Maria Bangash:

Maria Bangash, 25, has successfully boosted her boutique of Afghani-styled dresses and jewellery. She started her business in 2018 from home and now owns two shops in the main Peshawar Saddar.

She believes that the key to success is the love of people towards the culture and traditions.

Ms Bangash was born in Kurram Agency but her family shifted to Peshawar due to the war on terror. She completed her graduation from Rehman Medical Institute but could not find the spark in the medical field.

From a small online business initiated from inside the home, Maria today exports her products to the United States, Europe and other countries.

One of the difficulties which she faces is the non-easy availability of raw materials. She has to import the raw material from Afghanistan by air due to the recent border trade issues.

Maria has said that she is much more comfortable working in the market as the environment in Peshawar is safer for women to work in as compared to other places she has visited.