Staff reporter: Farzana Akhter owns “Farzana’s Collections.” This energetic entrepreneur runs her business through her shop and a Facebook page and fulfills women’s desires and demands with her highest level of devotion, honesty, and hard work. She talked about this success with our reporter. In the conversation, Farzana spoke about his success.
How it Started:
Farzana said, “I always loved fashion, and my hobby and passion have been designing since childhood; I used to design my clothes.” Everyone used to like those and used to make their dresses like mine. By getting appreciation from all, I didn’t know when I turned into a professional designer. I have always dreamed of starting my own business in fashion and sharing my unique ideas with others. Finally, in 2014, I took the courage to turn that dream into reality and became an entrepreneur. In 2014, I opened my first shop called “Farzana’s Collections.” The overwhelmingly positive response from my clients was incredible, and since then, I have never had to look back.
Reason to Choose the Profession:
She said, “As she shared earlier, she always had a passion for designing and felt proud when she saw anyone wearing my design, which made her joyful.” Farzana is always hardworking; that is the most important skill you will need to be an entrepreneur. She found this job suitable for me. She has discovered that being an entrepreneur and working with fashion matches her passion.
What we Sell:
Firstly, Farzana works with the latest trend; secondly, she believes comfort is also essential for the person wearing that dress. Most of my designs come from my imagination. Farzana loves to play with colors. So, if you look closely at my collections, you will find a variety of colours.
She said we sell women’s attire, most of the subcontinent type; apart from my design, she also imports the latest trendy collections from Pakistan, and this segment is also equally popular with all her customers.
Farzana’s main season is during the EID festival, but Pohela Boishak and the Durga Puja Festival, Christmas are also crucial to their business.
Challenges I face.
Farzana said, “This fashion industry in Bangladesh or the subcontinent is mainly dominated by male entrepreneurs and businessmen, especially in Bangladesh, where it’s a dominant Muslim society, and they are not ready yet to see that women are doing business and going forward; they still prefer to see women staying at home and raising the kids.” All her competitors are mainly men, and they try to knock me down whenever possible.
Moreover, she faces the fact that very few people have creative ideas for design and would rather just copy your design and use it there. All our collections are posted on Facebook; it’s easier for them to copy them.
Farzana prefers to have a level playing field for men and women in this industry so that we women also get a fair chance to show our talent. Inspiration. She would like to say that her family played a significant role in my becoming an entrepreneur, especially my husband, who greatly supported me in making this dream a reality. She was thankful to her husband for always standing by her side, as you know how difficult it is for a Bangladeshi Muslim woman to become an entrepreneur and work in the fashion industry.
What you expect from the government:
Farzana said that half of our population are women, and if the government supports us and makes it easy for us to start a business, we can create new jobs for many other women. This is how we can contribute to the economy.
The government can help us by making the business process easier by offering long-term and short-term loans with a minimum interest rate that may help boost this sector and encourage other women to come forward and start their own businesses.
Message for Young entrepreneur
Every girl or woman has her own identity. Farzana strongly believes that every girl is a powerhouse. She said my message to young entrepreneurs, especially females, would be. Take on challenges, do the work you care about, take risks, and believe in yourself. Look at your vision. Face your fears. Plan for raising capital, and finally, know your goal.
