development.

Notably, Maheela Power handles corporate gifting orders and actively participates in exhibitions and various events, increasing brand visibility and developing the capacity to scale up product delivery. Their association with organizations like Burhani Women contributes to providing financial aid to women for medical, educational, and household needs. This is made possible through the proceeds from the sales of items like papads, pickles, and masalas, which are produced by a group of women.

Another organization they support is Nandri Trust, which imparts training in tailoring to underprivileged women. Beyond just promoting the talents and creativity of these women, Maheela Power acts as an inspiration for more women to craft and market unique products, setting the path for their success as independent entrepreneurs. To date, Maheela Power has successfully onboarded 70+ women entrepreneurs, including inspiring senior citizens, boasting a diverse array of over 400 products.

As part of their ongoing efforts to empower women from various walks of life, Maheela Power has introduced a structured online talent directory. This directory, located at biz.maheelapower.com, simplifies consumers’ ability to search, discover, and connect with small-sized businesses and professionals.

In essence, Samina and Zainab have made it possible for women who were initially technologically challenged and had no marketing knowledge to promote their products successfully through Maheela Power.

Fatema Hussain

Marketing & Business Coach, Founder, Fab Digital Agency

Kuwait, Dubai

“In the midst of challenges, lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein

Meet Fatema Hussain, a remarkable entrepreneur with a story of determination and transformation. A decade ago, she entered the digital world when social media was still emerging. While successfully running her product-based business, she realized the potential to share her marketing expertise and founded Fab Digital in Dubai, aiming to empower businesses with comprehensive marketing strategies.

Fatema’s journey took a significant turn as she began receiving requests for guidance in personal brand development in the digital sphere. Motivated by their enthusiasm, she decided to become a coach and mentor, steering personal brands to success. This journey had its challenges, leading her to seek her own coaching and certifications to refine her skills.

As Fatema immersed herself in coaching and refined her business strategy, remarkable changes occurred. She shattered self-imposed limitations, embraced personal development as a daily practice, and crafted a robust business plan. Confidence grew as she marketed her coaching packages. Remarkably, she balanced her thriving career with her roles as a wife, mother, daughter, and daughter-in-law.

Fatema boldly built her personal brand, AskFatemaHussain, stepping out of her comfort zone to offer insights on personal branding, confidence building, and clarity. It was a courageous journey that demanded resilience but was immensely rewarding.

In this transformation, Fatema discovered her true calling, not just imparting marketing strategies but helping clients relish life, work with confidence, and scale their businesses without stress.

Fatema’s story is a testament to the power of self-belief and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. As Franklin D. Roosevelt aptly put it, “The only thing standing between you and your dreams is your doubt.” Fatema’s journey is an inspiring reminder that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. Embrace it, confront doubts, and take bold strides forward. Seek mentors and allies who support your aspirations, for just as Fatema found her path and transformed her life, you too can break free from limitations and blaze your trail.

As a message to fellow women, Fatema says, “Believe in yourself, chase your dreams relentlessly, and always remember that the future belongs to those who dare to dream and take action. The journey is yours to embark upon, and success awaits those who dare to seize it.”