She devotes her free time to her philanthropic projects. This week in an exclusive interview with You! Shehnaz Akhter talks about her mission of empowering women in Gilgit-Baltistan. Read on...
woman @ work
Shehnaz Akhter is a young female entrepreneur from Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan who is doing her PhD in Anthropology. Empowering women is her mission, driving change across operations and promoting gender equality. She has a working experience of over 7 years in different organisations across Pakistan, with an extensive experience in the education sector. Her core capabilities are of a researcher, analyst, educationist, including social work. Her business ‘Halance Naturals’ lies in pesticide-free farming, ensuring natural skincare and hair oils and essentials (soaps, scrubs, shampoos) close to nature. Halance Naturals is more than a brand; it’s a connection to Hunza Valley’s untouched beauty, supporting well-being, empowering women, and preserving the environment. She has a working relationship with institutions like USAID, Explorer Bees, Aga Khan University, AIT (Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok) and Bahria University, Islamabad, in different capacities. She devotes her free time to her philanthropic projects. This week in an exclusive interview with You! Shehnaz Akhter talks about her mission of empowering women in Gilgit-Baltistan. Read on...
You! When and how did you start your venture?
Shehnaz Akhter: It all started with a memory I have of my childhood in Hunza. I had a very caring and nurturing grandmother who had always adored me. I remember waking up to the smells of bread being baked at home. My grandmother would always prepare an amazing feast in the morning after which I would sit in the sun with her and she would oil my hair (which was homemade). It was a magical routine which I always looked forward to.
After my grandmother, my mother took over this loving ritual. Now I am in that stage where I want to carry on this legacy of love and pass it on my own daughter (Halance). I created this company to showcase my respect for loving family traditions. I hope to achieve collective growth for myself and women associated with this project.
You! Are your products available all over Pakistan or only in Gilgit?
SA: Halance Naturals is an all-organic natural brand made from indigenous raw material from Hunza valley. We are harvesting fruits and extracting oils from our own orchards and developing skin and hair care products which are free from harmful chemicals. We are currently trying to develop new range of products which I plan to release by early next year. Currently, we develop and package all our products in Hunza and then we have a storage facility in Islamabad from which we disperse everything through a logistic partner. We are delivering our products all over the country.
You! Being a woman, what kind of challenges did you face while setting up your venture in Hunza Valley?
SA: To be honest, the only hurdle I had to overcome was my own criticism and way forward. This notion of “How will I do this?” really dragged me but thankfully I have been blessed by a supportive family. Everyone has encouraged and supported me at every step of the way. Now, I feel that I can do anything I set my mind to!
You! What is the most exciting part of your work?
SA: The most exciting part of my work is when people use my products and they like it. I feel like I am distributing love everywhere that I have gotten in my childhood. This feeling motivates me.
You! What are the positive points of being economically independent?
SA: I believe that independence is power. If you can become financially independent, there is nothing stopping you from your aspirations. You can make your own decisions and do not have to rely on family for every little need.
You! What is the most important advice you can give to women?
SA: No matter what, push yourself to be financially independent. I know getting there is difficult in our society but once there, a lot of things get easier.
You! Could you name a woman who inspired you the most?
SA: My mother! She is my hero. Living in a difficult environment and with a difficult life, she never transferred her traumas to us. She raised us (I have two elder brothers) to be very upright and hardworking human beings.
You! In what category were you nominated in Shell Tameer Award?
SA: I was nominated in Women Empowerment Category. I am really thankful for Shell Tameer for giving me and my brand this opportunity. We had amazing coaching lessons and I personally learnt a lot. It was a great learning experience overall and the best part was to meet some wonderful start-ups. What amazing and brilliant minds!
You! What does a typical day look like for you?
SA: It’s very hectic. I have to juggle my academic, professional, family and social life every day. My 4-year old daughter Halance is a handful too.
You! What gives you inner satisfaction?
SA: My charitable work. I have taken the responsibility of almost 22- 25 students. I am also supporting a small school in a remote region of Skardu.
You! What is your biggest indulgence at home?
SA: Spending time with my family. I spend most of my time with my daughter at home. I like cooking but I only cook when I am stressed.
You! What is your most treasured possession?
SA: My book collection. I am an avid reader and I love the idea of having a personal library. I have been reading since I was a child. I have fond memories of childhood when my brother would bring me story books from Karachi as there were not many book shops in Hunza at that time.
You! What did you like to read when you were a little girl?
SA: I am still a little girl at heart. As far as I remember, I have been reading everything I could get my hands on - fiction, autobiographies and now, currently on Islam and feminism. I also believe in re-reading books; I think I have read the Harry Potter series a million times.
You! What is the biggest relationship lesson you have learnt so far?
SA: Value your loved ones, no one and nothing can replace your family.
You! How do you keep a balance between family life and work?
SA: It’s not easy juggling family, social and career life. We all have to make compromises but with a loving family to support and good friends to be by your side, everything works out.
I make it a point to take time out for myself and meditate. I enjoy yoga and would advocate it for mental peace and stability.
You! What are your future plans in terms of expansion of work?
SA: I am aiming to make my brand international. This is the age of e-commerce. The world is just a click away. I have co-founded a venture on wellness tourism. The team is expanding to operate in all the provinces. I am always eager to collaborate on projects related to education, tourism and mental health.
