Biography of Saba Gul: Founder & CEO of BLISS (now Popinjay)- Entrepreneur
Biography of Saba Gul:
Early Academic & International Experience
Saba Gul, an MIT alumna with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, began her career as an
engineer and product leader in Silicon Valley and technology roles across Sri
Lanka, Ethiopia, France and Pakistan. Her global exposure paved the way for her
transition from tech into social entrepreneurship.
The Transition to Social Impact & Founding of
Popinjay
Inspired by her experiences and a desire to merge commerce
with purpose, Saba founded BLISS in Pakistan in 2011, which later re-branded
as Popinjay- an artisan-made luxury accessories brand. She built the company to
provide sustainable livelihoods for female artisans—especially in rural
Pakistan—by connecting hand-embroidery craftsmanship with global retail
markets.
Biography of Saba Gul: Founder & CEO of BLISS (now Popinjay)- Pakistani-American Entrepreneur/Angel Investor/leather bags/Fashion Enterprise/Success
Early Challenges of Sole Foundership
As the sole founder, Saba acknowledged the unique pressures
of early-stage leadership: lacking a co-founder to share the emotional and
operational weight, working with minimal traction initially, and having to
rapidly learn non-engineering disciplines (manufacturing, supply-chain,
investment, marketing). She described the initial phase as lonely but
ultimately transformational in shaping her leadership and resilience.
Building Company Culture & Ethical Supply Chain
Over time, Saba shifted focus from product to people:
cultivating a company culture grounded in shared values, learning and
innovation. She prioritized ethical sourcing, artisan dignity, and
female-centred employment—ensuring that Popinjay not only delivered beautiful
products, but upheld fair-wage practices, predominantly women workers, and
transparency in its supply-chain.
Bootstrap Beginnings & Growth Trajectory
Saba began her venture with very limited personal
capital—often using half her early salary to fund pilot production in Pakistan
while still in the U.S. She emphasises that bold ideas and persistence matter
more than large savings. Her early decision to quit corporate work and fully
commit to the venture was reinforced by seeing positive response to her pilot
project.
Social Impact & Global Recognition
Under her leadership, Popinjay has grown to employ over 150
female artisans in Pakistan, created luxury handbags sold globally, and gained
features in major media outlets as well as placements in premium retailers such
as Anthropologie. Saba has also been recognised as a member of the World
Economic Forum Young Global Shapers, and has been invited to speak at MIT, the
United Nations and other international forums on entrepreneurship and women’s
empowerment.
Advocacy, Investment & Tech-Entrepreneur Merge
Beyond Popinjay, Saba serves as advisor to startups and is a
member of the investment committee at early-stage funds in Pakistan. She
bridges her engineering/tech background with her social mission—currently
working on building inclusive tech platforms and creating ecosystems that
enable women and artisans to participate meaningfully in global commerce.
Vision for the Future
Saba envisions sustainable luxury rooted in craftsmanship, empowered by technology and inclusive of global markets. Her aim is to scale ethical-fashion models, deepen artisan engagement, and integrate digital tools to enhance transparency and value for makers and consumers alike. With her tech roots and social mission aligned, she continues to set a precedent for business that cares—both for profit and purpose.
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