Mehr Saqib, a Lahore School of Economics graduate with a major in Marketing created Bastay, which literally means bags in Urdu, after a successful career in event planning.

At Bastay, Mehr and her brother, Hamza, who is currently doing his MBA, create bags which are not only unique, but also add an “Oomph” factor to any outfit, customised according to clients’ requirements and needs.

Only a few years old, Bastay has taken the market by storm. From customised baby bags, (yes you read that right, mommies) to fancy clutches to work bags, Mehr & Hamza create designs for clients both in Pakistan, and internationally.

The journey has not been short of challenges, however. Foreign products are presenting serious competition, especially with Chinese bags being available at low prices! Introducing a new bag design may give Bastay points in being unconventional, but not without being challenging. An example is the book clutch. These weren’t really appreciated in the beginning, and their marketing was put to the test, but eventually they took off.