Sabera Anwar, fashion entrepreneur and owner of Panache Hub and Events, elaborates on her quest of creating a common platform for the local brands
What inspired you to create GoDeshi?
I have been a fashion entrepreneur since 2011, and in 2017 I launched my multi-designer store Panache Hub to create a platform for budding designers who needed to showcase their creations to the right clientele. I was also running my own boutique with its own employees, but then the pandemic hit and everything went south. However, it did give me enough time to create GoDeshi: Made in Bangladesh. You see, I wanted to create a common platform for everyone, where local brands would be able to gain recognition. This platform is also a way to showcase how much progress we’ve made in this sector and how we are also in a position to compete with other brands from all over the world. I wanted to create a platform for all the local brands to come together and achieve success.
Even though the group was created in 2017, it was renamed during the pandemic to GoDeshi – Made in Bangladesh and since then it has grown like wildfire. In your opinion, what do you think triggered its immense popularity?
Demand and correct placement. The demand was already there, but the plan had to be executed at the perfect time, and I was fortunate enough to be able to do just that. At first, I wanted to name the group Shodeshi, but then I changed my mind and went with GoDeshi: Made in Bangladesh. Around that time, I was only hoping to help out the people I had worked with in the past, but when the pandemic hit, I made it a priority to include everyone relevant because helping local brands was always a necessity for me. I invited almost everyone I knew. During the first month, the group had almost fifty thousand members, including fashion designers from all over the country. Top notch brands, such as ZURHEM, were also kind enough to reach out to me and praise me for this initiative, which made me extremely happy. It really did grow like wildfire, as you so aptly described it.
What particular challenges have you faced while running this platform?
Engaging with other people was incredibly challenging at first, but it got better with time. This group is very close to my heart and its aesthetic value is quite important to me, however, sometimes it is rather difficult to make others feel the same way. As a result, I mostly manage the group myself. However, I do rely on a small group of talented people to help me to run this group efficiently. I am lucky to have Emdad Hoque and celebrated blogger Arif R Hossain on board as GoDeshi’s respected advisers. I’ve also hired four executives for now, and as I have more plans for this platform, I will soon seek more assistance.
What is the most rewarding thing about running a non-profit entity like GoDeshi?
I always wanted to find a way to give back to the country and our community. Knowing that I’m being able to provide our local brands a platform that benefits them brings me a lot of joy. I’m also amazed and grateful at how much support people are showing our local brands. There were times when people reached out to me and thanked me for helping them out during such a challenging time, which really warmed my heart.
I also try to help out local brands by advising them on how they can make their products more marketable and how to create a product from scratch, because nothing would make me happier than seeing them succeed.
Given the circumstances, what’s next for GoDeshi?
Well, I’ve got many things planned out for GoDeshi: Made in Bangladesh! Firstly, we’re thinking of creating an e-commerce website very soon, so that local brands can enhance their audience engagement and are able to cater to other demographics. It will also consist of back-end support for entrepreneurs, so that it’s easier for them to keep records, store data, and keep everything organized. There are about three thousand sellers in the group, so even if thirty percent of them join the website, it will be a successful venture for me. Moreover, I’d also like to make some changes to the existing group and make it a fully functional f-commerce group, with all the necessary features needed to make the experience easier for brands as well as consumers.
Also, we have plans to open a physical shop soon, where we’ll be partnering with various upcoming and renowned brands. The shop will also carry a variety of products, starting from clothing items to scented candles. I’m beyond excited for all the things we have in store for the community!
Any parting messages for our readers on the importance of supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, especially in this economic climate?
I’d like to encourage everyone to support local brands and entrepreneurs more often. As we all know, Bangladesh is the second largest garment exporter in the world. We’re making a massive impact worldwide in this industry, yet the clothing and other such producers for the local market are struggling because we’re not giving them enough support. I’d like to ask the people of our country to give them a chance, and give them time to grow, because the brands here have so much potential. With time and the right guidance, they will most definitely make a difference. They just need our support now. Moreover, helping them out will also help out the economy as a whole. People must understand the importance of local brands, because at the end of the day, they’re representing our country and its culture.