‘Meet Ms. Anjum Syed – The Master Craftsperson’
If Antique’A has established its stature as the pioneer and trendsetter in the Truck Art business in Pakistan, it can solely be credit to the ingenuity, innovativeness and passion of Ms. Anjum Syed, who has worked tirelessly from the year of its inception in 2000 to make her brand standout among the competition.
If there ever was a fairytale beginning of a business, it was of Antique’A, now a well-established and widely acknowledged enterprise with an ever-growing and loyal clientele base. Her rollercoaster yet hugely exciting and challenging journey has now encompassed two decades.
Her journey is replete with untold struggles and enormous pitfalls. The distinction, respect and prominence that she has achieved, has come after huge sacrifices. There were times when she nearly quit her journey. However, it was due to the blessings of the Almighty, prayers of her loved ones, and her own courage and strong will to continue, that helped her rise time and time again, Alhamdolillah.
The Start
Though the foundation was laid when Ms. Anjum did her graduation in Architecture from the prestigious National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore – following this up with Masters in English Literature – it was in 1990 when she finally gave a shape to her passion. With the aim to preserve the tradition and culture of her forefathers, she opened an institute where she gave training to aspiring students in Truck Art, some of whom are now successfully running their own business. Moving forward, in February 2000 she got the opportunity to participate in an exhibition organized by TDAP. After that initial success, there was no looking back for her. She has progressed by leaps and bounds with Antique’A now an integral part of well-known, high profile and well-attended events held in Karachi, Lahore, and other metropolitan cities of Pakistan. If this wasn’t enough, she has managed to establish her global footprints through participation in mega events abroad. Her expanding list of buyers also belongs to many other countries.
Product Canvas
Antique’A products can primarily be bracketed into two categories, i.e. Truck Art and Antique Art, with the former now her primary focus. Ms. Anjum constantly brings innovation and freshness in her product range, earning accolades from her customers and art aficionados alike. Being a tradition of her forefathers, Antique Art always fascinated her. She has not just ensured to carry it forward, but also introduced innovation, based on the evolving requirements of the modern era. In this particular category, Mirrors – which come in vast shapes and sizes – are the hot-selling items; these are known for their splendor and affordable pricing.
Her eye-catching and innovative Truck Art products can be broadly bracketed into Home Décor, Kitchen Accessories, Tea Accessories and Garden Decorations. The products list includes, but is not limited to, Handis, Mugs, Wall hangings/Plates, Kettles, Trays, Lanterns, Key chains, Key Holders, Fridge Magnets, Coasters, Jugs, Glasses, Bowls, Plates, Planters, Footwear etc. Her Islamic Art products with special focus on the Mughal era are known for their exclusivity.
Her constant endeavor to maintain Antique’A pioneering stature in the market and to foster our cultural tradition leads to continuous accumulation in her captivating bouquet of Truck Art products. Pandaan, Chaarpaey, Chimes and Wheel Trays (Thela) are the latest additions to have embellished this ever-expanding bouquet and stimulate the clients manifold.
All her products are 100% handcrafted by skilled artisans having decades of experience. Her products are not just used for decoration; these are also servable, washable, and also long-lasting as these are unbreakable. She also makes sure that her products are generally light weight and occupy less space, keeping in mind her overseas customers who have to carry these with them in their baggage.
Events & Exhibitions
Having made her mark in her debut event, Ms. Anjum now has a rich portfolio of events and exhibitions to her credit. She’s a regular participant in DAACHI, ranked among the premier cultural events of the country. Since the Lahore WEXNET 2006, she has received invitation to all its editions till the last one; SAARC WEXNET held in 2015. Antique’A received the award for ‘The Best Stall of the Event’ at the EXPO SAARC WEXNET held in 2006, which was an apt recognition of the details and her constant hard work. She also participated in the high profile PFOWA Bazar ’16 held in the Red Zone of Islamabad. Other major annual exhibitions where she’s a regular participant include Crafters’ Expo, Indie Art & Craft Show, Bohemian Crunch, Colours of Pakistan, etc. By the grace of the Almighty, Antique’A always receives tremendous response and is the center of attraction of these events.
Media Appearances
Ms. Anjum, being a pioneering, distinctive and inspirational personality, is constantly invited to entertainment/culinary shows aired on leading private and state-owned television channels. Some of the numerous channels that she has graced with her presence include HUM Masala TV, ARY Digital, Geo Entertainment, Indus, PTV, etc.
Member of Eminent Forums
She has a dynamic presence in her fraternity through regular participation in meetings and other activities as member of eminent forums like Karachi Chambers of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Karachi Women Chambers of Commerce & Industry (KWCCI) and Handicraft Association of Pakistan (HAP).
With her desire to be the torchbearer and her endeavor to uphold her traditions, she vows to leave an indelible mark in the world of creative arts and make her brand the preferred choice for those who value class, style and originality, in Pakistan as well as overseas.
