Biography of Amneh Shaikh and Saadia Siddik: Co-founded MIAASA Shoes
Biography of Amneh Shaikh and Saadia Siddik:
Navigating Co-Founder
Responsibilities
Amneh Shaikh and Saadia Siddik,
co-founders of their venture, have established a dynamic system to manage their
roles. Amneh describes entrepreneurship as a journey that demands flexibility
and versatility, requiring them to switch between various responsibilities,
which is both challenging and exhilarating.
Introducing MIAASA: A Passion for
Shoes
Miara Shaikh and Saadia Siddik
co-founded MIAASA Shoes in 2016 driven by their shared passion for footwear
design. Their aim was to fill a gap in the market by offering elegant,
comfortable, and affordable shoes that seamlessly blend eastern and western
styles. The brand features a wide variety of casual flats, espadrilles, formal
shoes, and wedges, all meticulously designed to cater to diverse fashion
preferences.
Founding MIASAA: Bridging Eastern
and Western Styles
Miara Shaikh and Saadia Siddik
are the innovative minds behind MIASAA Shoes, a brand dedicated to offering a
diverse range of footwear that seamlessly blends eastern and western styles.
Their journey began as a passion project born out of their shared love for
shoes and a desire to fill a gap they perceived in the market.
Addressing a Market Gap
Miara Shaikh explains, "We
noticed there was a lack of quality footwear that complemented our eastern
attire. Existing options were either too traditional or too modern, leaving a
void in between." This realization spurred them to create MIASAA, where
every shoe is meticulously handcrafted using genuine leather and unique
embellishments, prioritizing both style and comfort. Their flagship store is
currently based in Karachi, with plans to expand to Lahore with a second retail
outlet.
Achieving Vertical Integration
One of MIASAA's significant
milestones has been establishing their own local manufacturing facility.
Initially starting without any manufacturing capabilities, this development was
not originally part of their business plan. Today, MIASAA proudly operates as a
fully vertically integrated enterprise. Miara and Saadia have substantially
reduced their dependence on imported raw materials, shifting from importing 50
percent to now just 10 percent. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in
their journey towards self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Craftsmanship and Quality
At MIAASA, every footwear design
begins with hand-drawn concepts and uses only the finest quality materials,
with a special emphasis on leather. Customers can easily shop for their shoes
through Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and their official website
Balancing Roles
In their collaborative efforts,
Amneh primarily focuses on finance and operations, ensuring the financial
health and operational efficiency of their venture. Meanwhile, Saadia excels in
creative aspects, bringing innovative ideas and artistic vision to their
projects.
Biography of Amneh Shaikh and Saadia Siddik: Co-founded MIAASA Shoes/Entrepreneurship/Investor/diverse range of footwear/shoes/pakistan/Bussinesswomen
Looking Ahead
As Miara and Saadia continue to
grow MIASAA Shoes, their focus remains on expanding their presence while
maintaining their commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer
satisfaction. Their success story underscores the power of entrepreneurial
vision and determination in reshaping the footwear industry to better serve
diverse fashion preferences in Pakistan and beyond.
Inspiration Behind MIAASA
When asked about their
inspiration for launching MIAASA, Saadia Siddik explains, "MIAASA is
purely a passion project born out of our mutual love, or rather 'obsession,'
for shoes. We noticed a gap in the market for comfortable and trendy footwear
that complements both eastern and western attire. This gap inspired us to
create MIAASA."
Inception of MIASAA Shoes:
Bridging Fashion Divides
Miara Shaikh and Saadia Siddik
founded MIASAA Shoes as a passionate endeavor rooted in their love for
footwear. Recognizing a gap in the market, they aimed to offer a diverse range
of shoe options that harmonize eastern and western styles. "We noticed a
lack of quality footwear that complements our eastern apparel," Shaikh
explained. "Existing options were either too traditional or overly modern,
leaving a space for MIASAA to provide something in between." Each shoe
from MIASAA is meticulously handcrafted using genuine leather and unique
embellishments, prioritizing both style and comfort. With their flagship store
in Karachi, they are expanding with a second outlet soon to open in Lahore.
Achievements and Growth
Shaikh and Siddik's journey with
MIASAA has been marked by significant milestones. "We established our own
local manufacturing facility, a path we hadn't initially planned," they
shared. "From starting with no manufacturing capabilities, we've achieved
full vertical integration. Initially, half of our raw materials were imported;
now, only around 10% are sourced internationally. This transformation stands as
one of our proudest achievements to date."
Navigating Co-Founder Responsibilities
Handling responsibilities as
co-founders requires Shaikh and Siddik to constantly wear different hats.
"Entrepreneurship demands versatility, which is both challenging and
exhilarating," Shaikh remarked. "Defining specific roles is complex
because we've shared every aspect of our journey from the outset. Broadly
speaking, I focus on finance and operations, while Saadia contributes more on
the creative side. However, when it comes to business planning, HR, and other
critical functions, our involvement is equally balanced."
Challenges of Shoe Design
Saadia reflects on the challenges
of being a shoe designer, emphasizing the importance of hard work, persistence,
and a deep understanding of shoe construction and materials. "Working
primarily with leather, understanding its different types and uses in shoe
construction is crucial for ensuring comfort," she explains. Design ideas
often need to be adapted to practical production considerations, a balance that
requires both creativity and technical knowledge.
Shared Responsibilities
Despite these primary areas, both
co-founders are deeply involved in all aspects of their business. They jointly
handle business planning, human resources, and every task that falls between
their specialized roles. This balanced approach ensures comprehensive oversight
and alignment in decision-making.
Strength in Collaboration
Their partnership thrives on
mutual respect and a shared commitment to their venture's success. By leveraging
their complementary skills and perspectives, Amneh and Saadia effectively
navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, driving their business forward
with synergy and cohesion.
