Karachi is bursting with talent, and at the heart of it all are fierce, creative women turning ideas into brands and passions into purpose. These women-led small businesses in Karachi are crafting everything from soulful candles to comfort food and doing it with grace, grit, and unapologetic originality.
Whether you’re a fan of local fashion, love a good coffee, or want to shop desi and handmade, here are five brilliant businesses run by women you need to follow and support.
What they offer: Modern handcrafted khussas, kolhapuris, and chappals that fuse traditional craft with chic, wearable style.
Why you’ll love them:
TJK is all about modern desi footwear. Every pair is handmade, detailed, and rooted in our culture. Whether you’re dressing up for Eid, a mehndi, or just love wearing something beautiful every day, their intricate designs bring that extra spark.
The woman behind it:
Maham Khalid, the founder of TJK, has built her brand around honoring craftsmanship. She works closely with artisans to create footwear that doesn’t just look good, it tells a story. Her passion for slow fashion and Pakistani tradition shines through in every pair.
What they offer: Hand-poured soy candles with warm, nostalgic scents and a soft, minimalist vibe.
Why you’ll love them:
Jugnu makes candles that feel like a hug. Whether you’re lighting one after a long day or gifting it to someone you love, each scent is designed to soothe, ground, and glow. Bonus, the brand theme and the candle names are just *chef’s kiss*
The woman behind it:
Hafsa Sumair started Jugnu Candle as a passion project rooted in calm and coziness. What began in her home turned into a growing brand that now brings comfort to homes across Pakistan!
What they offer: Strong, bold, small-batch coffee for Karachi’s growing caffeine culture.
Why you’ll love them:
96NM is sleek, simple, and deeply flavorful. Their menu isn’t trying too hard, it’s just good coffee, done well. Think earthy blends, smooth finishes, and branding that’s clean and cool.
The women behind it:
Founded by Neha Yusuf and Mahnoor Saleem, 96NM is changing the coffee game in Pakistan by creating a space that’s brewed by women, for everyone. They’re showing that women can build coffee culture, not just cafés.
What they offer: Natural, nani-approved hair growth oil made with a blend of desi secrets and organic ingredients.
Why you’ll love them:
Zo’Nano’s is not just another hair oil brand, it’s heritage in a bottle. Their all-natural oil is a deeply nourishing remedy rooted in age-old wisdom, designed to help with hair fall, growth, and scalp health. No gimmicks. Just results.
The woman behind it:
Zoha Fatima Naqvi started Zo’Nano’s inspired by her nani’s recipe passed down through generations. What began as a personal ritual soon grew into a beloved local brand that’s now helping women across Pakistan reconnect with natural haircare. It’s personal, powerful, and proudly Pakistani.
What they offer: Dumplings, sliders, Noodles, and much more!
Why you’ll love them:
The Sista Co. brings you comfort food of your dreams. From their dumplings to their famous lasagna soup, it’s Karachi-style comfort food with an edge. You’ll want to order again before you’ve even finished the first bite.
The women behind it:
Myra and Hiba, the sister duo behind the brand, turned their love for food into a flavorful, women-powered business. With Myra’s culinary expertise and Hiba’s knack for marketing, together they created The Sista Co.
These women aren’t just selling products, they’re rewriting the rules. They’re showing up, standing tall, and turning ideas into businesses that speak to culture, creativity, and courage. So the next time you shop, eat, gift, or scroll. Choose local, choose women-led, and help support the future of Pakistani entrepreneurship.