Mafruda Khan Arin, the founder of Shesher Kobita Signature Boutique opens up about her journey
Shesher Kobita recently unveiled its new flagship store. In the post-pandemic world, some might label it as a bold move – What was the motivation behind it?
Shesher Kobita recently unveiled its new flagship store. In the post-pandemic world, some might label it as a bold move – What was the motivation behind it?The decision to move into a new flagship store is in line with the changing consumer motivation in this new normal. People are increasingly looking for places where they can shop while maintaining social distancing. Therefore, we can expect physical stores to evolve and accommodate the new constraints in the coming years. Consequently, the new normal has been the biggest motivation to inaugurate a new flagship store. It facilitates a satisfying shopping experience while ensuring the safety of the customers.
You’re both the creative and the business head of your brand. How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?
The core strength of any successful business is its ability to balance between the two factors. They are mutually inclusive, and maintaining a fine line in the fashion industry primarily depends on the product design. Catering to a customer’s taste while ensuring quality is pivotal to a business’s success in the industry. Shesher Kobita is continually evolving in order to produce incredible designs within the context of our socio-economic perspective.
Besides being a fashion entrepreneur, you are also an educator. How do you balance your time between the two?
I have been blessed with a very supportive family. My journey as an entrepreneur as well as an educator would not have been possible without their encouragement. Moreover, my vision is explicit, and I am focused on achieving it — a strategy that allows me to plan early and use contingency measures where necessary.
You have been in the industry for more than three decades; how has the journey been?
It has been quite a while since I started my journey, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. However, there have been many ups and downs along the way. I have faced numerous obstacles over the years, but they could not derail me from my vision. My biggest strengths have been positivity, belief in my abilities and most importantly, the blessing of Almighty Allah in every step of the way.
Shesher Kobita is continually evolving to produce incredible designs within the context of our socio-economic perspective.
What piece of business advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?
Hard work is pivotal to achieving anything in life. An entrepreneur needs to be honest with and have a clear goal in mind. It is crucial to keep learning to grow and make better decisions. Most importantly, being kind-hearted and having perseverance to succeed is key to a happy life.