Starting Entrepreneurial Journey At 19, How Anam Mirza Became A Force Of Fashion

The Digital Woman Awards 2024 panel delved into the intricacies of brand building, scaling businesses, and fostering innovation. Among the distinguished participants was Anam Mirza, founder of Label Bazaar and Extra Media. In conversation with Kanika Tekriwal, founder of JetSetGo, and alongside Pinky Reddy, National President of FICCI FLO, Anam shed light on her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the essence of authenticity, challenges, and adaptability in building a successful brand.

An Entrepreneurial Beginning: Turning Vision into Reality

Starting her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 19, Anam Mirza launched Label Bazaar, a unique platform for curated fashion. Reflecting on those younger years, Anam credited her supportive family for encouraging her to explore the business world.

“It's been crazy in my house because even if I would go win a basketball competition back in school, it felt like I was, you know, I was winning the Wimbledon. That's the kind of household I came from. So we were encouraged constantly to do new things, try new things. So when I started Label Bazar I was almost 19. I started almost 12 years ago and, you know, we've done label bazar in multiple cities, multiple countries. So it's, you know, it's become a name in itself. And eventually we got into branding,” she shared.

Expanding her expertise, Anam ventured into branding through Extra Media, a firm that collaborates with over 150 brands in Hyderabad. With a focus on scaling businesses, she emphasised the importance of staying innovative and adaptive in a constantly evolving market.

The Power of Authenticity in Branding

During the discussion, Anam highlighted the paradigm shift in branding, particularly since the pandemic. Traditional methods such as hoardings and radio ads have given way to social media platforms, which have become critical tools for engaging with audiences.

“..people don't want to buy a faceless brand anymore. Everybody wants to see who's behind this brand, which has become so important, and now personal branding more than ever being the most integral part of building a professional brand… I think there's nothing more important than bringing your own personal brand to bid your professional brand,” she explained.

Navigating Gender Dynamics in Business

Anam candidly spoke about the challenges faced by women in male-dominated spaces, emphasising resilience and adaptability.

“...there have been instances when I felt like, oh my God, am I the only girl in this room right now? But I think we all get used to it. I don't think there's anything that us women can't do. I think when we can be moms, we can be entrepreneurs, we can be homemakers, we can be grandmoms, all of these things all at once. So somehow, as women are able to pour being so many different things so beautifully all at once and I and I think there's absolutely nothing we can't do,” she said.

Lessons for Young Entrepreneurs

Anam’s journey is proof for how passion, dedication, and authenticity is the secret sauce for success. By leveraging her personal experiences and embracing change, she has built a brand that resonates with audiences on a global scale. As young entrepreneurs look up to leaders like Anam Mirza, her story creates a legacy driven by purpose and authenticity.