In order to revive the candle lighting culture in Kashmir valley, a 24-year-old girl Mehak Pervaz has started her business venture by making, designing and customizing different varieties of candles.
Hailing from Elahi Bagh area of Srinagar, Mehak says that since her childhood she was fond of candles and candle lighting.
Though her candle business is only one month old, she claims to have been receiving great response from the people across the valley. “I started this business last month only but I have received compliments and appreciation all across. On an average I am getting 3-4 orders per day which I think is not bad as a beginner. Good thing is that people are ordering different colours and designs of candles on festivals, wedding ceremonies and birthdays.”
“Within a month I have managed to get more than 700 Instagram followers .Her Instagram business ID is “Shamaaque_by_mehak”.
Mehak, who is also an engineering student at SSM College, said that she is going to make a candle business as her career. “Since not many people are doing candle business therefore I am passionate to take this business forward to bring loads of candle varieties.”
Aiming to revive candle culture in Kashmir, Mehak said that during the past people used to light up candles during power outages but now they have neglected its use completely. “Outside Kashmir people use candles regularly but here people do not even know the use of candles beyond lighting. But now I hope I will be able to show people dynamic colours of candles, multiple designs, customization of candles and whatnot.”
Such is the status of candle culture here that Mehak had to import tools, material and wax from outside Jammu & Kashmir.
“I invested almost Rs 40,000 on my candle business.I could not find a single item in Jammu & Kashmir,” said Mehak who currently pursues the business with her elder brother Sibtan Mir.
Mehak claims that she receives most of her orders on social media accounts. She then prepares the order and delivers it through advanced payment or cash on delivery mode.
During the recent female entrepreneur’s event of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation Limited (JKTDC) held in Srinagar Mehak’s candle business was appreciated by the tourism officials in the administration. “I displayed the varieties of candles in my stall and received compliments from officials in the administration. They appreciated my work and supported me for doing this business,” Mehak said.
Mehak is doing her business at home and plans to open her wings to take forward her candle business in Kashmir.
