Writer: Tasnia Isbat
The story of Sondesh Moulds began in the heart of Bangladesh, where one woman’s determination transformed clay into a symbol of resilience and opportunity. Founded by Plaboni Yeasmin, Sondesh Moulds is more than a business; it is a testament to how creativity and courage can shape livelihoods and inspire communities.
Inception Rooted in Artistic Passion
When Plaboni chose pottery as her path for livelihood, many doubted her decision. She was struggling to find a job when she visited a local fair in 2021. Inspired by a pottery shop in the local fair, she decided to set up a small pottery venture as she knew how to make these products. Pottery was not a common career choice, and resources were scarce. Her family and community hoped she would pursue a more secure livelihood, but Plaboni stayed true to her love for arts and crafts. She saw that there was a demand for this kind of product in the market and there was a lack of uniqueness in the design of the products. With a dream to make the venture sustainable, Plaboni Yeasmin started her venture on a small scale.
Although struggling to receive orders at the beginning, soon Plaboni’s modest initiative soon grew into a thriving enterprise. Once she started gathering unique mould deigns from all over the country, as well as from India, her efforts started getting noticed. Plaboni brought together a team of artisans, and today, her business produces over 400 unique products, including water jars, jug sets, toys, terracotta wall mats, and kitchen accessories. Her customers range in age from 13 to 60 and come from diverse income groups, from low- to high-income backgrounds. From a single idea, she has built a business employing more than 30 people, creating jobs and empowering others.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Plaboni’s journey gained momentum when she began producing clay products beyond traditional mould designs. To promote her work, she started participating in various exhibitions and SME fairs. She also attended several training sessions where she learned about product pricing, business management, and e-commerce. The Business Management and Export Readiness training under the World Bank Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We‑Fi) helped Plaboni strengthen her planning and public speaking skills, and prepared her to take her products to international markets.
Armed with this knowledge, Plaboni participated in the Buyer Supplier Summit 2025, held at the Bangladesh Institute of Architects in Dhaka. The summit connected 46 enterprises from 25 SME clusters with corporates, banks, and market networks. The highlight was the Business Pitch Competition, where eight women entrepreneurs showcased their ventures. Plaboni’s inspiring story and strategic vision earned her first prize, ahead of other talented entrepreneurs like Arifa Awal and Zuena Mitul.
Impact Beyond Pottery
Plaboni’s success is not just measured in numbers; t is reflected in the lives she has touched. Her venture has created employment, preserved traditional craftsmanship, and inspired countless women to pursue their dreams. By turning clay into opportunity, she has shown that passion, when paired with perseverance, can break barriers and build futures.
Shaping Tomorrow
Plaboni envisions expanding her brand nationally and globally, establishing factories at every district and exporting her products and designs directly to the global market by creating a strong export network. Her dream is to make Bangladeshi pottery a recognized name in the international market while continuing to create job opportunities for artisans across the country.
To many, Plaboni Yeasmin is not just an entrepreneur; she is a symbol of hope and creativity, proving that even the simplest material can mold the grandest dreams.