Fashioning Her Own Future
By Anna Cutler
Managing Editor, MavenMag
Zahra Saeed knows what women want. They want tasteful, colorful and stylish clothing to enhance their own personal taste. They want clothing that is affordable, but meticulously crafted. They want their clothing to reflect their individuality and uniqueness. Zahra understands that women simply want to feel beautiful, no matter their status or size. And she is giving women exactly that with her new clothing line and boutique in Center City, Philadelphia.
It’s no surprise that Zahra knows what women want. As a self-aware, determined and skilled business woman and designer, she has built a life for herself and her two daughters despite some difficult obstacles. Zahra, born and raised in Pakistan, entered into an arranged marriage at 18 years old. By the time she was 21, she was the mother of two daughters (whom she affectionately calls “her girls”) and had moved from her home country to Toronto first, then Philadelphia to follow her husband’s job. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last, but Zahra didn’t let a divorce, or the fact that she needed to find a job for the first time to support herself and young daughters, slow her down. She entered the corporate world in an entry-level position, working for 9 years as a mortgage broker. During this time, she demonstrated the determination and work ethic that is still so evident in her today: when she decided to leave the company, she had climbed her way to the top, and was the company’s youngest executive vice president.
So why would she give up financial stability, a rewarding job, and solid career after 9 years? Put simply: she wanted to fashion her own future. Growing up in Pakistan gave her a passion for fashion, she explains: beadwork, bright colors and beautiful fabrics are what she grew up with. Additionally, she found that working in the corporate world gave her a very limited wardrobe, and wanted women to have something bright and interesting to wear after work. So, while her daughters were asleep each night, Zahra would design. Finally, just one year ago, she decided to take the leap and become a designer full-time. Why the sudden leap? She knew she had proven herself at her company, and wanted to set an example for her girls by taking ownership of her career and doing something that was truly “hers”. Plus, she admits that spending time at home with her daughters is also a priority, and having her own business allows her that extra time.
The journey from January 2008, when she left her corporate job, to today has not been an easy one. However, Zahra describes her challenges in a matter-of-fact, and not begrudging tone: she knew the journey would be difficult, but failure was not an option. It is this self-confidence that makes Zahra inspiring: she uses the same determination and business-savvy expertise that helped her achieve success in the corporate world to her new venture. She describes the hours upon hours spent researching, traveling to New York to find the best, and most honest fabric distributors, learning which machines she needs, and much more. But, the hardest part of this journey was getting that first “bite”- and while anyone else might have given up after all of the rejections Zahra received, she vigorously kept going with her no-nonsense and blunt attitude, which she explains is the “only way” to do business: honestly and openly.
It started, and didn’t start, in New York City. Although Zahra was intent on sharing her initial line with New York boutiques, after visiting “every single one” she learned that quitting her job and starting a business from scratch was the easy part of the journey- now she needed buyers. Still, she kept at it, sending countless pieces to LA and European boutiques as well (her family had frequently traveled in Europe, so she always dreamed of showing her work there). In remembering these days, Zahra describes the hundreds of packages, and mounds of FedEx bills which accumulated those first months.
Although her pieces were loved, initially boutiques rejected her due to excuses such as “limited space”. Zahra knew the real reason though. She explains that most boutiques reject new designers because they want to see their sustainability and ability to create more than just one good line. Luckily, sustainability is what Zahra does best, and with her business plan and talent in tow, she kept going until finally she found a showroom in London, on the famous and fashionable Bond Street, for her line. This first bite was all Zahra needed. Soon after, her clothing found homes in boutiques in LA, then Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. She also was blessed with the opportunity to show at London and Paris’ fashion weeks, demonstrating her talent among the best of the fashion world. Then came the time to open her own store.
This March, a little over a year after she quit her job, Zahra opened her flagship store at 1901 Walnut Street, in Rittenhouse Square. Her vision for her brand and her store is evident the moment you walk in the door: Crisp walls and clean displays demonstrate her meticulous attention to detail. She wants women to come into her store feeling welcome and not overwhelmed. In addition, she wants all women, regardless of size, to feel welcome in her store, which is why she produces sizes 0-22. She made this decision, like her choice to use bright colors and fabrics, due to a void she saw in the competitive marketplace. She researched and found that many women said they couldn’t go shopping with their friends because of limitations on available sizes. Another thing she saw missing among her competitors was quality work for reasonable prices. Though her pieces are meticulously constructed (right down to choosing silk, not cotton lining), Zahra’s goal was to let every women feel as if she deserved beautiful clothing that could not only stand the test of time and changing fashion trends, but also be affordable. And, since she only makes a limited number of pieces and changes her displays every two weeks, each woman can feel their outfit is unique to them (and not worry about showing up at a party where everyone else is wearing the same thing).
Zahra knows women, and is intent on providing those around her (from her daughters to her store manager, also a single mom) with opportunity. That’s why her manufacturers are New York based: she wants to support the economy that her daughters are growing up and will eventually need jobs in.
Although she has already accomplished what, to most, seems impossible, don’t expect Zahra to slow down now that her store has opened. As she sets her sights on a new store (she’s considering Maryland), and expanding her line, she remains committed to why she’s doing this in the first place: for her daughters, and all women to know that anything is possible with the right dedication and spirit.
Visit Zahra’s store at: 1901 Walnut Street or visit Pileggi or Chickies Daughter (on Old York Road in Jenkintown), which also carry her clothing.
You can also view her collection, shop for your favorite looks and see this Fall’s look-book at www.zahrasaeed.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photos provided by Brad Gellman Photography.
www.bgphotos.com
info@bgphotos.com
215-774-1355
Managing Editor, MavenMag
Zahra Saeed knows what women want. They want tasteful, colorful and stylish clothing to enhance their own personal taste. They want clothing that is affordable, but meticulously crafted. They want their clothing to reflect their individuality and uniqueness. Zahra understands that women simply want to feel beautiful, no matter their status or size. And she is giving women exactly that with her new clothing line and boutique in Center City, Philadelphia.
It’s no surprise that Zahra knows what women want. As a self-aware, determined and skilled business woman and designer, she has built a life for herself and her two daughters despite some difficult obstacles. Zahra, born and raised in Pakistan, entered into an arranged marriage at 18 years old. By the time she was 21, she was the mother of two daughters (whom she affectionately calls “her girls”) and had moved from her home country to Toronto first, then Philadelphia to follow her husband’s job. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last, but Zahra didn’t let a divorce, or the fact that she needed to find a job for the first time to support herself and young daughters, slow her down. She entered the corporate world in an entry-level position, working for 9 years as a mortgage broker. During this time, she demonstrated the determination and work ethic that is still so evident in her today: when she decided to leave the company, she had climbed her way to the top, and was the company’s youngest executive vice president.So why would she give up financial stability, a rewarding job, and solid career after 9 years? Put simply: she wanted to fashion her own future. Growing up in Pakistan gave her a passion for fashion, she explains: beadwork, bright colors and beautiful fabrics are what she grew up with. Additionally, she found that working in the corporate world gave her a very limited wardrobe, and wanted women to have something bright and interesting to wear after work. So, while her daughters were asleep each night, Zahra would design. Finally, just one year ago, she decided to take the leap and become a designer full-time. Why the sudden leap? She knew she had proven herself at her company, and wanted to set an example for her girls by taking ownership of her career and doing something that was truly “hers”. Plus, she admits that spending time at home with her daughters is also a priority, and having her own business allows her that extra time.
The journey from January 2008, when she left her corporate job, to today has not been an easy one. However, Zahra describes her challenges in a matter-of-fact, and not begrudging tone: she knew the journey would be difficult, but failure was not an option. It is this self-confidence that makes Zahra inspiring: she uses the same determination and business-savvy expertise that helped her achieve success in the corporate world to her new venture. She describes the hours upon hours spent researching, traveling to New York to find the best, and most honest fabric distributors, learning which machines she needs, and much more. But, the hardest part of this journey was getting that first “bite”- and while anyone else might have given up after all of the rejections Zahra received, she vigorously kept going with her no-nonsense and blunt attitude, which she explains is the “only way” to do business: honestly and openly.
It started, and didn’t start, in New York City. Although Zahra was intent on sharing her initial line with New York boutiques, after visiting “every single one” she learned that quitting her job and starting a business from scratch was the easy part of the journey- now she needed buyers. Still, she kept at it, sending countless pieces to LA and European boutiques as well (her family had frequently traveled in Europe, so she always dreamed of showing her work there). In remembering these days, Zahra describes the hundreds of packages, and mounds of FedEx bills which accumulated those first months.
Although her pieces were loved, initially boutiques rejected her due to excuses such as “limited space”. Zahra knew the real reason though. She explains that most boutiques reject new designers because they want to see their sustainability and ability to create more than just one good line. Luckily, sustainability is what Zahra does best, and with her business plan and talent in tow, she kept going until finally she found a showroom in London, on the famous and fashionable Bond Street, for her line. This first bite was all Zahra needed. Soon after, her clothing found homes in boutiques in LA, then Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. She also was blessed with the opportunity to show at London and Paris’ fashion weeks, demonstrating her talent among the best of the fashion world. Then came the time to open her own store.
This March, a little over a year after she quit her job, Zahra opened her flagship store at 1901 Walnut Street, in Rittenhouse Square. Her vision for her brand and her store is evident the moment you walk in the door: Crisp walls and clean displays demonstrate her meticulous attention to detail. She wants women to come into her store feeling welcome and not overwhelmed. In addition, she wants all women, regardless of size, to feel welcome in her store, which is why she produces sizes 0-22. She made this decision, like her choice to use bright colors and fabrics, due to a void she saw in the competitive marketplace. She researched and found that many women said they couldn’t go shopping with their friends because of limitations on available sizes. Another thing she saw missing among her competitors was quality work for reasonable prices. Though her pieces are meticulously constructed (right down to choosing silk, not cotton lining), Zahra’s goal was to let every women feel as if she deserved beautiful clothing that could not only stand the test of time and changing fashion trends, but also be affordable. And, since she only makes a limited number of pieces and changes her displays every two weeks, each woman can feel their outfit is unique to them (and not worry about showing up at a party where everyone else is wearing the same thing).
Zahra knows women, and is intent on providing those around her (from her daughters to her store manager, also a single mom) with opportunity. That’s why her manufacturers are New York based: she wants to support the economy that her daughters are growing up and will eventually need jobs in.
Although she has already accomplished what, to most, seems impossible, don’t expect Zahra to slow down now that her store has opened. As she sets her sights on a new store (she’s considering Maryland), and expanding her line, she remains committed to why she’s doing this in the first place: for her daughters, and all women to know that anything is possible with the right dedication and spirit.
Visit Zahra’s store at: 1901 Walnut Street or visit Pileggi or Chickies Daughter (on Old York Road in Jenkintown), which also carry her clothing.
You can also view her collection, shop for your favorite looks and see this Fall’s look-book at www.zahrasaeed.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photos provided by Brad Gellman Photography.
www.bgphotos.com
info@bgphotos.com
215-774-1355
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