ZCZC
BSS-13
WOMEN-SELF-RELIANT UNICEF FEATURE)
Woman becomes self-reliant by opening beauty parlor despite odds
DHAKA, Jan 2, 2018 (BSS) – Rokshana Begum of Mirpur in the capital is now a self-reliant woman because of her confidence and the ability to take proper decisions. The 37-year-old woman runs a parlor named ‘Priyodorshini Beauty Parlor’ at Toltola Math at Mirpur-11. She is now a role model for other women in society.
Rokshan’s path wasn’t smooth to emerge as a successful woman entrepreneur. She had to tumble down almost at every step to make this success. She had to face strong disagreements at her home. Her husband was against such an adventure of her. But she fought and ultimately appeared winner.
The self motivated woman entrepreneur said it was 2008 when she was just an ordinary housewife with a daughter. She had nothing to do without household chores. She got bored at her monotonous daily works. Moreover, her husband usually refused to give her pin money to meet her personal needs.
One day, Rokshana took the decision of opening a beauty parlor. But her husband strongly opposed this, saying woman should not operate any business, this job is for men. As Rokshana was firm at her decision, her husband yielded and gave her permission for the work.
After eight years of her journey, Rokshana has now turned into a successful entrepreneur. Two female beauticians work under her supervision. She averagely earns Taka 800-1400 daily after all expenses. At present, she has a good amount of money deposited in banks. Now Rokshana is a happy, self-reliant and confident woman.
Hailing from Sadullapur sadar upazila of Gaibandha, Rokshana has only one daughter who studies in class VII at Pragoti High School at Mirpur. She wants her daughter to be an entrepreneur like her in future and self-reliant in life.
Currently, Rokshana has a dream to open a restaurant in Mirpur area. For this, she is looking for a suitable location where she can get her targeted customers.
The young lady said she chooses to open a restaurant as she thinks it would be a profitable business and it is a smart job too. There is a little chance to incur losses in restaurant business, she observed.
The confident woman also said now her husband supports her business. He helped her to get a bank loan to expand her business.
Lucia Mandi, a worker at Priyodorshini Beauty Parlor, said she worked at many beauty parlors in the capital, but she didn’t see such an owner like Rokshana.
“Didi (Rokshana) is very much cordial and helpful. She always behave well and pay our salaries in due time. Many customers come to our parlor because of Didi’s charming manners. I think every woman who runs business like Didi should behave like her. I am fully satisfied with my job here and I feel inspired by Didi,” she said.
BSS/UNICEF FEATURE/GR/GA 1635 hrs