She’s Next is set to host an interactive online session with Amneh Shaikh-Farooqui, Founder of polly & other stories, where she will share her journey and perspectives on taking the first meaningful steps toward entrepreneurship as a woman in Pakistan. The conversation is scheduled for Nov 26, 2025, from 4:30 pm to 6 pm, offering participants a chance to hear from a founder who has built her venture through hands-on experience and continuous engagement with local creative and commercial communities. With women-led ventures expanding across various sectors in Pakistan, the session aims to highlight both the challenges and the possibilities that define the earliest phase of starting a business.
Operating within the theme “The First Step: Starting up as a Woman,” the discussion brings attention to how women entrepreneurs confront unique circumstances when transitioning from idea to execution. Many early-stage founders must navigate limited access to networks, societal expectations, funding constraints, and the internal hurdles that surface when launching independently. These dynamics often influence how women approach decision-making, team formation, and business strategy. Amneh’s experience with polly & other stories has placed her in consistent interaction with women-led creative enterprises, giving her a vantage point shaped by real stories, practical challenges, and community-driven problem-solving.
Her work in building a platform dedicated to supporting artisans and independent creators has underscored the significance of opportunity, sustainability, and visibility within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. For women taking their first steps, understanding these elements becomes essential. Through this session, she will reflect on the foundational decisions that shaped her journey, offering participants insights into how she evaluated risks, defined her mission, and positioned her venture within Pakistan’s evolving startup landscape. The conversation is designed to be relatable for aspiring founders, providing inspiration drawn from real experiences rather than abstract frameworks.
The event invites audiences to join through the provided Zoom link:
Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from her reflections, absorb lessons from her path as a woman building a business, and explore how early decisions influence long-term growth. Sessions under the She’s Next platform often serve as a space for emerging entrepreneurs to connect with lived experiences, observe the realities behind starting small, and gain confidence in shaping their own ideas.
As more women step into leadership roles across design, retail, social enterprises, digital commerce, and community-focused businesses, initiatives like She’s Next continue to add value by elevating voices that represent persistence and creativity. The session contributes to wider efforts supporting women entrepreneurs across the country, reinforcing the importance of accessible learning opportunities. With a focus on honest conversations and relatable narratives, the upcoming discussion offers a thoughtful look at how women can begin their entrepreneurial journey with clarity, resilience, and support.
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