The story of Reshom Guti began in the serene town of Natore, Rajshahi, where one woman’s vision turned a thread of passion into a fabric of empowerment. Founded by Arifa Awal, Reshom Guti is not just a business; it is a movement that stitches dignity, opportunity, and hope into the lives of marginalized women. For Arifa, entrepreneurship was never just about independence; it was about creating employability and restoring confidence among those left behind by society.
Growing up as the daughter of a government official, Arifa had the chance to travel across different districts of Bangladesh. Those early experiences exposed her to the stark inequalities faced by women in rural communities. Witnessing their struggles planted in her a lifelong desire to empower them. Alongside that, her childhood fascination with stitching evolved into a creative pursuit that later became the foundation of her social enterprise.
In 2020, amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Arifa decided to transform her hobby into a purpose-driven venture. With just a 2,000-taka sewing machine, she began Reshom Guti, a platform where women could learn, earn, and rebuild their lives. What started as a humble initiative has now blossomed into a community of 120 trained women and 4 permanent employees, each weaving their own story of resilience.
At Reshom Guti, every stitch carries a story. Women like Nahida Begum, once the daughter of a beggar and a victim of bullying that halted her education, are now reclaiming their independence through skill training and dignified work. Today, Reshom Guti offers over 150 unique handcrafted products, including sarees, salwar kameez sets, kurtis, and bed sheets; each reflecting a blend of sustainability, tradition, and innovation.
Arifa ensures that her enterprise evolves with time. She has established a physical outlet in Natore that radiates empowerment and community spirit, while also embracing digital transformation by integrating mobile financial services like bKash and Nagad, expanding her reach beyond geographical boundaries. Her dedication to empowering women has not gone unnoticed. Arifa Awal is a proud recipient of the Joyeeta Award, a testament to her unwavering commitment to social and economic upliftment.
Arifa envisions a future in which Reshom Guti becomes a nationally recognized brand, synonymous with sustainable fashion and women’s empowerment. She aims to upskill herself in fashion design to introduce trendier, eco-conscious attire, while working toward establishing her own production factory. Her dream is to create even more employment opportunities for the women who need them most. Just as Natore’s Kachagolla is loved across Bangladesh, Reshom Guti is fast becoming the region’s next emblem of pride and resilience. To many, Arifa Awal, affectionately known as Arifa Apu, is not just an entrepreneur but a symbol of hope, proving that with determination and compassion, even the smallest thread can weave the grandest dreams.