Word of mouth has worked well for Mehwish Irtiza and Kanwal Rehman, owners of Brands Just Pret House of Eastern Fashion in Sugar Land. The sisters-in-law opened the boutique in November 2014, and already have clients from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, New Orleans and Atlanta.

The store specializes in Pakistani women’s clothing, from casual to formal wear.

Originally from Pakistan, Irtiza said she always had a passion for fashion, and after moving to Sugar Land from Chicago in 2009, she decided to indulge it. But she and Rehman had no experience in the retail industry, she said.

“We both took this adventure,” Irtiza said. “You can say we like taking risks and trying new things.”

Brands Just Pret is a franchise and the company’s only U.S. location. Stores are also located in Pakistan and Abu Dhabi.

Irtiza said she always wants the boutique to be unique and on-trend with different styles including tunics, gowns, short shirts, shimmer pants and multipiece suits. She works with a team on the ground in Pakistan to help her keep on top of trends there.

“We wanted something that all the ladies and all ages can come in and shop,” she said.

Digital prints, 100 percent silk clothing, embroidery, netting and beading in every color are popular. Capes in particular are in demand along with new jacket styles, Irtiza said.

Ayesha Somaya, JV by Javeria Zeeshan and Saira Habib are some of the more than 30 designers stocked by Brands Just Pret. Prices range from $50-$350.

“I always tell my customers this is a good time to wear anything and everything and get away with it,” Irtiza said.

Overall, she said, Pakistani women want something comfortable and affordable that requires little alteration. “Pret” derives from the French term “prêt-à-porter,” meaning ready-to-wear.

Construction on the 1,250-square-foot store was the biggest learning experience, she said.

“It looks like a simple layout, but there was a lot of hard work involved in this to get the design that we wanted and everything,” she said.

Customers shop at Brands Just Pret for all occasions, including luncheons, family gatherings, social events and formal wear, Irtiza said. Sugar Land resident Nargis Ahmed said she has been coming to the store since it opened.

Whether attending one of her many events for the Pakistan Association of Greater Houston, the Muslim Democratic Caucus of Texas—Greater Houston, or the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce USA, Ahmed said she relies on the boutique’s inventory.

“[Irtiza] has all the best selection, her prices are very reasonable, and it’s very pleasant. They tend to the customers very well,” Ahmed said. “I bought my casual wear, my semiformals, formals, my sale items—basically everything, even the jewelry.”

Irtiza and Rehman like interacting with customers and meeting new people through the business.

“This has been a big learning experience for us,” Irtiza said. “We just love what we do, and it’s a pleasure serving our community here in Houston and Sugar Land.”