To mark Women's Entrepreneurship Day, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable women entrepreneurs from the Dawoodi Bohra communities across Australia and New Zealand. These women, driven by passion, resilience, and a commitment to their values, are making significant contributions to their families, communities, and industries.
Women entrepreneurs globally account for nearly one-third of all businesses, and their contributions to innovation and economic growth are invaluable. Within the Dawoodi Bohra community, this entrepreneurial spirit is enriched by a strong foundation of faith, ethics, and community support.
We spoke to two of these enterprising women to learn about their journeys, challenges, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Their stories reflect not just their individual achievements but also the collective strength and ethos of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Nisreen Fidahusen, founder of Mish Lifestyle and Te Ra Sunglasses from Auckland
Nisreen Fidahusen, founder of Mish Lifestyle, was inspired to start her eCommerce home decor business to balance work and family life. She later launched Te Ra Sunglasses to provide stylish, protective eyewear for children.
"When my son started school, I wanted flexibility to create something of my own," she says. What began as a creative pursuit soon transformed into a growing business.
"Our community’s emphasis on hard work encouraged me to tackle challenges head-on."
Nisreen credits her supportive family and the values instilled by the Dawoodi Bohra community for helping her persevere.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? "Take that first step and build a supportive network. Challenges are opportunities for growth."
Nisreen’s future plans include expanding her product lines and continuing to promote sun safety through her sunglasses brand.
Nafisa Ali Asghar, proud owner of Nafisa Cakes It from Melbourne
Nafisa Ali Asghar turned her passion for baking into a thriving custom cake business. Starting in 2019 with no formal training, she grew Nafisa Cakes It through determination and community support.
"My journey began with a request for a friend’s birthday cake. That first cake led to more, and soon I realized I had a talent worth pursuing," she said.
Nafisa faced challenges in pricing her cakes and understanding her target audience.
"I initially underpriced my work, which created some financial strain," she recalls. But by meticulously calculating costs—including ingredients, utilities, and her time—she restructured the pricing strategy and found sustained progress.
For Nafisa, success isn’t just about financial growth; it’s also about balance.
"I want my business to grow while allowing me to spend quality time with my family. Each cake I make is a step forward in perfecting my craft and bringing joy to my clients."
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
These two women highlight common themes: resilience, thoughtful planning, and unwavering support from their community. They emphasise that success begins with a willingness to take that first step, even if the road ahead seems uncertain.
"I calculated every expense—ingredients, utilities, and my time. This clarity transformed how I priced my cakes and helped me build a sustainable business," said Nafisa.
Both of them agree that support networks from community and family have been invaluable. While Nafisa credited her husband by saying, "My husband’s support has been crucial, helping with household tasks and caring for our children," Nisreen spoke about the importance of community by saying, "Community connections make a huge difference."
Above all, they stress the value of staying true to their principles. Transparency and ethics are central to their businesses, helping them build trust with their clients. "Ethics and honesty are key to Dawoodi Bohra teachings," says Nafisa.
A Celebration of Resilience
These women are not just building successful businesses but are also inspiring others with their stories of entrepreneurship and innovation. Their achievements reflect the entrepreneurial spirit within the Dawoodi Bohra community, proving that, with faith, determination, and support, the smallest ventures can become thriving enterprises.
