Daily Times

In the digital age, the need for technical training has translated into a race for many entrepreneurs, who have quickly jumped aboard the bandwagon. A few years ago, I was struggling with a social networking application just to stay in touch. As soon as I had mastered one, there was another.

Today, Pakistan appears to be technically inclined and ready for a digital revolution. The earliest resource centres were established many years ago when people realized the need to offer information technology classes and certification. Hafsa Naseem launched her CareeHer, an online training group for women, who can now access technology classes from the ease of their homes. The growth of the home-based businesses has fuelled the need to project further training for e-commerce. In this, Hafsa Naseem saw a market trend.

When I first approached Hafsa for the type of online classes her business offered, I was a bit overwhelmed. She soon put me at ease. This skill has won her the trust of myriad clients and built relationships that go beyond business.

Hafsa believes in embracing the new and promoting her tribe. She also runs an online group, which provides resources not just to her clients but is open to inquiries from anyone.

She believes in supporting women entrepreneurs by empowering and educating them, particularly using digital platforms. This set of beliefs has worked well for her. Here’s her story:

Hafsa Naseem: my story

I was married at the age of 15 but I did not let it be the end my story or of my goals in life. Some people find this amazing. I was studying for O-levels when I gave birth to my first child.

I had no university degree and I came from a middle class family. I was a little lost. I had no clue where my life was heading. I was moving with the flow as life happened.

My name changed from Hafsa Naseem to Hafsa Jehangir when I returned to school after the summer vacation. Within a year of marriage, while I was still attending school, I was pregnant with my first child. It was hard: walking up the stairs in coaching centres with a full-term pregnancy and then walking to Regent Plaza for my examinations. All eyes seemed to be set on my growing tummy. But I wanted to continue my education. In 2007, I found my statement of result on a hospital bed.

My mother-in-law was most supportive. She let me complete my studies and I started pursuing my passion as a freelance writer. She would help me by looking after my children. This brought us very close.

In 2009, I started developing marketing content for clients and businesses in the UK and Australia. Between 2015 and 2017, the e-commerce industry grew and digitalization took hold in Pakistan. I realised that the only valuable source of communication was written communication. With the Internet flooding with all kinds of content, I felt that I should teach content production. CareeHer, was a product of passion and need.

Our team speaks to the CEO of CareeHer, Hafsa Naseem – an online digital trainer and entrepreneur – about her journey and her training platform

CareeHer believes in mentoring women entrepreneurs to help them in their professional development while they work from home. The sessions are online and live. This allows interactive learning.

How it began

One of my friends asked me to write an article for publication. I enjoyed writing it. At that time, I had not known where this would lead. I got overwhelming appreciation for my first article. Thereafter, there was no looking back. Starting off as a freelance writer, I soon rose to manage a team, a website and an online portal, which facilitated freelance writers from around the world.

The work was stressful and tiring. I got only a few hours of sleep at night. Still, it became my passion and I learnt to balance my family life and my career. The passion helped me grow emotionally and professionally. It was through writing and content management that I found myself.

During this time, I bore 3 children. I never shirked my responsibilities towards them or my family. They grew with me. I have learnt a lot along the way. I came out of my worst fears of failure and developed the strength to confront challenges. I never had a dream before, but today I do. I look forward to providing counselling, mentoring and support to not just women (as in CareeHer) but every individual I meet. I feel I have finally found myself in growing with others and helping them grow.

People who surround me

My husband recognized that I found solace in my writing. He let me complete my studies and supported me throughout. Soon, our lives were in perfect harmony. Today. I am an entrepreneur running two businesses. I own an online jewellery store of gold plated jewellery called Oochi and run a digital solutions enterprise called CareeHer.

My mother-in-law deserves a special mention. She not only supported me in continuing education but also gave me the trust that helped me grow into another woman who empowered others. I want to tell people that we mothers have the ability to mould the new generation by raising real and responsible men and women. I am truly grateful for having both my mother-in-law and my husband as my constant support.

Challenges in digital marketing

I see women struggling everyday running their digital businesses and I have found that not all start-ups can afford to outsource their digital marketing. You will find many professionals and non-professionals running marketing businesses; some costing an arm and a leg and some producing absolutely nothing valuable for their clients. I believe the owner of a business is the best person for this. They have the perfect understanding of the vision, purpose, and values of the business and how to communicate it to the clients. If the owners develop these skills, they succeed immensely. I believe in team building. When you grow together as a network of people, you reach great heights of success taking everybody along.

My Pakistan and my role in it

It feels great to see the Pakistani women contributing to the economy more than ever before. A financially independent woman is not only strong and confident but also courageous in the face of adversity, securing a future for herself and her children.

If I can contribute even the tiniest bit in assisting a struggling entrepreneur, I feel it is just a form of empowering a large part of the nation and enabling them to have their own lives and careers.

My message to women entrepreneurs

I believe in the power of positive thinking. It can change lives dramatically. You can only find water in a glass if you believe that the glass is full. Never hesitate to look for the right source of happiness. Above all, give back to your family, society and the world around you. The good in this world would always return to you.

The writer is a Lifestyle Blogger and writer, covering all positive things from Pakistan