PROFILE
Shama Iqbal, CEO and Founder of Sheejee’s Group of Companies, has 10 years of progressive leadership experience across diverse business environments. An enthusiastic and creative fashion designer, she has a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovative, trend-setting designs. Operates entities including Sheejee’s Fashion, Sheejee E-Cart, and TechKey Production Tradelink & Consultancy. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in International Relations from the University of Karachi and is currently pursuing a PhD in Hospitality and Tourism in Malaysia. Her strengths include strategic thinking, problem-solving, motivational leadership, performance improvement, relationship development, and value-driven business strategies.
SHAMA IQBAL
CEO-Founder of Sheejee’s Group of Companies
Here is the questions & answers session with Shama Iqbal, CEO and Founder of Sheejee’s Group of Companies.
Flare: Would you tell us about your professional journey and how you entered the fashion and business sector?
Shama Iqbal: My journey has been diverse, spanning business consultancy, tourism, e-commerce, textiles, events, and international business. A common thread has been connecting people and businesses with new opportunities.
Originally from Pakistan, I have worked with international partners through B2B meetings, exhibitions, roadshows, PR, and networking. My involvement in fashion and lifestyle developed through these connections, leading to collaborations with designers, beauty professionals, entrepreneurs, brands, and event organisers.
Today, I work across Pakistan, Malaysia, and other international markets while pursuing a PhD in Management, Hospitality and Tourism in Malaysia. This allows me to combine academic knowledge with real-world business experience.
Flare: What inspired you to build your own identity and career in this sector?
Shama Iqbal: I have always wanted to be independent and build something of my own. As a woman, I believe having your own identity is important.
I also believe women can successfully balance multiple roles—as mothers, professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and leaders. Through my work, I saw many talented women lacking opportunities and exposure. This inspired me to create connections and platforms that open doors for others, not just build my own career.
Flare: What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur?
Shama Iqbal: One major challenge has been being a woman determined to be independent, travel, build businesses, and take on leadership roles. At times, I had to work twice as hard to establish credibility and earn trust.
Working internationally also requires adapting to different cultures, business practices, and expectations while staying true to yourself. These experiences ultimately taught me patience, confidence, and resilience.
Flare: How would you describe your design philosophy, brand identity, and target clientele?
Shama Iqbal: For me, fashion is about confidence, comfort, elegance, individuality, and practicality—not simply following trends. I see fashion as part of a broader lifestyle encompassing beauty, entrepreneurship, events, and personal branding.
I enjoy working with designers, beauty professionals, entrepreneurs, businesswomen, brands, and international partners. My audience is broad, but they share a desire to grow, present themselves well, and pursue new opportunities.
Flare: How have social media and digital platforms changed the fashion and lifestyle business?
Shama Iqbal: Social media has transformed the industry, allowing businesses to reach customers and partners worldwide without requiring huge offices or advertising budgets. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn have also made personal branding increasingly important.
However, greater visibility also means greater competition. Success requires authenticity, consistency, and professionalism. Digital platforms have particularly opened doors for women to showcase their skills and businesses beyond traditional networks.
Flare: What qualities do you believe are essential for women who want to build independent businesses?
Shama Iqbal: Confidence, courage, consistency, financial awareness, networking, and continuous learning are essential.
Confidence helps you believe in your ability, while courage helps you take the first step. Consistency keeps you moving through difficult periods. Understanding your finances and building strong networks are equally important.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to start a small business. A clear idea, patience, and willingness to learn can be more valuable than a large initial investment.
Flare: How do you balance creativity with the commercial realities of running a business?
Shama Iqbal: Both are essential. A great idea needs practical planning to become a successful business. For every event, fashion project, workshop, or collaboration, I consider the creative concept alongside budgets, partners, sponsorships, marketing, audience, and commercial value. I believe creativity and business planning should complement each other. The best projects deliver a memorable experience while creating real value for everyone involved.
Flare: What opportunities do you see for Pakistani fashion, talent and entrepreneurship internationally?
Shama Iqbal: The potential is huge. Pakistan has exceptional talent in textiles, fashion, beauty, crafts, design, and creative industries, supported by a rich cultural heritage.
What we need is greater international exposure, market access, branding, and networking. Through my connections across Pakistan, Malaysia, and other markets, I want to help create opportunities for Pakistani businesses and talent. This is not only about exporting products; our creativity, expertise, ideas, and talent can also be showcased internationally. With the right approach, Pakistani talent can compete globally.
Flare: What are your plans and goals for the next few years?
Shama Iqbal: My focus is to expand international business activities and strengthen connections between Pakistan, Malaysia, and other markets. I plan to continue developing work in consultancy, tourism, fashion, beauty, events, education, and B2B networking, while organising larger international events. I particularly want to create more opportunities for Pakistani and Asian talent. Completing my PhD is also a key goal, as I value combining academic knowledge with practical business experience.
Ultimately, I want to build an international platform connecting businesses, entrepreneurs, women, young professionals, and creative talent with opportunities and the right networks.
Flare: What message would you like to give young women and aspiring entrepreneurs reading Flare?
Shama Iqbal: Believe in yourself and don’t wait for everyone else to believe in you. Challenges and self-doubt are normal, but they should not stop you. Learn, take the first step, and improve along the way. Build strong relationships, keep learning, remain professional, and protect your reputation. Don’t compare your journey with others; everyone starts differently and moves at their own pace.
For women, success does not require choosing between ambition and your values or responsibilities. And when you succeed, remember those still finding their way. Whenever possible, create opportunities for others too—that is one of the most meaningful forms of success.
