Today we’d like to introduce you to Aneeqa Akhtar.
Aneeqa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Once the pandemic began in early 2020, I suddenly found myself with a lot of free time. I kept seeing Cricut machines all over my social media pages and was intrigued by all of the possibilities of what I could make and sell with the machine. However, I was hesitant to spend that much money into investing into the machine myself and had many self-doubts. My husband took a chance on me and gifted me a Cricut machine in June of 2020. I created my Etsy shop soon after. That pretty much kick-started by business journey and we have been growing ever since! I owe a lot of my success to my husband and family for their constant support and understanding.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I spent many hours practicing, designing, and researching, in order to make sure I am selling the most high-quality products that are on-trend and actually wanted by consumers. I am also a graduate student, so studying and raising my toddler took up a lot of my time along the way. Time management and dedication have been essential to getting where I am today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run two Etsy shops. My main Etsy shop is named Designed by Anni, and I sell custom gifts, labels, glassware, and much more. My second Etsy shop is named Deen and Dunya. In this shop, I sell religious gifts, stickers, and decor. These items target a market which I feel was missing representation. All items in my shops are handmade by me, and the variety and quality of what I sell is what I am most proud of, as well as my customer reviews and feedback.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising may be the amount of time and dedication that goes into creating a brand like this. An Etsy shop is like running a one-man show. From the shop management, initial research into an item, sourcing blanks, and supplies, designing and creating an item, marketing, selling, shipping, and customer service – it is all done by one person.
Contact Info:
- Email: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignedByAnni
- Website: designedbyanni@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedbyanni/ https://www.instagram.com/deenanddunyaetsy/
- Facebook: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DeenAndDunya?ref=shop_sugg
