“Not a lot of people do this and I want to thank you, Thank you so much”
Shaista’s life has been shaped by both grief and resilience. As a widow with two children, she faced immense challenges after her husband passed away. With little support and few opportunities for women in Pakistan, her situation grew even more difficult. In a society where men are typically the providers, losing her husband seemed like a loss of everything.
When we visited her home, located on the second floor, we were greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere. Shaista’s home was filled with beautiful plants, and she proudly showed us one with a sweet scent that lingered when touched. Her warmth and welcoming attitude made us feel right at home, and her son, who is in college, struck us as both smart and kind—a reflection of Shaista’s nurturing spirit.
In one room, Shaista displayed the clothes she had ordered for her business. The quality of the pieces was impressive, and it was clear she put a lot of care into her work. She orders the fabrics from Karachi and sells her designs both online and in her neighborhood. We were so taken with her collection that we even considered buying a few pieces ourselves. The joy on her face as she showed us her work was unmistakable. Shaista spoke with pride about her business, saying she didn’t need anything else, just the opportunity to keep growing. She even planned to reach out to market contacts to expand her business further.
What struck us the most was Shaista’s generosity. Not only was she caring for her own children, but she also looked after her late husband’s first wife and her children. Supporting them without hesitation, Shaista’s heart showed a kindness that few could match.
After a few months of struggle, Shaista’s business began to flourish. She worked tirelessly, and now, with consistent effort, she’s earning more than £278 a month—her hard work and persistence paying off. She’s cleared her debts, paid her bills, and is now saving for the future.
Shaista’s journey is a testament to the strength of her character, her pure heart, and the quiet power of resilience. Her beauty, both inside and out, shines through every aspect of her life.