Meet Asfiya Bashir Khan, born and brought up in Kashmir. She has done training from Presentation Convent College and later went to Delhi to pursue additional research. She has achieved Bachelors in Multimedia from Apeejay Institute of Design. In conversation with Media Asfiya shared her journey to open distinctive and cool “Ibn Battuta” Store in Kashmir.
Let us know about your challenge Ibn Battuta?
Ibn Battuta was once a Moroccan traveler who would gather beautiful pieces from other portions of the arena.
Our retailer works on identical strains of touring other portions to assemble pieces which can be other and distinctive. All of the merchandise are handpicked and we you should definitely deal with a qualitative and aesthetic usual.
We began in March 2016. The speculation was once to begin one thing unconventional and other in Kashmir. Each time I’d talk over with Delhi or Bombay, the markets there have shops that provide a mixture of conventional and fresh types. This at all times fascinated me. I sought after to do one thing on the ones strains as I felt that there was once an enormous void for such issues in Kashmir.
After my commencement, I labored in Kashmir College and left the task after two years as I sought after to do one thing unbiased and one thing I felt keen about.
The speculation of a contemporary and stylish way of life retailer was once at all times there in my thoughts and when I left my task, I labored at the thought and it began to take the form of what you notice now as Ibn Battuta.
My husband and sister actually supported and helped me within the procedure of making IB.
Let us know in regards to the merchandise at your store
Ibn Battuta is a way of life showroom the place we have now merchandise that improve the wonderful thing about your house.
We have now merchandise starting from leather-based equipment to picket decor, from brass finery to home made paper merchandise. We have now offered Moroccan lamp sun shades, glassware, and clocks. We have now additionally stored a choice of readymade women kurtas and synthetic jewellery with the intention to cater to a much wider clientele.
Your store without a doubt has a distinct air of secrecy and really feel just right issue. How do you do this?
The theme of the shop may be very Moroccan, from its identify to the interiors, to the goods to be had. All have a Moroccan really feel to it. The interiors had been achieved in any such approach that it seems visually interesting.
Being a mom how do you stability your paintings and residential existence?
I’m a mom of a three-year-old son. After all, it will get tricky to stability between the 2 however I arrange with the lend a hand and improve of my circle of relatives. They’ve supported me all the way through.
What has been your greatest problem you might have confronted thus far because you began Ibn Battuta?
Proper after two months of beginning Ibn Battuta in March 2016, there was once turmoil within the valley and the entire position was once close down for nearly 6 months. So, sure, this is a large problem for us to live on inspite of the turmoil and uncertainty however we need to be affected person for issues to determine right here.
Within the coming years, what do you want to reach with your enterprise?
At this time we’re concentrating extra on shopping inventory from other portions of India however slowly we wish to upload extra Kashmir-based merchandise which can be made in the neighborhood. This step will take a while as we want to determine artisans, get a hold of designs which don’t seem to be simplest impressed from Kashmiri crafts but additionally fit the theme and really feel of the shop.
If you’ll want to give one piece of recommendation to any person serious about beginning a industry, what would it not be?
To setup a industry, particularly in Kashmir, has many demanding situations. Individuals are continuously scared to begin one thing which is totally new and distinctive. So I’d advise being courageous sufficient so that you can take the chance as persons are accepting new and cutting edge concepts. The second one and crucial recommendation could be to have endurance so that you can deal with the uncertainty prevailing in Kashmir.
Location Radio Colony, Rajbagh
