Hounslow, October 2024 — In a terraced house off Hanworth Road, the aroma of fresh samosas fills the air as Shahnaz, a mother of three, packs food orders for delivery. “I started during lockdown,” she explained. “People in the community were asking for home-cooked food, and I thought, why not? Now I have regular customers every weekend. It helps with bills and gives me independence.”
Across West London, many Pakistani women are quietly transforming their kitchens and living rooms into business hubs. From catering and clothing alterations to online tutoring and beauty services, home-based entrepreneurship is helping women earn money while balancing family responsibilities.
Creating Opportunity from Home
For some women, the move into business began with sudden need. Nargis, who runs a small online clothing shop from her flat in Hounslow West, said:
“My husband lost work for months, and I needed to contribute. I started buying suits from wholesalers and selling through Facebook and WhatsApp groups. It’s not huge profit, but it pays for the children’s school lunches. Every order gives me hope that I am doing something worthwhile.”
Others highlight the flexibility that working from home provides. Bushra, who offers maths tuition from her home in Feltham, explained:
“I used to work as a teaching assistant, but the hours were hard with young children. Now I tutor from home, I set my hours, and I don’t have to travel far. Families prefer it too — they know me personally and feel it is a safe environment for their kids.”
The Double Burden
Running a business from home often means carrying two full-time roles. Shahnaz laughed as she sealed another box of biryani. “Customers think it’s easy, but I wake up at 6am, cook all day, clean, then help my children with homework. It’s a never-ending cycle. But at least I’m doing something for myself as well.”
Many women say society still struggles to value their work. Nargis added: “People think it’s just side money, not a proper job. They don’t see the marketing, the customer complaints, the late-night packaging. We are businesswomen, even if our shopfront is our living room.”
Building Confidence and Skills
For several women, entrepreneurship has been about more than income. Rukhsana, who began offering bridal makeup services from her Hounslow home, said:
“Before, I didn’t even know how to use Instagram. Now I post my work, get clients, and people recommend me. I never thought I would run a business, but I feel proud when brides trust me on their big day. My children also see me differently now — as someone who has her own identity.”
Some have picked up entirely new skills along the way. Saima, who started making homemade pickles and chutneys in Isleworth, laughed as she recalled her learning curve:
“At first I had no idea how to label jars properly, or how to store them safely. A friend showed me how to follow hygiene standards, and now I even have repeat customers asking for specific flavours.”
Community Support and Word of Mouth
A major source of growth is the strength of local networks. WhatsApp groups, mosque notice boards, and school-gate conversations are the marketing channels of choice. “I don’t spend a penny on advertising,” Saima explained. “Someone tastes my chutney at a friend’s dinner and then messages me. That’s how it spreads.”
Women also support each other. “A bride who comes to me for makeup will ask where to get food,” said Rukhsana. “I pass her Shahnaz’s number. It’s about helping each other grow.”
Challenges and Ambitions
Despite the successes, challenges remain. Many women worry about the lack of formal recognition and legal protection. “If I get sick or can’t work, there is no security,” Bushra said. “Sometimes I wonder whether I should register officially, but the paperwork feels overwhelming.”
Still, ambitions are alive. Nargis hopes to open a small boutique shop one day. Saima dreams of seeing her jars on supermarket shelves. Shahnaz wants to expand her catering to corporate clients.
Community groups say targeted support could make a huge difference — workshops on bookkeeping, digital marketing, and self-employment registration could help women move from small-scale to sustainable businesses.
A Sense of Pride
For now, the impact on families and self-worth is enough. “When I pay the gas bill myself, I feel I’ve achieved something,” said Bushra. “It’s not just money — it’s respect.”
Shahnaz echoed the sentiment: “We may work from home, but our work is real. We are showing our daughters that women can be strong and independent, even within the walls of the home.”
ہاؤنزلو اور قریبی علاقوں میں پاکستانی خواتین اپنے گھروں سے کاروبار چلا کر نہ صرف اپنے خاندانوں کی مدد کر رہی ہیں بلکہ اعتماد اور عزت بھی کما رہی ہیں۔
شہناز نے ہوم کُکڈ فوڈ کا بزنس شروع کیا۔ وہ کہتی ہیں کہ آرڈر پیک کرنے اور بچوں کو سنبھالنے کے درمیان ان کا دن دو نوکریوں جیسا لگتا ہے، مگر یہ سب انہیں آزادی دیتا ہے۔
نرگس نے ہونزلو ویسٹ سے آن لائن کپڑوں کا کاروبار شروع کیا تاکہ خاندان کے اخراجات میں ہاتھ بٹا سکیں۔
بشریٰ فیلثم سے میتھس ٹیوشن دیتی ہیں تاکہ وقت اور پیسہ دونوں بچ سکیں۔
رخسانہ اپنے گھر سے برائیڈل میک اپ کرتی ہیں اور انسٹاگرام کے ذریعے کلائنٹس بناتی ہیں۔ وہ کہتی ہیں کہ یہ کام انہیں پہچان اور اعتماد دے رہا ہے۔
سائمہ آئس ورتھ میں گھریلو اچار اور چٹنیاں بیچتی ہیں، اور زیادہ تر کسٹمرز باتوں سے آتے ہیں۔
یہ خواتین ایک دوسرے کو سپورٹ کرتی ہیں اور خواب رکھتی ہیں کہ ایک دن ان کے کاروبار بڑے پیمانے پر پہچانے جائیں گے۔
جیسا کہ بشریٰ نے کہا:
“یہ صرف پیسہ نہیں، بلکہ عزت ہے۔ جب بچے دیکھتے ہیں کہ ماں بھی حصہ ڈال رہی ہے، تو یہ نئی نسل کو سبق دیتا ہے۔”
