KASHMIR is right now witnessing a silent revolution, one led by its resilient and ambitious women entrepreneurs. The recent years have seen many women step into the world of business, challenging societal norms and creating self-sustaining ventures. From skincare to fine dining, from bee-keeping to artificial intelligence, from dairy farming to boutiques, Kashmiri women have been shaping a new economic landscape.
Government initiatives, entrepreneurship development programs and digital technology have played a pivotal role in fostering this change. With financial aid, training and mentorship programs, these women have transformed their dreams into reality. The rampant boutique industry, once a niche business, has expanded across urban and rural Kashmir, catering to the high-end tastes of the region’s extravagant wedding culture and ceremonies. As peace and stability return to the Valley, technology, infrastructure and digital markets are giving these entrepreneurs an unprecedented boost.
Jammu and Kashmir’s startup ecosystem has witnessed an extraordinary expansion of 287% in recent years. According to official records, DPIIT-registered startups grew from 237 in 2020 to 917 in 2024, with 333 ventures led by women.
“Over 1,600 startups have registered with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), supported by the New Start-Up Policy 2024-27 and the J&K Start-Up Portal launched in July 2024,” states an official document.
Many startups from the region have also received equity funding, reflecting growing investor confidence in Kashmir’s entrepreneurial potential.
The boutique culture and economic growth in Kashmir
One of the most significant business trends in Kashmir is the booming boutique culture. With the Kashmiri society placing high value on weddings and extravagant ceremonies, boutique businesses have flourished in every nook and corner of Srinagar and are rapidly expanding into rural areas.
Even families with modest incomes spend lavishly on wedding attire and ambience, making boutiques a highly profitable venture. The surge in economic growth, driven by horticulture, tourism and newfound peace, has further fuelled this demand.
With improved infrastructure, literacy and awareness, digital connectivity and government support, businesses across various sectors including fashion, food, technology and organic farming are witnessing an unprecedented growth.
A new generation of women entrepreneurs is redefining success, blending tradition with modernity and proving that business is no longer a male-dominated domain. These women are not only building sustainable businesses but also inspiring others to follow the suit.
From the glamorous world of fashion to the intricate craft of boutique designing and the beauty industry, Kashmiri women are leading the way. We bring you a glance into the journeys of some exceptional women who have carved their own spaces in the entrepreneurial world despite challenges.
Rubia Maqbool: Redefining the boutique business
If there is one name in North Kashmir’s Sopore boutique industry that stands out for creativity and perseverance, it is Rubia Maqbool’s. A single mother, Rubia, turned her passion for fashion into a thriving business from the comfort of her home.
Her journey started with small steps, working on unique designs in a modest set-up. Today, her business has a vast customer base across different strata of society. What draws people to Rubia’s work is her ability to fuse modern aesthetics with cultural heritage.
“I believe if you have talent, you don’t need to look for opportunities elsewhere. You can work from home and build a strong business,” she tells KC.
Her story is an example of how resilience and talent can overcome financial and societal challenges. Instead of waiting for external opportunities, she created her own by modifying her designs based on customer demands. This flexibility has made her a go-to designer in town.
Rubia’s creative instincts and ability to adapt to trends have set her apart in Sopore’s booming boutique industry. Her work resonates with modern women who seek elegance, uniqueness and personalization in fashion.
Aizau Nissa: Fashioning a beautiful reality
Hailing from Sanatnagar, Srinagar, Aizau Nissa is an embodiment of passion and perseverance. A fashion designer by training and an entrepreneur by choice, she is the proud founder of ‘Sew in Style by Nissa’. With an unshakable love for fashion, she took the bold step of transforming her creative instincts into a thriving business.
What sets Aizau apart is her ability to juggle multiple roles while running her fashion startup. She is also pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her motivation is the unwavering support of her family, particularly her mother, who has been her pillar of strength.
“Fashion has always been my calling but my mother’s encouragement gave me the confidence to take the plunge into the business world,” she says.
Her brand is not just a label; it’s a representation of the evolving fashion trends of Kashmir. From traditional wear to contemporary styles, Aizau blends elegance with modern aesthetics, making her designs stand out.
Her journey highlights how passion, education and family support can raise a successful business venture. She is a role model for young Kashmiri women, proving that one can pursue academics and entrepreneurship simultaneously.
Sumaiya Amin: Styling salon dreams
The beauty industry in Kashmir has seen an evolution and Sumaiya Amin has been one of its pioneers. In 2007, she established Beauty Bar Salon, a name that has now become synonymous with excellence in the Valley’s beauty sector.
A B.Com graduate with an intense passion for beauty and aesthetics, Sumaiya’s motivation stems from her desire to make women feel more confident and beautiful. She tells KC: “Women are naturally beautiful but enhancing their features and making them feel empowered is my mission”.
Her salon is not just a business; it’s a space where women come to transform their looks and boost their self-esteem. Sumaiya’s expertise in skincare, bridal make-up and hair artistry has made her a household name. With time, Beauty Bar Salon has grown into a trusted brand, attracting clients from all walks of life.
What makes Sumaiya’s story special is her entrepreneurial spirit; she stepped into a field that required precision, creativity and continuous learning. Today, she is an inspiration for aspiring beauticians and entrepreneurs who wish to carve a niche for themselves in the industry.
The stories of Rubia, Aizau and Sumaiya are just a few examples of how Kashmiri women are shaping the region’s economy. The boutique and fashion industries, in particular, have seen a remarkable transformation, driven by growing consumer demand and changing lifestyles.
Kashmir has always had a culture of extravagance in weddings and social ceremonies. The rise of boutique businesses in Srinagar and its rural belts reflects this demand. Whether it is bridal stuff, modern fusion wear or personalised aesthetics, Kashmiri designers like Aizau and Rubia are setting new standards in fashion.
On the other hand, the beauty and wellness sector, led by entrepreneurs like Sumaiya Amin, is booming as women invest more in personal grooming and self-care. With improved purchasing power and greater awareness, women-centric businesses are witnessing exponential growth.
Hameeda Bano: A cow to a farm
Hailing from Ganderbal, Hameeda Bano started her dairy farm with just one cow. Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), she expanded her business and now supplies milk across various areas, making a significant profit.
Recognised for her hard work, she had the opportunity to meet PM Modi, who appreciated her dedication and assured government support for business expansion.
Sania Zehra: The Bee Queen
At just 20, Sania Zehra from the Balama area of Srinagar has carved a niche as Kashmir’s first and only female beekeeper. Her business yields a significant quantity of honey annually and despite facing numerous challenges, she has remained undeterred.
“In Kashmir, being a woman in business is not easy. Most people discourage rather than support. But things are changing. More women are proving their capabilities in different fields,” says Sania.
Her journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support of her family. “Had my family not stood by me, it would have been difficult to continue,” she adds. Today, she is known as the ‘bee queen of Kashmir’, inspiring many young women to explore unconventional businesses.
Kashmir is witnessing a new era of women entrepreneurship. Bee-keeping to beauty & boutique businesses, dairy farming to teasing palates, planning weddings to marrying tradition with technology, it’s a leap from the times when women operated within the edges of societal role-playing.
Iqra Nazir: Wedding ‘em easy with AI!
In Baramulla, Iqra Nazir is breaking new grounds with her AI-powered wedding planning app – Dawat Book. With a background in IT and work experience in various companies, she saw an opportunity to streamline the complex process of organising weddings.
“Given my educational background, I could develop an innovative digital platform that simplifies wedding planning for people in the Valley,” she says.
Her startup is a prime example of how technology is empowering women to modernise traditional industries.
Madiha Talat: Blending tradition with innovation
Madiha Talat, another young entrepreneur from Srinagar, has found success by utilising Kashmir’s natural resources which include lavender, apricot and other botanicals, to produce organic soaps, beauty products and essential oils. She firmly believes that entrepreneurship is the most effective path to women’s economic empowerment.
Her products have gained popularity in both local and digital markets, showing how innovation and traditional resources can be blended into a profitable venture.
Batool Ijaz: Pleasing the palate
Originally from Karachi, Pakistan and now settled in Srinagar, Batool Ijaz has successfully established a restaurant specialising in diverse cuisines, with Chapli Kebab as her signature dish. Her culinary expertise has earned her the nickname ‘Chapli Kebab Didi’ among Kashmiris.
“Kashmir has its own traditional and rich cuisine that no one can compete with. So I introduced something new, which was a big challenge. But people love it,” she says.
Her story is a testament to how Kashmir’s evolving food culture is welcoming diverse flavors, while also providing opportunities for women in the hospitality sector.
Aihtisham Majid Butt: A well-baked idea
Srinagar-based Aihtisham Majid Butt turned her passion for baking into a thriving business, earning nearly two million rupees monthly. Armed with a diploma in food technology, she chose self-employment over a government job and is now providing employment opportunities to others.
Her success caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally acknowledged her achievements and those of other women entrepreneurs during an interaction.
The stories of these women entrepreneurs illustrate the transformative power of determination, innovation and support systems. From technology-driven solutions to traditional businesses infused with modern strategies, these women are shaping the new economic landscape of Kashmir.
With continued government backing, digital advancements and evolving societal attitudes, the future looks promising for women-led enterprises in Kashmir. The Purple Revolution in lavender farming, the Dawat Book wedding app and the boutique industry boom all signal a dynamic shift where women are not just participants but leaders in Kashmir’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
And let’s not forget that this growth is further fueled by:
- Government initiatives that offer financial support to women entrepreneurs.
- Digital technology, enabling online marketing, customer outreach and branding.
- Changing mindsets, with more families supporting women in business.
The entrepreneurial spirit of Kashmiri women looks unstoppable now. It’s also not just about business, it’s about empowerment, financial independence and breaking societal stereotypes. With increased access to education, technology and market opportunities, the future holds endless possibilities for women entrepreneurs in Kashmir.
It is increasingly clear that Kashmiri women are no longer confined to traditional roles but are leading businesses, transforming industries and inspiring a new generation.
This transformation is a reflection of a changing Kashmir, a society where education has empowered women, where economic independence is no longer a distant dream and where family support has become a driving force rather than a hindrance. The new-age Kashmiri woman is not just a participant in the economy; she is a leader, an innovator and a force to reckon with.
This is just the beginning. And as the women of Kashmir rise, they also reshape the very fabric of Kashmiri society, proving that their success is not just personal but a victory for an entire generation.
