Saheefa Jabbar is reminding everyone to go local

During the Covid-19 pandemic, people were forced to rethink how they live their lives and express their love. Some were driven to create in solitude while others were driven to connect with the world beyond their physical reach. Amid these adjustments, model Saheefa Jabbar Khattak decided not only to adapt to a new lifestyle but also remodel her home. She made her space and wardrobe as minimal as possible and also learnt to appreciate local brands.

Opening up about her journey towards minimalism and her newfound commitment to supporting local businesses, Khattak shared a detailed note on Instagram, reflecting on her experiences over the past few years. She has also urged everyone to support local businesses to help our economy grow.

She began by recounting when she realised she had accumulated far more clothes than she needed. This realisation prompted her to donate the excess, but she soon understood that merely donating wasn’t enough. She decided to sell these clothes, generating a substantial Rs600,000, which she donated to those in need.

“Since then, I’ve embraced minimalism,” she wrote. “I own very little now, and it has brought a sense of lightness to my heart. My closet can finally breathe, and I no longer feel the need for a walk-in closet in my house. I’m proud of that. I’m proud of myself.”

Khattak said that she consciously avoids luxury brands and expensive possessions and spoke about how chasing luxury can feel like an endless race, one that she no longer wants to participate in. For her, true fulfilment comes from simplicity and being mindful.

“More importantly, I don’t want to set the wrong example for those who look up to me. This journey has helped me grow and become a better version of myself,” she added.

The Covid-19 pandemic further shaped her outlook, leading her to discover and appreciate the importance of supporting local brands. She highlighted how nations thrive when people support each other’s businesses.

“During Covid, I discovered many local brands, and it became clear to me that nations thrive when they support each other’s growth and when they help each other’s businesses succeed. Instead of importing luxury or highly expensive brands and paying extra taxes and duties, it’s important to support our local brands and vendors. Doing so not only helps our country but also allows individuals to prosper,” she pointed out.

“I’m incredibly proud of these small brands that have emerged over the years,” she shared, naming several local candle brands, including Karachi Candle Company, Hunza Candle, Mirana Candles, and Honey I’m Home Candles, which she now favours over international brands like Bath & Body Works.

She also praised local clothing brands like SAPPHIRE West and Lama for their trendy, high-quality designs that helped her ditch international labels like Zara and Mango. Khattak expressed her hope that these local brands will continue to grow and strengthen the economy.

The model and actor’s journey towards minimalism and her support for local brands extends beyond fashion and accessories. She also shared her experience of working with various local brands for home decor and furniture.

Highlighting the craftsmanship and reliability of these brands, which helped her turn her house into a Pinterest-y home, she gave a special shoutout to Living Therapy, AZ Living Spaces, Monkey and Donkey Design and Wall Master Home, among others, for their contributions to her home.

She also recalled the kindness and consideration they showed her throughout the process.

Concluding her note, Khattak expressed her deep gratitude for the blessings in her life, acknowledging the support of her parents, husband, and the opportunities provided by the entertainment industry. She attributed her success to the unwavering support and encouragement of her family, stating, “I will forever be in debt to my parents and my husband for playing such an integral role in my journey. I couldn’t have done this without their unwavering support, their encouragement, and their prayers.”