Meet 22-year-old Iqra Zainab from Srinagar’s Alamgari Bazar Hawal area. She is pursuing B.Com (H), but simultaneously dreams of becoming an entrepreneur through her bakery shop.
Talking to Brighter Kashmir, Zainab revealed that she has started her business from her home, which includes baking cakes and other sweet treats in such a way that it can bring wholesome joy to her customers and others
She said working from home is both comfortable and convenient.
“Working from home is something which is feasible for me. Since childhood, I was interested in art and craft, and it was by chance that I developed an interest in baking,” Iqra Zainab said.
“My biggest support is my family and friends. Their constant support and words of wisdom helped me when I had doubts about myself. Most importantly, they showed me that one needs to have faith to jump in and swim from strength to strength. I have seen my little enterprise grow and I am thankful for everything that my family and friends have done for me on this journey,” she added.
Iqra further revealed that when she started making money from her bakery enterprise, she used to go and buy equipment and other tools required for her baking.
“I would use that money to buy a new pan or even a spinning cake stand. It helped me build up my arsenal of baking tools and equipment that I needed to keep growing as a baker,” she said.
Currently, she has 2500 followers on Instagram and says her marketing depends on social media and word of mouth.
“I prefer to take opportunities as they come and so am thankful for every milestone, big or small, achieved. I believe that Allah has a plan. It is important to use one’s talent that he has blessed us with to make a difference in the world we live in,” Iqra said.
“I do have a dream to create a small space that can be a platform for building bakers. There are those who want a space that is welcoming and open, and I want to offer such a place where they can explore their talent,” she concludes.