‘Happiness Bazaar’ – more than just a fair

Some are doing it to support their household income, some to give a chance to their passion and some to turn their passion into an asset.

Meet Zaira Rizvi, the founder of Happiness Bazaar, who started this project from scratch. Before the monthly bazaar that many women participate in to sell their crafts, she was running a home-based business of her own through Facebook and Instagram for the past four to five years.

Her journey from a little-known seller on social media to the popular Happiness Bazaar’s head is a long tale of ebbs and flows. It was not simply transformation of a business, but also a personality.

Zaira did not want her initiative to be reduced to a mere self-fulfilling activity or an ordinary retail therapy.

She turned it in to a movement and an inspirational platform. “It was a scary situation, everything was closed,” said Zaira about the overarching effects of the coronavirus pandermic. “Sales went down even for online businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, but I kept my nerve and worked hard to turn this challenge into an opportunity.”

Zaira thought of starting an emporium for homespun brands like hers for a chance to connect with the market and promote their artwork. In October 2020, the first expo was arranged in Sector E-7, Islamabad.

“There were only seven stalls, but the event was a success and the outcome was beyond expectations,” Zaira recollected. “Since it was the first time, it is understandable for many to be reluctant, as trust is not built in a day.”

Gradually, more self-made creators jumped on the bandwagon. The kiosks that numbered seven initially, increased to 40 in a matter of few months and few monthly bazaars.

Nevertheless, the entrepreneur did not want her initiative to be reduced to an ordinary shopping experience focused only on sales. From the start, she had bigger plans.

Zaira and her ‘squad’ decided to bring organisations dedicated to social causes on board, allowing the transformation of the monthly fair into a cause-driven retail therapy.

“We aim to raise awareness of social issues not visible normally in the society,” she said. “If a single person comes and learns about the problems these institutes are working hard on, we feel we have done our part.” With the most recent exhibition held on January 30, the Happiness Bazaar saw 70 entrepreneurs from different parts of Pakistan joining its ranks.

“Around 90% are home-grown labels, while 10% are institutions playing an important role in society,” revealed the Happiness Bazaar founder. “The main emphasis is on female-led ventures.”

Various notable personalities attended the exposition including renowned television anchor Sidra Iqbal, European Union Ambassador Androulla Kaminara as well as beauty and style brand Tariq Amin founder Tariq Amin.

Within a short period of time, Zaira Rizvi and her crew have come a long way. They have spread smiles on countless faces, with hundreds of home-based warriors brimming with hope and uttering words of praise. Still more women are eager to get themselves registered to promote their brands.

From a figment of imagination to a palpable reality, from seven to 70-plus booths, the Happiness Bazaar has found its calling. The next venture, scheduled in March, is expected to add more women entrepreneurs willing to join their journey to success and fulfilment.