Sana Saqlain, Founder, Peach N Lime talks about her business and its vision in this exclusive interview with KARVAN
1. What is the idea behind Peach n Lime?
“Peach N Lime” was born with the idea of making quality art and craft products affordable for all. It envisions at providing easy crafting solutions and to help others learn the hobby of art. It also inspires youngsters to be creative because we strongly believe that there is an artist, as well as a crafter, in everyone.
2. What products does it offer?
Peach N Lime offers handmade paper products including greeting cards, albums, stationery items, and scrapbooks. It also has hand painted and embellished canvases as well as watercolor paintings. We are also working on a few huge products that are to be launched in a couple of months. Insha Allah
3. What has been your learning experience as an entrepreneur?
Running a business no matter how small is NOT easy! It is a road full of bumps and detours. You need a full-on focus and the ability to take risks. You need to get up every single time you fall down as I believe you cannot succeed if you don’t fail.
4. What were your challenges and how did you tackle them?
Challenges! They have been far too many to count! I have been crafting and painting for over two decades, but Peach N Lime started in 2016, while I was living in Riyadh. The exposure for women is a major issue there and women there are not as independent as in Pakistan. I had to take help from my husband who assisted me with the exhibitions, shows, and deliveries. Due to some unexpected circumstances, I also had to put on hold the business when it was at its peak and move to Ivory Coast. The unavailability of craft supplies and super expensive courier services and no target audience plus language and a cultural barrier made it very difficult to continue. During that time, I worked on my watercolors and now I have a Facebook group “The Watercolor Café Pakistan” which focuses on learning and sharing the art of watercolors.
5. How can one place an order?
You can always place an order by dropping a private message on my page. For expensive orders, there is an email sent to you with all the points and terms mentioned. I also hold exhibitions, so you can always drop by and purchase from there. Event announcements are made on all the related pages on Facebook and Instagram.
6. Where do you see yourself five years down the road?
I am a dreamer and then a doer. I have huge plans for Peach N Lime. This is my baby that I really want to grow up to be one-of-kind solutions providing company for art and crafts. I want the products to be user-friendly and affordable for all.
7. Your message for the youth of Pakistan
Believe in your dreams! Believe you can do it. The sky should never be your limit when there is a whole universe to explore! Take risks, for without them you’ll never be able to know your strength. Learn to get back up when you fall, because that’s how you gain resilience. You as the youth of Pakistan have immense potential and talent, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
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