Weddings in this part of the world are full of festivities and fun. They not only make up for a memorable day for the bride and groom but contribute as one of the biggest money making industries in Pakistan. Unfortunately, most of it exists as a part of the informal economy. Small business and suppliers don’t get the chance to connect with clients primarily because they lack the platform to market themselves better. One of the major reasons behind this is the absence of innovation that is technology induced. This is where Shadi Tayari stepped in as an online directory that aims to make your Shadi ki Tayari behtareen. Let’s hear it from the co-founder of Shadi Tayari Dr. Nousheen about their journey.
How did it all start?
It all started back in 2014 when my husband and I decided to expand our existing business and bring in its subsidiary to Pakistan. We had several projects running under our software house in UK. We wanted to setup an entirely new solution providing platform in Pakistan as we observed a huge marketing gap in the shadi industry. We could see that people don’t really realize that there is a huge world of suppliers out there other than the prominent few. This is how Shadi Tayari came into being.
What is Shadi Tayari exactly?
Shadi Tayari is a digital platform that connects customers with suppliers. It operates all over Pakistan. Our mission is to provide equal opportunities and an accessible platform to all the suppliers regardless of their popularity. We just want to create a sustainable business environment so that microbusinesses can flourish and gain momentum as well as customers. Shadi Tayari also provides digital marketing services so that people who can’t create awareness for themselves, learn the importance of this platform.
What has been the biggest challenge working in Pakistan and operating as a tech startup?
The biggest hindrance, I would say, has to be the working environment here. It’s really volatile and people are not exactly aware of the work ethics required to operate a business. Other than that, the research culture is also far behind the international standards. The only sources of information are usually the morning shows which are not the most reliable source. So, this huge gap between the existing sources and the budding number of new suppliers was a big challenge to cover.
How is Shadi Tayari different from an event management company?
People usually think of Shadi Tayari as an event management company. And funnily sometimes, they even mistake us for a match making organization. However, that is not the case. We are not a management company; we are a mediating platform. We connect customers and suppliers. We provide them with a huge portfolio of suppliers so that they choose whatever best suits them. Other than that, we provide them with tutorials and vlogs so that they don’t have to go through the hassle themselves as new customers.
What are your plans for future?
We plan on designing a software that works as a one-stop tool for wedding planning. It is something that doesn’t really exist as a concept in Pakistan as yet. Our major focus will be to make it easier for the customers to have access to the big Shadi industry that exists here in in Pakistan.
All Source Images: www.facebook.com/shaditayari
