How Homayra Sohani made her entrepreneurial dream come true
She received the National Entrepreneurial Prize in PME-2021 from the Prime Minister for her success
Homayra Mostofa Sohani. Illustration: SCT
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Homayra Mostofa Sohani. Illustration: SCT
In 2013, Homayra Mostofa Sohani started her architecture and interior design studio “Sohani’s Interior” with 50,000 Tk which she obtained by selling her paintings. She also borrowed money from loved ones to start her dream project with just 11 employees.
Over time, the painting lover rose through the ranks and became a successful entrepreneur with hard work and dedication – her company with over 100 employees at work now has annual sales of 10 crore Tk.
As a thank you for her success, Homayra, who is now in her thirties, received this year’s National SME Entrepreneur Award from the Prime Minister.
Homayra started her career as an interior designer at Partex Group after completing her university studies. However, she always dreamed of being an entrepreneur, which did not allow her to continue her work for long.
“I have been a lover of painting since I was a child. I was studying statistics at the University of Chattogram but I also trained as a painter. One day I saw a call for projects from there army and I participated in it. My design was appreciated and approved by the military. It was my first success. Since then I have never looked back. I am still working on different designs for the military Homayra told The Business Standard.
“I had to face many obstacles to start my business and continue my work. At first I had to take out loans to cope with economic hardships. I also had to face social dogmas about painting, â€she added.
Evaluating himself, Homayra said, “I came to this position through hard work. It took a lot of time and hard work. Over the years, I have been successful in growing my business and finding jobs. I have already completed many projects. For that, I had to combine my family life and my professional work. When I look back on all the projects that I have carried out, I feel a little surprised. I forget that I’m a woman.”
This young entrepreneur of the year must run to new clients every day. It should also regularly review work already completed and in progress.
Referring to the limitations that small entrepreneurs in the country face, Homayra said: “Most of the small entrepreneurs in the country do not have adequate facilities. The SME sector is currently in need of short and long term loans. This would help the sector to move forward on the path of sustainable development. “
She is very pleased with the current progress of her business and planning for its future expansion.
“If all goes well and I receive government allowances, I hope to generate 1,000 more jobs in my business over the next 10 years,†Homayra said.
Homayra has already obtained her Masters degree in Sustainable Design at Sharda University in Delhi and is currently pursuing her PhD at the same university in order to further enhance her skills and abilities in the midst of her professional work.
Speaking to young people and women entrepreneurs across the country, Sohani said, “No matter where you are, the only thing that matters is where you want to go. You must have a dream and that dream must come with relentless effort. If you can combine your dream with your efforts, success will come. “
The chairman of the SME Foundation, Dr Md Masudur Rahman, told TBS that Sohani’s business success has inspired small entrepreneurs in the country, especially women small and medium enterprises.
“The government is keen to provide short and long term unsecured loans to SME entrepreneurs. The government is also urging banks to provide such loan facilities to small entrepreneurs, â€he said.