Empowerment is the process of becoming stronger and more confident. We asked Pakistan’s leading corporate women what they consider to be empowering and how they can use their positions and influence to empower those around them.
The Turkish drama series, Dirilis Ertugrul achieved record-breaking popularity in Pakistan soon after it was aired on PTV. It was dubbed in Urdu, especially for the masses to enjoy and the rise in popularity of the characters was beyond anticipation. Many brands from clothing to telecom, took on the Turkish stars as brand ambassadors to endorse their products.
Two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy has expressed her opinion on Pakistani brands endorsing Turkish stars. She was not happy with Peshawar Zalmi appointing Turkish actor Esra Bilgiç as their brand ambassador for the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League.
When Pakistan’s Qmobile announced Esra Bilgic as their next brand ambassador, Yasir Hussain who had previously raised his voice over PTV airing Dirilis Ertugrul took to his Instagram to share the news and wondered why Bilgic had been made a brand ambassador for a Pakistani brand.
Whilst the audience was enthralled, but some industry actors, leaders, marketers, advertisers, and even filmmakers called out brands who made Turkish stars brand ambassadors without relevance that directly aligned with the product or service. We got a chance to speak to industry leaders from Pakistan’s media, marketing and advertising industry at the Effie Jury Session 2021. We asked them if they preferred local brand ambassadors or foreign brand ambassadors, and the opinions were divided.
Farheen Salman Amir, Board Director – Foods & Refreshment – Unilever Pakistan Limited
Any day local. I think Pakistan is a big enough. I think the Pakistani consumer, be it the dramas that they now are selecting, the declining trend of our next-door neighbour’s dramas which are now not doing as well as our own ARY and HUM Tv dramas is a clear verdict that Pakistan is going back to its roots of “Pakistanism”. It is a chicken and egg story. You know, if we are going to be promoting local talent, they then become iconic within our cultural nuances. So how much of an effort are we as advertisers doing or as marketers doing to bring in that local essence in whatever we produce matters. So I would say any day local versus global.
Muhammad Khurram Kidwai, Senior Commercial Director at Procter & Gamble
I would choose relevant. So, I mean, I wouldn’t make that distinction. Whoever is relevant, trending popular, Let’s go for it ! I mean, if the audience relates to it, who are we, to challenge that?
Ali Rez, Regional Executive Creative Director, Middle East & Pakistan
I think a healthy mix would be good. Better not to lean on one side too much. I think that helps keep competition up which is better for everybody.
Adnan Syed, Chief Executive Officer Green Man’s Ark
It depends on the product, the service and the audience we’re targeting. I mean I don’t think there’s a yes or no answer to that. Everything has to be taken into context. If the context allows for it, then either of them. If the context does not allow, then the same choice of either of them would be useless or a waste of money.
Khurram Koraishy, Chief Commercial Officer at Alkaram Studio
Local ambassadors, always local ambassadors. I currently work for a brand that’s proudly Pakistan – Alkaram loves Pakistan. We use a local ambassador. We can afford, and we can choose any ambassador outside also, but I think both for the industry, for our brands that work out of Pakistan, for building our brands, our country and everything associated with it – I would always strongly say work with a local ambassador to any brand that by mistake goes for some foreign ambassadors.
The industry leaders had differing opinions. Some emphasized that there is no yes or no answer; for others, it was acceptable if the ambassador’s identity aligns with brand identity. Some felt it was best to not lean on either side whilst for others; local ambassadors were the only choice.
Do let us what your opinion is in the comments section below.
For more news and updates from Effie 2021, watch this space.
Did you know – “Kids home activities”, search queries have grown over 250% as Pakistanis are finding ways to teach kids at home while adjusting to the “new normal”. There was also a rise in searches for mental health-related information as people are finding ways to deal with the pandemic. These are some of the insights from Google’s annual ‘Year in Search’ report for brands that was released today. The report is a deep dive into what Pakistani users are searching for online and the opportunities these trends can unlock for brands.
Just like Google’s annual Year in Search captures the collective trending searches and sheds light on what captured people’s curiosity for Pakistan, this report shows major trends being driven by online users across the country. At the same time, businesses are seeking to understand how the pandemic has been changing behaviours and trends within their respective categories and how best to respond in the moments that matter most.
“COVID-19 has affected people in fundamental ways and has changed how we live our lives significantly. It also created the desire for us to connect to our wider community and give back – as witnessed by the 41% increase in searches for ‘sadaqah’. said Faraz Azhar, Industry Head for South Asia, Google Asia Pacific.
“In a year of historic challenges, happiness and joy have been very welcome. Consumers are embracing the brands that spark joy and create a safe space for them to take a break. Take gaming for example. We saw an increase of 35% searches for “online games” vs. 15% decline during the same period last year” added Aamir Altaf, Country Head, Google Customer Solutions Sales, South Asia
In the newly released report, Google outlined five key trends that are shaping Pakistanis’ search behaviour and that marketers should care about:
- Individual matters
2020 pushed Pakistanis to confront societal stigmas and complex issues, as visible from the 40% increase in searches for ‘gender equality’. In addition, regardless of whether mental health is widely acknowledged, there’s been a rise in searches for mental health-related information, with searches for ‘mental health support’ increasing by 100%.
- Higher Purpose
Confronted with their own personal consumption habits during lockdowns, Pakistanis have been reassessing the impact on the environment. We witnessed a 128% surge in searches for ‘reusable’ as people sought ways to change their consumption habits. There was also an increased desire to proactively connect to our wider community to help and give back, with a 122% increase in searches for ‘charity work’.
- Whole Selves
Many Pakistanis are finding ways to cope with their work and home duties under one roof, with people actively looking for ways to optimize their time and search for balance. +250% increase in searches for ‘kids home activities’ and a 71% increase in how to be productive. 2020 also saw a 328% increase in searches for ‘dubbed in Urdu’ in Pakistan, which is a good indicator that brands are increasingly expected to keep into consideration their customers’ specific preferences.
- Sweet Relief
Understandably, people also looked for comfort and ways to de-stress this year, more than in previous years. There was a 90% increase in searches for ‘gaming chair’. As social distancing became the new way of life, there was a surge in searches for‘ adopt a pet’ with a 700% increase. Many also have been seeking forms of indulging themselves while spending more time at home – there was a 140% growth in recipe searches for ‘easy dessert’.
- Future-Proofing
People are strengthening their economic prospects by boosting their skills and financial knowledge. There was a 223% growth in searches for ‘stock investing’. At the same time, proactive health management is on the rise, with 109% growth in searches for ‘disease prevention’ in a year that saw so many lose so much because of the pandemic.
For more insights on how Pakistani consumers use Google Search, along with some vertical insights on fintech, on-demand economy, telecom, gaming, and sports, visit Think with Google and download the Year in Search 2020 Pakistan report.
Effie Pakistan Jury Members Share Their Opinion: Local Brand Ambassador Vs Foreign Brand Ambassador?
We got a chance to speak to industry leaders from the media, marketing and advertising industry at the Effie Jury Session 2021. We asked them if they prefer local brand ambassadors or foreign brand ambassadors, and here is what they had to say
Effie Pakistan is part of a global award programme which includes 52 national programs, four regional and one international award programme.
It aims to lead, inspire and champion the practice and practitioners of marketing effectiveness and is a symbol of achievement that is widely respected worldwide.
The second round of the jury took place on 12th February 2021
The Effie Index is the most comprehensive global ranking of marketing effectiveness.
Effie Pakistan jury sessions 2021 kickstarted in Karachi’s Marriott Hotel on the 22nd and 23rd of January. At the event, jurors from the media, marketing, and advertising industry met to grade the most influential and effective Pakistani campaigns. We asked industry leaders what milestones have been achieved by Effie Awards over the last few years and what’s in for 2021? Here is what they told us:
Qamar Abbas, Executive Director PAS
So I think for us, obviously one benchmark is the participation level from the industry. The number of entries actually reflects participation. We have seen many companies who initially never used to participate, now want to, even smaller ones. The other thing is, I think there is a change in perception. So this is not just an award program, it’s an education for all of us. For the jury members, when they come and see cross-industry marketing communication, they go back and it trickles down within the team. Overall, in terms of growth, we have added new categories such as e-commerce and moved beyond marketing communication. This year we have a category called marketing innovations, which talks not only about communication, but in fact, innovation in terms of a distribution channel, packaging, sales medium, so yeah, that way we’ve grown a lot and we will keep on increasing these categories. We want to drive the industry towards certain practices.
Seema Jaffer, CEO, Bond Advertising
I’ve seen a huge change. I think every year we see the quality improving. I think that Effies really do stand for excellence and I think year in and year out the quality has become better. The way the cases are written and the way the showreels are presented has improved. Also there are many more entries so that even smaller players, who were not entering or thought that they could not compete on this platform, have been able to participate. There is definitely an improvement.
Adil Ahmed, Director and Co-founder, Symmetry Group
There is an increase in the participation of the judges coming in. Another good thing is that this platform creates a blend of young talent with experienced professionals. So in that way, a lot of learning takes place, a lot of knowledge sharing takes place – which is the goal for anything to improve. I think the jury that comes here passes on a lot of learning to the clients and also within their companies. So from that perspective, there’s a certain difference that I see this time. Last time was my first time at Effies, but this time I see a lot more detail and relevance coming in the cases that are submitted.
Afsheen Rizavi, General Manager – PAS and Effie Pakistan
This is the third year of Effies and the dynamics are different with this pandemic. However, we still managed to pull off the Jury session on ground – so that’s a big one for us ! And we also managed to connect all 85 jurors on board. In terms of growth, we’ve received more than 350 entries so we have a bigger jury panel this year and we have more people on board, a bigger pool of marketers and advertisers.
Sohaib Hassan, Manager Brands & Digital Marketing, Amreli Steels
It has been my core objective to take our brand to the relevant TG as well. So PAS and Effie provide this platform where all the marketers are just sitting under one roof and it gives us immense pleasure to partner with them.
Effie Pakistan has witnessed growth each year, with over 350 entries this year; it has obviously set a benchmark. This then obviously means more people on board, and an even bigger pool of marketers and advertisers present at the awards.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more news and updates from Effie 2021, stay tuned to Wow 360.
Toasted bread and piping hot baked beans are a popular breakfast option in the UK. The combo is not just enjoyed for breakfast, but also lunch, or even dinner. Basically, whenever you like it. However, we all know this little carb-laden meal is not for someone who tracks their macros or eats limited calories a day. The goal is to consume whole foods that will keep them full throughout the day for such people.
Clearly, such people are trying to cut bread as much as they can. Weetabix UK and Heinz UK identified the drift and collaborated to present Twitter with the deadliest combo ever. Heinz Beans on top of Weetabix.
Both the items are great if consumed separately, of course. However, together, this combo is stated as ‘criminal’. Typically, the beans are eaten on top of some bread with any toppings you fancy, while the Weetabix with milk/yoghurt topped with your favourite fruits, chia seeds, honey, and all kinds of nuts.
Here is the Tweet that broke the internet:
Why should bread have all the fun, when there's Weetabix? Serving up @HeinzUK Beanz on bix for breakfast with a twist. #ItHasToBeHeinz #HaveYouHadYourWeetabix pic.twitter.com/R0xq4Plbd0
— Weetabix (@weetabix) February 9, 2021
Several brands in the UK decided to send out humorous responses on the tweet, including Dominos, Nandos, KFC etc. We will be honest; these were thoroughly entertaining.
Just when Dominos thought they could point out the most controversial food combo ever on this planet, Weetabix slammed back the pizza giant reminding them of ‘Pineapple on pizza’ combo.
We're almost scared to ask what the verdict on pineapple on Weetabix may be…
— Weetabix (@weetabix) February 9, 2021
How about a pizza with weetabix on it?
— Irfxn (@Irfxnta) February 9, 2021
Truly funny!
*no beans were harmed in the making of this breakfast*
— Weetabix (@weetabix) February 9, 2021
Nando’s and KFC also got carried away.
Let’s set aside our differences to prosecute this under the Geneva Convention.
— KFC UK & Ireland (@KFC_UKI) February 9, 2021
Chicken.
— KFC UK & Ireland (@KFC_UKI) February 9, 2021
Just about to tuck in, babes. Question is spoon or knife and fork?
— Weetabix (@weetabix) February 9, 2021
We'd swipe right…
— Weetabix (@weetabix) February 9, 2021
And the award for the funkiest food combo goes to?
We've bean looking into this after a number of complaints today. Due to its serious nature, we've passed it over to our major incident team who deals with cereal killers!
— GMP Manchester City Centre (@GMPCityCentre) February 9, 2021
Oi! You have no business chiming in Aussie, until you have a plausible explanation as to why this shit here 👇 even exists I'd sit this one out. 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/sms12VlDNz
— Milya (@milya_md) February 10, 2021
Just when we thought, the trolls have settled Wagamama UK saw a chance and took it.
me: mum can we stop at wagamama?
mum: no, we have food at home
food at home: pic.twitter.com/nftoferllW— wagamama uk (@wagamama_uk) February 9, 2021
@KFC_UKI seeing as all rules are out the window… fancy a gravy-filled doughnut?
— Krispy Kreme UK (@krispykremeUK) February 9, 2021
The tweet was declared as ‘Criminal’ by West Yorkshire Police.
Even though this is criminal, please don't ring us to report it.
— West Yorkshire Police (@WestYorksPolice) February 9, 2021
Have something to add? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more news and updates, stay tuned to Wow 360.
Pakistan Advertisers Society held the first jury round of its Effie Pakistan Award programme on the 22nd and 23rd of January 2021 in Karachi. These are the most prestigious award programme of the marketing and advertising industry and are about ‘awarding ideas that work’ and celebrating the sector’s success.
Effie Pakistan is part of a global award programme which includes 52 national programs, four regional and one international award programme. It aims to lead, inspire and champion the practice and practitioners of marketing effectiveness and is a symbol of achievement that is widely respected worldwide.
This year competition was launched in September 2020 and was open to all companies and advertising agencies that ran marketing campaigns between 1 st July 2019 to 30th September 2020.
Afsheen Rizavi, Project Head, Effie Pakistan said: “with a total count of 358 submissions, the participation from companies and ad-agencies was beyond our expectations and to ensure that we fairly evaluate them our round one jury panel constituted of more than 90-members that comprised of some of the brightest and experienced individuals – experts, specialists and practitioners in the field of marketing, advertising, academia, creative, media and research with a proven track record”. The panel represented a mix of veteran and new judges, local and multinationals, and small and large companies across a wide range of marketing companies and agencies. The members were divided into 9 groups of 10 people who evaluated all the entries over a span of two (2) days specifically matched with cases that do not prove any conflict of interest. Each group was led by a group head/moderator who was experienced in holding a jury before.
The entries were judged on excellence in 4 key areas: challenge and objectives, insights and strategic idea, creative / media execution, and results. Each jury member examined written content and viewed innovative reels to score a campaign. The scoring was done individually and confidentially.
The Executive Director, PAS and the Country Lead, Effie Pakistan, Qamar Abbas said: “Effie Pakistan is more than an award programme, it is an industry forum, the objective of which is education so together we can strive for excellence in marketing communications and make our practice of communication and its practitioners shine on international platforms”.
The second round of the jury is scheduled to occur in February 2021 followed by a grand jury March with the award show on 10th April 2021 where all the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced. A special recognition award, the Grand Effie Award will also be awarded to the most effective and standout campaign of the year.
The Effie Pakistan finalists and winners will also receive credit in the Global Effie Index, which identifies and ranks the most effective agencies, marketers, brands, networks, and holding companies by analysing finalist and winner data from all Effie competitions worldwide. Announced annually, the Effie Index is the most comprehensive global ranking of marketing effectiveness.
Designer Ali Xeeshan‘s clothes may or may not be your cup of tea, but his campaigns are executed wonderfully and are admired by all. His latest bridal collection, Numaish X UN Women, has won our hearts. The designer’s latest fashion film depicts the ugly face of society. Most families collect dowry for their daughters, including all necessary items for a new home, even today.
This age-old tradition puts the burden on the family and the daughter herself for taking items along with her to her new home. Ali Xeeshan as a label has always promoted marriage as a beautiful connection and not a painful one for daughters or their families. Even though the clothes come with quite a price tag, the brand’s idea of marriage is modern and holy.
Have a look at the Fashion film here:
The fashion film will surely send chills down your spine. Twitter is also talking about the issue at hand raised by the designer’s latest campaign.
Let's stand together for dowry free Pakistan 🤝#SayNoToDowry pic.twitter.com/IvAp6qyCaM
— Dr Saima Rahat (@SaimaRahat_) February 7, 2021
Behave manly, depend on your earnings. #SayNoToDowry pic.twitter.com/Ct6t8vlvkz
— M Hafeez (@MaiAndolanjeevi) February 8, 2021
It’s a big shame #SayNoToDowry pic.twitter.com/FAEIkHihw7
— Nazia Memon (@NaziaMemon01) February 7, 2021
A Loud and Clear Message.
Say NO to DOWRY.Saw this picture and loved it. True presentation of burden of dowry on the shoulders of girl and her family. I couldnt resist to share it. Let's stand together for drowy free Pakistan #SayNoToDowry pic.twitter.com/6HU335NGne
— Iqrar Alee Ameer (@IqrarAlee112) February 8, 2021
The designer presented his collection at the Pantene HUM Bridal Couture Week, where the bride and the groom on the ramp were seen dragging a wheeled cart full of dowry items behind their back making it difficult for the two, seemingly the bride in her full-length lehenga to walk properly. How poetic is that!
Senior journalist, Maliha Rehman wrote on Instagram: A catwalk statement, #AliXeeshan style: model #HasnainLehri walking out with a child bride laden with a dowry that she can only barely drag down the catwalk. It makes for such a powerful image against the practice of dowry, put forward by @alixeeshantheaterstudio in the collection ‘Numaish’ at the #PanteneHumBridalCoutureWeek.
View this post on Instagram
This is not the first time the designer has raised a social issue in his work. Previously, the designer partnered with Ali Rez where an underage girl was presented on the ramp to walk with a uniform and a backup called ‘The bridal uniform’ raising concern of girls being married off before the age fo 18 in Pakistan.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more news and updates, stay tuned to Wow 360.
Pakistan is known for its delicious food. While restaurants, street vendors, famous eateries, and food streets are a go-to, home-based food businesses have acquired their space too. Many of these are run by talented, hard-working women who have mastered the art of cooking and running a smooth business in a place where women and their talents are greatly neglected.
We have compiled a list of five successful food startups founded by women:
1 – Kitchenette by Khans
Kitchenette by Khans is run by 2 sisters from IoBM together. Uswah Khan and Soha Khan kick-started their venture during the lockdown when restaurants survived on take away orders. The duo introduced hot flamin’ Cheeto sliders as their first item that quickly became a crowd favorite.
1) Please tell us a bit about yourselves. What was the biggest motivator for you when you started your business?
Hello, this is Uswah Khan and Soha Khan. We are sisters in relation and have recently started a home-based food business. It’s known as Kitchenette by khan’s, and it comprises fast food and Italian cuisine. Our main prospect, the biggest motivation to start with this business, was to execute our passion in trying out new recipes and the love for cooking. We took a start during the mid of the pandemic, and it’s been 6 months to it now Alhumdulilah. Lockdown definitely boosted our confidence to implement it and to bring something out of it. We both have always been a foodie; hence, we love to eat and cook. After tons of experiments, we created our own recipes and gave a start to our business. It wouldn’t be possible without the love and support of our family members who were always there to help us in every possible way.
2) What are your best selling items?
Our best selling items are HOT FLAMIN’ CHEETOS SLIDERS and HOT FLAMIN’ CHEETOS BURGERS.
3) How much time do you need to spend personally involved in the running of the business?
We have our timings fixed in which the deliveries are made between 3 pm-10 pm while the pickup is available even after that, but the amount of time spent personally depends upon the number of orders per day. We generally have to work for about 5-6 hours per day, but it keeps fluctuating.
4) Top dishes you have on your menu?
• Hot Flamin’ Cheetos Sliders
• Hot Flamin’ Cheetos Burgers
• Cheesy Chicken Lasagne
• Chicken Khao Suey
• Nutella Fudge Brownies
5) What do you envision about your brand, and where do you see it growing?
Initially, when we started the business, we had mentally prepared ourselves and had no high expectations, but apparently the response we received since day one was astounding! Hence, we aim to never compromise on our quality as well as the quantity of the food. Customer service is one thing that has been our priority since day one, which has got us so many loyal customers today. We have a long way to come ahead and bring out many innovations and strategies to expand our business further.
2- Yummymummyandme
Yummymummyandme is run by a mother-daughter duo, as the name suggests. CityFM89’s Sundus Rasheed randomly asked her mother if she could sell some lunch to Sundus and her co-workers, and this is where it all began.
1) Please tell us a bit about yourselves. What was the biggest motivator for you when you started your business?
Most of my career has been in broadcast media. I’ve been Head of Programming and Business Development at CityFM89 and an RJ. Currently, I am a communications consultant and a teacher/lecturer. We started close to 10 years ago because where I worked in Karachi had no decent lunch delivery options, really. So, I asked my mother if she would sell us some lunch. And here we are. But the motivation to keep going and innovating comes from this desire to create food experiences for people. As a family, we love feeding and entertaining people, and that carried forward into the business. The kind of food we offer is really very different. My mother, who is the force behind YummyMummyAndMe is Iraqi. As a family, we have been exposed to many different food cultures, including Middle Eastern and South-East Asia (I spent 5 years living in Malaysia). So it really comes from wanting to share the food we love with people.
2) What are your best selling items?
Our best selling products range from Chicken Khao Suey, Zaatir Chicken, and our famous Mutton Biryani.
3) How much time do you need to spend personally involved in the running of the business?
I personally spend close to 3 to 4 hours daily on YummyMummyAndMe on a regular. That’s for meal prep, cooking and marketing. When we have larger orders, the day starts at Fajr and ends when we get feedback from the customer.
4) Top dishes you have on your menu?
I think they are: Nasi Goreng, Zaatir Chicken, Chicken Khao Suey, Prawn Masala, and the Middle Eastern Platter
5) What do you envision about your brand, and where do you see it growing?
I see YummyMummyAndMe extending to a small, cozy, inclusive space that serves comfort food. With free water and dessert for everyone.
3- Eat & Treat
Eat & Treat is run by Humaira Khalique, who is currently working in the Airline Industry. Humaira and her daughter have their hands full in the kitchen. The duo entertains dinner orders only.
1) Please tell us a bit about yourself. What was the biggest motivator for you when you started your business?
I am a professional woman working in the Airline industry. Cooking has been my passion as I am also a food lover myself and my husband & kid’s compliments motivated me to take this passion further, and I started my Facebook page ‘Eat & Treat”.
I believe that when you cook food with love – it becomes far more flavorful & delicious.
Initially, it was just a hobby as I would make new dishes and post pics on my page, but slowly and gradually, it’s become my profession, and I thoroughly enjoy it.
2) What are your best selling products?
Signature Marble Cake and Dam Ka Qeema
3) How much time do you need to spend personally involved in the running of the business?
100% …..it’s just me & my daughter. Being a working woman, I try taking orders for the weekend, but I also take dinners. Lunch orders are not possible due to work.
4) Top 5 dishes you have on your menu?
1. Signature Mutton Karahi
2. Dam Ka Qeema
3. Signature Marble Cake.
4. Seasonal Gajer ka Halwa
5. Channay ki Daal ka Halwa etc. etc.
5) What do you envision about your brand, and where do you see it growing?
Like I said I am cooking because I enjoy it and I’ll take it as it comes.
4 – TheSecondServing
The woman behind The Second Serving is Zohra Taha Zindani, a talented baker, graduate of Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture. Initially, Zohra ran the social media for her business and the kitchen, which meant she put countless hours into work each day. Now, she has hired a social media manager and works in the kitchen for designated hours.
1) Please tell us a bit about yourself. What was the biggest motivator for you when you started your business?
I’m a graduate with a degree in Communication Design from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture and married.
I used to bake from a very young age and had a very amateur page that I removed a few years ago. However, the passion was very much alive, a year into university, I was studying design, so I thought why not design my own logo and menu and restart my page, so I named my venture “The SecondServing” – which for me defines, that’s one is just not enough, you’ll always come back for a second. University got really hard, and I took a break, graduated, got married. 2 months into my marriage, my husband suggested I did something for Valentine’s Day. And that’s when I started at a full pace.
2) What are your best selling products?
My best selling products are the Lotuslicious cheesecake, Smash the heart bombs, The chocolate smashing spheres, and my custom made buttercream cakes.
3) How much time do you need to spend personally involved in the running of the business?
I spend a great amount of time running this business. Initial 8 months of restarting I would handle social media and be in the kitchen from 8-5 almost every day, sometimes during heavy days I’d be up at 4 am baking.
However, now I’m in the kitchen from 9-5 and have hired a social media manager to handle my social media
4) Top 5 dishes you have on your menu?
The Lotuslicious cheesecake
Lindt dark chocolate tart
Smashing hearts
Smashing chocolate spheres
Hot chocolate bombs
5) What do you envision about your brand, and where do you see it growing?
I want to grow the brand big, and I have put my heart and soul into this venture, cried on bad days and been really thankful for the good days. I definitely see it growing into an outlet Inshallah shortly with the help of all my client’s support and their love.
5 – Cheesy Affair
Anusha Sachwani is the co-founder of a home-based food startup called Cheesy Affair. The startup began as an experiment during lockdown amid the pandemic. Estimating by the progress, the cousins together decided to run the start-up full-time. You can also place orders with them through Foodpanda.
1) Please tell us a bit about yourself. What was the biggest motivator for you when you started your business?
I’ve always wanted to have my own business since I was young. I guess I wanted to be my own boss and show what I am capable of. Cheesy Affair started as an experiment in July when my cousin and I talked about how tough the current circumstances have become due to the pandemic. And then we just decided out of the blue that there will be no better time than now to start our own business, and here we are
2) What are your best selling products?
Our Mac & Cheese is our top seller, followed by our chicken lasagna and Alfredo Pasta.
3) How much time do you need to spend personally involved in the running of the business?
A business is like a baby; it needs your undivided attention 100%. As the owner, it is essential to be personally involved in the whole process from marketing to making the menu to dispatching the customer’s order.
4) What do you envision about your brand, and where do you see it growing?
5. We want to take this business a notch further, we want to be an established brand one day, which is well recognized in Karachi. It would be a truly amazing feeling if people knew us as the team behind Cheesy Affair. About 5 years down the line, I would love to love to see at least 2 branches of the brand opened with customers coming in hungry and leaving 101% satisfied.
Home-chefs are not pros like restaurants, but we are hard-working, dedicated people who strive to give our customers the same experience. We want to ask the customers to understand this because every opinion matters to us and every day we are trying to improve, we want your help to do so, so instead of bringing home-chefs down by slamming them, help them by giving them proper feedback and a chance to provide you better service the next time around.