This week You! features two dynamic women entrepreneurs - Sania Hasnain Ali and Alyzeh Rahim Shirazi, co-founders and directors of ‘The Exhibit’, who shed some light on their Bridal Expo, held recently in Lahore...
weddings
This week You! features two dynamic women entrepreneurs - Sania Hasnain Ali and Alyzeh Rahim Shirazi, co-founders and directors of ‘The Exhibit’, who shed some light on their Bridal Expo, held recently in Lahore...
You! How did two of you come up with the idea of ‘The Exhibit’?
Alyzeh: Sania and I both had our own brands and we decided to introduce them to the local market via a joint exhibition hence the birth of ‘The Exhibit’. We then decided that rather than just us two having it, we should get other designers on board to maximise the reach. And it’s not limited to clothes only.
You! When did you launch ‘The Exhibit’?
Sania & Alyzeh: We launched ‘The Exhibit’ almost a year back. It’s all about creating a platform for established and new designers. Our aim is to create a space in which designers can market themselves and in turn sell their products as well. So far we have hosted seven sold out exhibitions in Lahore for fashion and accessories. We now have Exhibit Concept Store in Galleria Gulberg, which includes collections of credible pret and bridal designers, homeware, carpets, furniture, paintings, jewellery, make up, accessories and even has an express salon within it. The idea is to bring different lifestyle brands under one roof for a complete and enjoyable shopping experience.
You! ‘The Exhibit’ recently organised ‘Bridal Expo’. What’s it all about?
Sania & Alyzeh: The idea was to bring all bridal related products and services under one roof in order to make it easier for brides to choose what they need or want for their special day. We had everything related to bridal paraphernalia - clothing, furniture, jewellery, wedding photography, event planners and much more available. We had a lot of great bridal packages available on spot to avail, and also a live fashion presentation showcasing some of the newest bridal trends by top designers such as Kamiar Rokni, HSY, Sania Maskatiya and Pershe
by Kauser Humayun. In total we had over 50 vendors and some of the biggest names in all sectors participated. Dolce Vita Home was our title sponsor.
You! What was the response of Bridal Expo?
Sania & Alyzeh: The response was tremendous; our footfall reached over 10,000 in this first ever one-day Bridal Expo in Pakistan. All our vendors were extremely happy with the response they got and their on-spot sales as well.
You! Would you like to do bridal Expo in Karachi too?
Sania & Alyzeh: Definitely, we are planning to do one early next year in Karachi, there’s a lot of demand stemming from there.
You! Do you think such exhibitions should be held on regular basis? And why?
Sania: Yes, since a lot of people get to discover products they wouldn’t get to know about otherwise.
Alyzeh: Definitely yes. The market for weddings is absolutely massive and this kind of a shopping experience is vital for those who have a wedding in the family.
You! Do you think brides have become choosy when it comes to their wedding shopping?
Sania: I think everyone strives for the best these days and brides are no exception.
Alyzeh: Certainly, and bridal exhibitions give a chance to the brides-to-be to be able to touch and feel and get an idea of what exactly they want to pick for their big day.
You! Do such exhibitions cater to upper class only?
Sania: No. It’s for everyone.
Alyzeh: I think limiting to a particular class isn’t really necessary; it’s basically for those who want to spend on their weddings.
You! How have other women received your work?
Alyzeh: It has been received well, this is mainly a market for women, they love to have variety and different price points in one space! Sania and I also work very hard, we try to facilitate all our vendors in every way we can.
You! What is the most important advice you can give to women?
Sania: To do something that they enjoy and is fulfilling.
Alyzeh: Work hard and be consistent. Nothing comes easy; you have to be passionate about what you do.
You! Do you think the general mind set of our society is changing?
Sania: Yes, a lot of women work and have a big role in shaping the society today.
Alyzeh: Definitely, I think it has changed already. People are very forward thinking and they appreciate professionalism and hard work.
You! Challenges being faced by working women in Pakistan:
Saina: To be taken seriously at the workplace.
Alyzeh: Since I’ve worked in both Karachi and Lahore, I think Karachi is lot more accepting towards working women. Lahore is getting there but you have to be strong willed and learn how to get your way. It is basically your attitude at the end of the day. A woman can overcome anything with the right attitude.
You! What do you think are the main traits essential to attain success?
Sania: Hard work and patience.
Alyzeh: Commitment and consistency!
You! What are the positive points of being economically independent?
Sania: You become more confident.
Alyzeh: It’s very empowering to be able to make your own money and spend it without answering anyone. Similarly, when you go back at the end of the day, there is so much to discuss with your husband which is important for a healthy relationship.
You! Your philosophy of life:
Sania: Live and let live!
Alyzeh: Treat others the way you would like to be treated yourself.
You! Do you think a working woman can be a good wife and mother?
Sania: One needs to manage time well and be organised to balance out things.
Alyzeh: Of course! Women are all about multi-tasking and can definitely run a home and their own business. In fact, it is much easier when you have your own business as timings are more flexible.
You! What is your advice to women who want to expand their businesses?
Sania: As I said hard work and patience and to think ahead.
Alyzeh: I think women can do whatever they set their minds to and you don’t have to put your personal life on hold, it can be done simultaneously. The world has become very understanding; most big organizations have Day Cares within them as well, so it is not an all or nothing kind of situation. My advice to women is that timing is actually key, set goals for yourself, work hard and implement things, you have to take initiative and be a go getter, nothing comes to those who sit and wait.
You! Your future plans:
Sania: To expand ‘The Exhibit’ into various types of lifestyle events.
Alyzeh: Focusing on my businesses and travelling with my husband; he plays polo professionally so our itinerary is pretty hectic. I am lucky I’m doing my own thing and that I can manage it all according to my time.
