Stitching Heritage, Crafting Livelihoods: The Sopore Sisterhood

Suhail Khan

SOPORE, Dec 01: Among Kashmir’s many inspiring narratives is that of twin sister’s Aasia Shafi and Farhat Shafi from Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, who have skilfully woven a family heritage into a contemporary business venture: @craft_n_crochet.

Speaking with Kashmir Convener, the Shafi sisters both Master’s students in Environmental Science and full-time entrepreneurs shared their journey of passion, perseverance, and purpose.

“We are twin sisters running @craft_n_crochet, a small business driven by creativity and determination,” said Aasia.

“Our journey began at home, inspired by our mother. During the period following the abrogation of Article 370, she took up crochet. We learned the art from her hands and from her dedication. Today, our venture stands as a tribute to her creativity, transformed into a modern enterprise.”

Farhat emphasised the importance of skill-based independence. “In today’s world, if a woman wants to earn, having a skill is essential. It grants independence, allows us to manage our own expenses, and empowers us to stand on our own feet. Many educated women struggle to find work, especially without a secure government job, and are left waiting for opportunities. We chose to take control of our future rather than depend on others.”

Leveraging digital platforms such as YouTube and Pinterest, the sisters honed their craft from home. “We practised diligently, experimented, and dedicated ourselves the results followed. Gradually, our small venture evolved into a meaningful business,” they stated.

“We believe our work speaks for itself. We attract customers through personalised service, local networking, and word-of-mouth referrals,” stated Aasia. “Our packaging carries our brand identity and contact details, which encourages new inquiries. Many orders come from returning customers who trust our quality.”

“Our family encouraged us to follow our passion and trusted our abilities from the beginning. Their motivation and prayers give us the strength to grow the business while continuing our studies,” Farhat shared.

“Your dreams should never be limited to only securing a government job. While it is a worthy goal, it is not the only path to success. If one exam result doesn’t go your way, life isn’t over—it’s just beginning.”

They highlighted the accessibility of knowledge today. “We live in a time where opportunities are literally in our hands, through smartphones. You can learn any skill—art, craft, writing, baking, design, photography—from online platforms while at home. You just need the courage to begin.”

“Skills make women independent. Skills give us confidence,” Farhat asserted. “Even managing our own small expenses is a significant achievement—it brings dignity and self-respect. Don’t wait for opportunities; create them. Start small, stay consistent, and believe that hard work yields results.”

“We started from home with no business knowledge, learning step by step. Today, we proudly run @craft_n_crochet while pursuing our Master’s. If we can build a path for ourselves, you can too,” Aasia added.

“Trust your talent. Trust your effort. Trust the divine plan,” they concluded. “Every girl has the potential to rise and shine—not only through a single job, but through her courage, creativity, and skills. Chase growth, not fear. Remember, your journey doesn’t end because one door closes. The world is full of doors waiting for you to knock.”

Since the removal of Article 370, women in Jammu and Kashmir are stepping out of their homes. They are breaking traditional barriers and writing remarkable success stories alongside their male counterparts, inspiring a whole generation.

In the past, societal limits and security concerns often kept women’s dreams confined “within four walls.” This made it hard for them to pursue personal and professional goals. Today, a clear change is happening. A new wave of determination, helped by a changing social and political scene and better access to opportunities, is pushing women to the front in many different fields across Jammu and Kashmir.

From sports fields and business hubs to university campuses and art studios, the women of Kashmir are not just taking part—they are leading. They are winning in sports, starting new businesses, achieving academic success, and earning praise for their artistic work. This change is not limited to the region. These women are now representing Jammu and Kashmir with excellence on both national and international stages.