Ms. Rahman, aged 54, is the visionary founder of TE RONGA, a brand that has emerged as a shining example of resilience, creativity, and women’s empowerment in Bangladesh’s handicraft sector. Born into a family of five members, Ms. Rahman grew up with a strong appreciation for traditional arts, especially nakshi kantha and handloom textiles. However, like many women of her generation, she faced significant personal and social challenges.
After marriage, she encountered restrictions that limited her mobility and prevented her from pursuing employment outside the home. These barriers, combined with periods of serious health complications, created hurdles that could have easily derailed her aspirations. Yet, Ms. Rahman remained determined to utilize her skills and express her creativity through handcrafted products.
In 2002, driven by passion and an unwavering belief in her craft, she began her entrepreneurial journey. Starting on a modest scale, she worked closely with local artisans to produce nakshi kantha, sarees, and home décor items. Although her products were admired for their quality and unique artistic expression, TE RONGA initially struggled with limited visibility, minimal branding, and a lack of structured business practices.
After a temporary pause due to personal reasons, Ms. Rahman relaunched her business in 2021 with a renewed purpose—this time under the formal brand name TE RONGA, symbolizing color, culture, and creativity. Her turning point came with her engagement with MIDAS, which played a catalytic role in strengthening her entrepreneurial foundation.
Through MIDAS’s comprehensive training programs—covering fashion design, business management, accounting, entrepreneurship development, and market linkages—Ms. Rahman significantly enhanced her technical and managerial capabilities. The guidance helped her streamline production processes, introduce improved packaging, and access new retail and online platforms. MIDAS mentorship also equipped her to address early operational challenges such as financial constraints, supply chain gaps, and delivery inefficiencies.
Today, TE RONGA stands as a women-led enterprise that not only showcases traditional Bangladeshi craftsmanship but also provides meaningful employment to an all-women team. The brand contributes to improving livelihoods, promoting financial independence among women, and fostering community development. Ms. Rahman continues to expand her business with MIDAS support and aims to establish a dedicated retail outlet, strengthen her online presence, and diversify her product portfolio. She also plans to participate in advanced training programs to scale up production while ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage.
TE RONGA remains a powerful testament to Ms. Rahman’s perseverance, creativity, and leadership—demonstrating how targeted support and mentorship can transform potential into sustainable entrepreneurial success in Bangladesh.
