I started Shanto Shoes around 20 years ago. Before this, I used to work at a shoe factory. I gathered a lot of experience in this factory and realized I enjoyed working here. This is where I got the idea to start my own business and I was also very willing to begin this new journey. My time and experience in the factory taught me how products were manufactured and I understood how good the demand for these leather goods is in our country, so after some time, I decided to become an entrepreneur myself and this is how Shanto Shoes was launched. 

During the initial days of my business, I faced no problems or issues. Thanks to my previous work in this industry, I learned the know-how of this business and I was able to run Shanto Shoes quite smoothly. Over the years, there were some ups and downs, but I consider myself lucky because I could manage them well. However, the biggest setback for me was when the Covid-19 virus hit the whole country. I think small entrepreneurs like us faced more or less the exact same fate. Can you imagine, putting in relentless efforts every single day, only to have your hard work taken away from you due to a virus? It was horrifying as within a few days, the near future seemed uncertain. 

I incurred a huge loss of around 7-8 lacs and I had lost hope. During the first 4 months of the pandemic, my factory was closed. It seemed to me that it would remain close for an indefinite time. And during this period, when there were no sales, there was no end to my expenses. I had to pay the utility bills, the rent, and pay my employees’ salaries. I felt lost and the future for Shanto Shoes seemed blurry. I didn’t realize it back then but slowly, the majority of the people here started going out of their houses more, in an effort to return to the new normal. Thankfully, as the trying times slightly improved, so did the state of my business.

Everyone wants their business to grow and I, too, have similar plans for Shanto Shoes. Presently, I supply to districts outside of Bhairab and plan to cover a wider range and see my business grow and expand to newer regions. Although I don’t have any plans of entering the export market yet, this is something I would like to explore in the long term. Besides Bhairab, I supply to Sylhet, Bogura, Naogaon, and Shirajganj. As I was unable to complete my education, I really need my business to shine and grow. And so I want to give it my all and make a mark in the footwear business.