Rubana launches a fair trade fashion label

from the Coventry Telegraph

COVENTRY has played its part in helping to launch a fair trade fashion label designed to help tackle poverty in Asia.

The Coventry-based Women's Business Development Agency (WBDA) has supported the brainchild of Rubana Ahmad, who is operating Ethika as a social enterprise to help provide aid for orphans and trade for the poor in Pakistan.

She said: "I want to get out there and make a difference. All my clients know that Ethika is a wholesome and genuine company.

"Fashion can also be a giving industry too that cares about the disadvantaged people in today's society.

"WBDA was instrumental in gathering information for my business plan. As an Asian Muslim woman who generally feels more comfortable in the company of women, it was absolutely wonderful and vital to have accessed this support."

Ethika sells classic fairly traded women's fashion, including tailored suits, dresses and chic kaftans made from community trade silk, chiffon and brocade.

Mum-of-two Rubana previously sold embroidery designs and ran an informal fair-trading venture for two years.

Twenty-five per cent of profits from Ethika will be donated to the KYDS foundation to help build orphanages in the earthquake zone in Pakistan.

* Anyone thinking about starting their own business or becoming self-employed can get free, impartial advice and support from Business Link West Midlands. Call 0845 113 1234 or visit www.businesslinkwm.co.uk