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)
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@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)
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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)
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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_)
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Combining contemporary art with nostalgic desi aesthetics, Qissay offers tote bags, prints, postage stamp stickers, and more that will make you want to dive even deeper into our beautiful cultural heritages. Their latest collection, Sassi aur Pannu, is inspired by the titular folk love story.
5. Kitab Ghar Lahore (@kitabgharlahore)
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Don’t let the simplicity of the name deceive you: this quaint building tucked away in a Lahori street isn’t just a collection of books; it’s a movement. Hosting a wealth of Urdu, English, and Punjabi books as well as intellectually stimulating conversations geared towards social transformation, Kitab Ghar Lahore would surely quench your appetite on a Ramazan evening.
6. Baemisaal By Bae (@baemisaalbb)
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If you are a fan of the creative and entrepreneurial powerhouse who is @baemisaal, you would love her small business, Baemisaal By Bae. Whether it’s handmade earrings or her pre-loved articles of clothing that you can thrift, be ready to be immersed in her characteristic pop of bright colors.
7. Haryali Store (@haryalistore)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Even more playful jewelry and accessories! Seriously, where does the women-owned business talent end? (Hint: nowhere)
13. Cake Pit (@cake.pit)
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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)
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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_)
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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!