COMING from a family of entrepreneurs, Kamran Yousaf always knew he would one day be his own boss. And, when the time came to set up a business, the design and IT graduate decided to draw inspiration – and expertise - from his relatives back home in Pakistan, many of whom work in the textile trade.
It was a sound decision, and three years after establishing Desi Fashion, Mr Yousaf was able to give up his job in a restaurant and put all energy into his own business, which designs and manufactures high quality garments for the Asian special occasion market.
Working full-time on the business has been a labour of love for the 37-year-old, who came to the UK from Islamabad in 2009. It’s also a family affair; Mr Yousaf designs modern Asian garments for weddings, engagements and other special occasions for clients in Scotland, which are then manufactured in Pakistan by his brother and sister, using traditional fabrics and techniques.
“Weddings are very important for the Asian community in Scotland,” explains Mr Yousaf, who is married with two young children and lives Mount Florida, on Glasgow's south side. “I noticed that many people were having to go to England or abroad to have their dresses made because there wasn’t the right products and services in Scotland. But some of the dresses back home are too traditional for people here. That’s when the idea for Desi Fashion came to me.
“I worked out that mixing Pakistani and UK culture would offer a new and different approach. And so far it’s working well.”
From initial consultation to delivery, the entire process takes around three to four weeks, and thanks to the wonders of modern technology Mr Yousaf’s clients can see their order progressing at every stage.
“My sister sends me pictures and videos that I can show to my clients and they can change things right up to the end. We’ve just had a really busy period over Ramadan with many orders for the Eid celebrations. Working with clients to design their dream dress is very enjoyable and fulfilling. And the word is obviously spreading as our Facebook page has more than 60,000 likes.”
Mr Yousaf has also expanded into the homeware market after picking up on an emerging trend for lamps carved from salt mined in Pakistan, which are thought to promote good health and wellbeing.
“I really put hard work and long hours designing the lamps and all the packaging and branding. But I think they will become very popular in the UK in the months and years to come. We’re already building our retail and wholesale clientele.”
According to Mr Yousaf, the best thing about being your own boss is reaping the rewards of the hard work you put in.
“When you work for yourself, you can put in 100 per cent and know you will get the return, not your boss,” he says. “Also, you can grow and change with your business.
“There is always a risk involved, however, and you don’t know for sure how things are going to turn out. “But I’m lucky that my family have always been so supportive and encouraging of my efforts. They’re very business-minded - but then everybody in Islamabad is.”
Over the next few years, Mr Yousaf hopes to continue growing both the fashion and homeware sides of his business, and is looking to expand his collaborations with wedding planners in Scotland.
And he hopes to spread something of the Pakistani entrepreneurial spirit to his adopted homeland of Scotland.
“If you want to do something, find a way to make it work," he smiles. "Try to have the confidence to overcome your fears. Do plenty of homework and research – really get to know your market and what it wants and expects from you. If you do these things and work to your full capability, you will succeed.
“Don't be afraid to take a risk – after all, if you never get into the water, you’ll never learn how to swim.”
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