Fahmida is 42 years old and lives in Razabazar, Dhaka. She had always dreamt of being a fashion designer and running her own business. A few years ago, her mother helped revive Fahmida’s dream by handing her two sewing machines and US$60. She then started her small tailoring business at home.

In 2019, she applied to the SIYB program. Fahmida soon learned how to develop a business plan, financial records, marketing strategy, as well as soft skills such as negotiation and communication skills. The newly acquired knowledge and skills helped her grow her fashion business and now she employs 17 people.

Shortly after completing the training, Fahmida was able to raise the necessary funding for the business and expand it from a home-based company to a commercial shop. She also developed a website and a social media presence and started selling her designs online (her most profitable sales channel now-a-days), hence she was able to reach international clients. Fahmida’s talents were spotted by several leading Indian designers, who now outsource design and tailoring work to her company.

Fahmida also rediscovered her passion for learning through the SIYB programme and enrolled to study for a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design. She is currently doing an English language course to improve her language skills in order to better communicate with her overseas clients.

Like many other entrepreneurs and small-business owners, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit Fahmida’s company hard. As the business slowly resumes, she has no doubt that with her SIYB training and tailoring skills sales will increase again.