In the heart of Dhaka, where dreams often find themselves tangled in chaos, I quietly set the stage for a revolution—my creation, Rongima. In the language of my roots, Rongima means “colorful,” and that’s precisely what my journey has been—a riot of colors against the backdrop of adversity.

From the earliest memories of my childhood, the world of fashion called out to me. But, as is often the case, societal expectations had other plans. With a heavy heart, I put my dreams of fashion education aside. Yet, the spark within me refused to die, and right after high school, I began a journey of self-discovery and skill-building in fashion.

With each stitch, each design, my passion grew stronger, and the whispers of encouragement from my college peers and my sister’s friends fueled the fire within me. It was the appreciation of these few that paved the way for my initial steps. Likewise, the admiration that foreign students showed toward my designs validated that I was indeed on the right track.

In 2012, I timidly ventured into the online world, but the complexities of life and my uncertainties forced me to withdraw. Still, my designs continued to find their way to admirers through the age-old magic of word-of-mouth.

My journey was marked by hurdles, but my sister stood as my unwavering pillar of support. In the backdrop of a stable IT job, I nurtured my creative dream during weekends. 

Then came the turning point. In 2017, I decided to formalize my business with the backing of the SME Foundation. As I bid farewell to my IT career, the plunge into full-time entrepreneurship felt both terrifying and exhilarating. It was around this juncture that the world was struck by the pandemic. Supply chains faltered, but to my astonishment, demand soared. The lockdown became a period of learning and growth, as I attended numerous virtual trainings.

And then, fate intervened most unexpectedly—the #SheMeansBusiness program found its way into my life. It was a lifeline, connecting me to a world of digital tools and strategies. Through this program, I discovered the potential of Facebook for business, a revelation that transformed my online presence. My journey was no longer just mine; it was now an online canvas painted with the hues of a global audience.

My designs, my unique creations, stood as testaments to my spirit. They became my response to imitations, a never-ending journey of innovation. The strokes of my hand-painted designs remained my signature, a connection to the heart and soul of each piece.

As the world transitioned from opulence to necessity, I followed suit. My network of suppliers spanned the nation, transforming my designs from concepts to tangible reality through dedicated workshops.

Today, Rongima flourishes as an entirely online enterprise, a living embodiment of my spirit. My journey from reluctance to digital success is a testament to the fact that passion, tools, and the right support can weave the most extraordinary tapestry of accomplishment. And within this journey, the #SheMeansBusiness program stands as a cornerstone—a guardian angel that guided my digital metamorphosis and introduced me to the world.

As my story continues to unfold, I hope that it serves as a beacon of inspiration for others. A reminder that dreams, when nurtured with passion and armed with knowledge, can paint the most enchanting realities.