Imran Hussain Meer, a businessman from Kashmir, shares a smile as he displays the exquisite range of pashmina products such as shawl, scarves and stoles.
At Pragati Maidan in New Delhi along with his elder brother and a few workers, Imran’s trip has been sponsored by the Union Textiles Ministry. This young lad from Kashmir quit a cozy job at a multinational organization to join his family business of silk carpets and shawls. Instead of working for somebody, Imran felt that doing business would give him more independence and personal growth.
Pashmina is a wool which comes from Pashmina goats who are found in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. The fiber is thin and is made from the hair of the neck of the goat. Original pashmina shawls are very expensive. Many artisans, weavers and dyers prepare work for days to prepare a pashmina product.
The raw pashmina comes in pure white and off white colour. "The sale of pashmina is good during winters but sale of silk carpets is throughout the year." says Imran. The cost of the final product depends on the designs and the cost of labour. "The cost of a shawl starts from Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000. The costliest shawl we have is of Rs 66,000", says Imran.
Businessmen and artisans from Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Punjab are accompanying Imran at Dilli Haat and Pragati Maidan. "We sell in wholesale to showrooms in Delhi and other places. Our customers know, so whenever the need arises, they call us." says Imran.
The recent economic slowdown left thousands of poor artisans out of job as the businesses started to shed flab in view of a depleting demand in the export market. But now slowly things are getting back to normal. "People like to do this work because they can do it in the comfort of their homes and since there are not many opportunities of livelihood," says Imran. "The recession affected our business. The demand for these shawls went down sharply during the slowdown, and we could not reach our target of manufacturing 200 shawls," he adds.
"Customers prefer buying stuff from Kashmir as they think they might get at cheaper rates. For the last two-three years, Kashmir is a much safer place for tourists. We are expecting good sales not only in the state but across the country," he says. Tourism in Kashmir is now generating more revenues for the government but terrorism still has its shadow on businesses that are affected adversely.
Imran is happy that his business is growing steadily. Asked as to what he would advice aspiring businessmen who want to get into the business of pashmina and silk, he says "Not many customers know the difference between pure and artificial pashmina. Thus it is important for businessmen like myself to be honest and not cheat the customer." Imran adds that some corrupt businessman try to earn profits by calling blended stuff pashmina, and by selling it a a very high price. "Honesty and integrity is required to do this business as many poor artisans are associated with this business".
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written by cavalli , March 15, 2011
written by Rinaa jayant, December 24, 2010
I am going to launch my handicrafts business by opening my first emporium in Taj City Agra, UP. I want honest and talented people like you to work with me. since you are the manufacturer , do send me the quotation as I want to include pashmina shawls in my product range. write me on rinaajayant@gmail.com
regards
RIna Jayant
written by power balance, July 13, 2010
power balance,
Animal Shaped Rubber Bands,
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