Zarrin’s story transcends the role of an entrepreneur; she inspires countless women in her local community. Her path to entrepreneurship was not without its share of personal tribulations, particularly in the aftermath of her marriage. However, armed with a mere capital of BDT 5000, Zarrin embarked on a journey to carve a niche for herself.
In the tranquil confines of her remote village in Nilphamari, she began crafting handicrafts and intricate nakshi products. Encouraged by a positive response from her customers, she aspired to engage other women from her community. Regrettably, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic momentarily thwarted her efforts. As circumstances gradually improved, Zarrin initiated training programs for women in her area, fostering their involvement in production.
Beyond augmenting production, her primary motivation in empowering the women of her locality was their limited access to government-sponsored training opportunities on handicrafts, especially in remote areas. As an educated and trained individual, Zarrin felt a sense of responsibility to bridge this gap.
In reflecting on her journey, Zarrin emphasized that the Bangladesh Youth Enterprise Competition & Incubation 1.0 was distinct from any other program she had encountered. She regarded BYEAH as a guiding mentor and guardian who ushered her through the entrepreneurial voyage.
Initially unfamiliar with concepts like product sourcing, effective marketing, and target audience selection, Zarrin’s participation in the program conferred a profound boost to her leadership skills and mental fortitude. Zarrin expressed her deep gratitude to BYEAH for affording her significant public exposure, a privilege that has substantially accelerated her progress.
Prior to being selected for incubation, she had trained more than 200 women from several villages. Yet, post-incubation, this number had swelled to over 600 trainees. Armed with the seed fund she received from BYEAH, Zarrin is in the process of establishing a training center and showroom in close proximity to her residence, aiming to expand her display and training facilities. Her projected net profit per annum is poised to exceed 3,000,000 BDT once her showroom and training center are fully operational.
Furthermore, it was through the auspices of BYEAH that Zarrin was connected with biniyog.io, a platform that enabled her to raise over 13 lakh taka through crowdfunding. This significant financial backing from biniyog.io has propelled her mission to empower more women in her community and expand her business.
In the story of Zarrin Tasnim, we witness the transformative power of resilience, vision, and community engagement. Her journey serves as a testament to the idea that even in the most challenging circumstances, one person can spark change, uplift communities, and provide opportunities for growth and empowerment. Zarrin’s unwavering dedication to her entrepreneurial endeavors and her commitment to uplifting the women in her community exemplify the remarkable potential that lies within us all. As she continues to expand her business and training initiatives, Zarrin Tasnim’s story will undoubtedly serve as an enduring source of inspiration for others, a reminder that with determination and support, remarkable accomplishments are within reach.