Is it a boy or a girl? This very question determines the fate of every child the moment they are born. If it is a boy, many expectations are placed upon him. But if it is a girl, she is often considered weak and seen as someone who cannot contribute much.
However, the tides are turning. Girls are now rising, standing shoulder to shoulder with boys, challenging the traditional norms and proving their strength.
This movement is embodied by a remarkable journey that we have witnessed recently. A clothing brand named Daastaan is owned by two young sisters, Hoorain and Anzish, aged 9 and 10 years old. Not only do they own the brand, but they have solely designed the hoodies themselves. These two young entrepreneurs had the urge to do something on their own, establish their own business, and make a mark in the fashion world.
Additionally, their mother is also an integral part of the team, contributing to their success. Even, the initial investment was made by their mother. They had to involve her because their original Instagram page, which had amassed 7,000 followers, was deleted. This setback significantly impacted their progress. Now, their mother is managing the page and overseeing overall digital operations.
The brand has been making waves in the industry with its export-quality hoodies. The designs of these hoodies are exquisite and specifically target people who are more into colours, art, and culture.
The brand has totally set a benchmark in the Pakistani apparel industry where thousands of brands emerge every year. However, given the quality and aesthetic sense, Daastaan will undoubtedly have a long journey to go on. They have not just limited their offerings to hoodies, they are also going to launch trendy sweatshirts soon.
The most significant factor contributing to Daastaan’s rise is that due to the lack of quality products, people are more inclined towards thrift culture, which we normally refer to as “Landa”. With limited access to international brands, which are often costly, people find them financially burdensome. In contrast, Daastaan provides comparable quality at more reasonable prices and is accessible to everyone. Moreover, the articles blend trendy streetwear designs with sobriety and decency, rivalling those of international brands.
This is why it has been a top choice of many and has sold more than 100 hoodies in the first month. This includes shipping international orders to the USA, UK, UAE, and Canada.
Their designs are not just crooked lines and some random abstract elements. Instead, each design has a story behind it, and that’s where the brand’s name came from. These designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also hit the nerves of society. Additionally, the inclusion of cultural motifs and captivating Urdu phrases make the designs particularly relatable to local consumers. Daastaan’s designs are inspired by Pakistani cultural elements acting as a bridge between cultures.
While speaking with these young entrepreneurs, we explored their thought processes and the inspirations behind creating a brand that has become synonymous with quality. They shared, “We always had the desire to start something of our own. We learned how to use Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and many other software tools, which helped us view things from different perspectives, whether in illustrations or designs. We’ve applied what we learned, giving life to our ideas, and this led to the creation of Daastaan, our very own brand.”
Their confidence and talent at such a young age highlight women’s potential when empowered. Women in our society have struggled a lot and have considered remaining within the four walls. However, the roles they could play for the betterment of the society are uncountable. Daastaan is not just a brand; it is a call for recognition of the potential in women who are held back by conservative norms.
Together, we can play our part in empowering women, whether they are our wives, sisters or daughters. By doing so, we are going to celebrate a new chapter where every child is able to redefine their very own destiny.
For more updates on the brand, visit their instagram.