Tehseena Begum
Tehseena is a middle aged woman, a resident of Bahwalnagar, was awarded with an opportunity to attend PSDF-funded course of Advanced Dress Designing and Making which enabled her to paved ways for livelihood generation.
Education for girls was never a priority for my father. It was my mother’s firm stance that enabled us to complete our bachelor’s degree privately.
My father was the sole bread winner for the family and he had a very low income. We were drowned in crisis as he passed away and to combat that my sister started teaching at a school. Unfortunately I could not find any job in the nearby schools of our community as there was no vacancy. I had no other skill at hand which could earn me a reasonable job.
Tehseena had a knack with fabrics and colors. She wanted to have a career in fashion designing but could never find any platform to pursue her dreams. As Tehseena heard about the free course of dress designing and making from her friend living next door, she was elated with hope and motivation.
I applied for one year BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Art & Design (Fashion & Clothing) and luckily got enrolled in it. It was a lifetime experience for me. Exposure to a different environment and the remarkable training nurtured my confidence. We were also explained on the several aspects of running our own businesses.
As I completed my course, I did not have resources to open up any boutique so I decided to take off from meager beginnings. I initiated working as a freelance dress designer from my home. I started getting orders from the women of my community and it helped me to contribute in easing out the financial clench that my family was confronted with. Despite all the odds, I still dream of opening up my own boutique and become a successful entrepreneur.
I am immensely grateful to PSDF for enabling me to fulfill my dreams and to become a helping hand for my family.