Women are rarely seen at the forefront in the automobile business. But a Kashmiri girl has taken up the challenge to give a tough competition in a sector which is dominated by males.
Rahiba Gulzar, 27, has become the first woman in the valley to run an automobile business. She runs her own sports and high-end car-showroom at Sanatnagar area of Srinagar.
“I have sports cars, Fiats and Jeeps available at my showroom. I want to alter the way we drive and view cars. I am happy with my business,” she confidently says.
“I am familiar with the brands of car servicing format. It was clear that the venture had to be different that’s why I decided to include fiat and jeeps in our showroom,” says Rahiba.
Born in Shopian and brought up in Srinagar, the young woman CEO has employed around 60 persons at her showroom. “Starting a business is not easy. It needs patience and to look deeper especially in a sector that holds true potential,” she says.
After studying electronic engineering from SSM College, Rahiba moved to Scotland to pursue her studies in Engineering Management.
When she returned to the valley, she started the business of restoring antique cars.
She works with her brother, Atif, 21, who is also perusing his Bachelors in Business Administration.
Within seven months, the duo earned themselves a space and clientele in the luxury-car market.
Today, they both specialize in servicing, management, sales and maintenance of high-end cars. “We have serviced many cars. Abarth sports cars, Fiats and Jeeps are regular. Jeeps are mostly liked by youngsters here.”
They have sold around 70 cars in seven months. The duo has been offering jeeps, sports cars and fiats to the customers with prices starting at Rs 10 lakhs.
“Starting a car business was my father’s choice. But we completely manage it ourselves,” she says.
“Initially, we faced troubles. Sometimes I even felt quitting this business. But our father encouraged us. He is our inspiration,” she said.
She handles management and sales and her brother, Atif, handles services of their car business.
Rahiba, on Sunday displayed her cars at the Royal Spring Golf Course during an award ceremony on Sunday. She confidently briefed about the quality and features of sports car (Abarth) and a Jeep to the visitors.
“I have come here to interact with the people who are running different businesses. I want to create awareness about my business and want to provide better options to my customers,” she says.
Source: https://kashmirmonitor.in/Details/134924/meet-this-kashmir-girl-who-sells-luxury-cars
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