Shahnaz lives in Kasur with her family, and is a skilled artisan and owner of a hand embroidery business. She has spent many years perfecting the intricate art of 'Salma Sitara' embroidery, a traditional craft that involves delicate embellishments on garments. With specialized embroidery frames, Shahnaz creates exquisite pieces adorned with small stars between embroidered bands. Her dedication to this traditional craft is evident in every stitch, showcasing her expertise and artistry.
Facing financial hardship, Shahnaz secured a loan from Lendwithcare's local partner in Pakistan – Akhuwat to revive her small-scale business. Her husband, a daily wage labourer, struggled to cover household expenses and their children’s school fees. Her embroidery business was not generating enough income to make a meaningful difference. After being unable to borrow from relatives, a neighbour introduced her to Akhuwat. She applied for a group loan which has allowed her to invest in her business.
Since then, her business has grown, her children are now attending a reputable school, and the combined income from her work and her husband’s wages is enough to support their home and education needs. Shahnaz remains deeply grateful to Akhuwat and Lendwithcare for their invaluable support during her most difficult times.