Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Sept 27: In a time when joblessness and economic uncertainty haunt the youth of Kashmir, a teenage girl from Ajas, Bandipora, is carving her own path with courage, creativity, and determination.
Afreen Farooq, a young student from Ajas, has embarked on a remarkable journey of building her own online business by leveraging her artistic skills into opportunities. Instead of waiting for employment, she dreams of creating it through her talent.
From a very young age, Afreen developed a love for different forms of art. Today, her portfolio includes a wide variety of creative skills such as calligraphy, sketching, quilling, crocheting, knitting, hoops embroidery, tilla handwork, decor crafts, and even poetry. Each of these reflects not only her dedication but also her desire to preserve traditional crafts while blending them with modern tastes.
Afreen’s idea is simple yet inspiring: bring all kinds of customised gifts, handmade items, and unique varieties together on one online platform. She believes that people today look for meaningful, handmade creations rather than mass-produced items, and she wishes to fulfil that gap.
Speaking about her vision, Afreen says, “I want to give people a chance to celebrate art in their everyday lives. While continuing my studies, I dream of building a business that not only supports me but also inspires other youth to believe in their own skills.”
In a region where unemployment often discourages the younger generation, Afreen’s initiative stands out as a story of hope. By combining her passion with entrepreneurship, she is setting an example that opportunities can be created, not just waited for.
Her journey is still in its early stages, but her determination is already winning hearts. Afreen represents a new wave of Kashmiri youth who want to stay connected to their roots while also embracing the possibilities of the digital age.
As she continues to build her dream step by step, Afreen Farooq’s story sends out a strong message — that even in difficult times, passion and persistence can pave the way towards self-reliance and success.
