From BAMS Graduate to Leading Boutique Entrepreneur: How Kulgam’s Dr. Fozia Built a Thriving Fashion Brand.

Sameer Ahmad

KULGAM: 30 year old Dr. Fozia from Kulgam district has carved out a distinct identity across Kashmir with her innovative boutique designs, turning a modest home based venture into a well-known showroom in the heart of Kulgam town.

Originally hailing from the remote village of Malwan in Kulgam before shifting to the main town, Dr. Fozia completed her schooling at Kulgam Higher Secondary School, followed by a year of coaching at KITE Coaching Institute in Srinagar, and earned her Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree in 2016. Despite holding a medical degree, her aspiration to build something independent led her to apply for the government’s Mission Yuva scheme a Jammu and Kashmir initiative aimed at transforming unemployed youth and first-generation entrepreneurs into self-reliant business owners.

What began at home ten years ago has now grown into “GM Boutique” in main town Kulgam. Following the passing of her father due to cancer in 2024, Dr. Fozia shouldered the responsibility of supporting her mother and two younger sisters on her own.

A hands-on entrepreneur, Dr. Fozia manages every aspect of her craft from conceptualizing fresh designs to stitching and training others.

She specializes in intricate handwork on Pashmina, Semi-Pashmina, and traditional Kashmiri Tilla suits. Beyond running her own brand, she has generated employment for five local young women who currently work alongside her. Leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, “GM Boutique” now receives orders from across Kashmir as well as the Jammu division.

Having participated in numerous exhibitions across the Valley, Dr. Fozia is currently showcasing her latest collection at the annual three day Veshu Festival Exhibition in Kulgam. Organized by the District Administration Kulgam in collaboration with Mission Yuva, the festival provides a vital platform for local artisans, startups, and entrepreneurs drawing large crowds of visitors and buyers to her stall.

Meanwhile, ​A girl from Hawal, Srinagar, named Sahiba Reyaz, is seen working alongside Fozia at this exhibition. Sahiba Reyaz has also opened her own boutique outlet in Srinagar named “Thread Trails.” Sahiba says that she has been deeply inspired by Fozia, and this is her very first exhibition. Sahiba also receives a large number of orders online, and she is actively promoting her business through social media.

Crediting Mission Yuva for giving her enterprise a major boost, Dr. Fozia continues to stand out as an inspiring example of resilience, skill, and women-led entrepreneurship in South Kashmir.