Anaaq - Behind the brand

Behind The Brand

ANAAQ

Tell us a bit about yourself

I come from Pakistan and moved to Hong Kong when I was 8. Fashion has always been my passion, especially eastern wear. I’ve been pinning posts on Pinterest for as long as I can remember. I’ve always wanted to start my own eastern wear clothing brand, and so I did, all by myself.

What made you start your company?

Ever since I figured out that I wanted to work for myself rather than under someone else I had put my mind on starting this clothing brand which is still very small and I would say not as professional as many others but hopefully we will get there one day. Honestly speaking, I have never enjoyed making money by working under someone, I have always wanted to be my own boss, do whatever I want, i’m a person with lots of ideas and whether I successfully execute them or not is another question but I always like to try and I feel like will you have that power are you can do you whatever you want, it motivates you even more. So, I started ANAAQ, which means difficult work/trouble, and to say it’s been difficult would be an understatement, but I believe it’s the difficult things and the troubles that makes you learn and grow.

Tell me about your product and brand?

I started with only eastern wear and jewellery, and slowly branched into shoes (khussay). All of our pieces are sourced from India/Pakistan. I believe that fashion is for everyone which is why I try my best to set prices as affordable as possible. I also try to bring out unique pieces which you might not find in Hong Kong in order to stand out, hence, the khussay have been a great hit.

What struggles have you faced when starting up a business?

Many many ! As a sole business owner you are the labour accountant, designer, director and every other position that comes with a business. It’s difficult to manage that along with other side ventures. I have made many mistakes and still continue to do so because I’m only a human. It sometimes gets really overwhelming especially during peak times like Eid when everyone is trying to get their Eid outfits and accessories sorted. Honestly, having a helping hand would make it so much easier, maybe one day when I’m able to make this my full time job. *fingers crossed*

How did you get over them?

I have learned to accept that the struggles are in inevitable, whether for a small business or a big accomplished one. When faced with something, I cry for some time then tell myself to move on and learn from it, because there is no going back so rather than thinking about what I could have done, I think about what I would do next time.

Any advice for others just getting started?

If you want to start a business, just start. Don’t think about anything else or what others will have to say. It will be very difficult at first you might get no recognition or no sales in the first month or so, but don’t let that discourage you, be consistent with it. If you have your heart on something and work hard, you will get somewhere. In one year you’ll look back and thank yourself for not giving up despite so many hurdles.

Do you have a favourite quote?

I don’t have a specific favourite quote but anything about being kind is my favourite. I believe kindness has such great healing powers and we all should be kind to one another. Imagine a world with hatred, how beautiful would that be.

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