Ms. Ayesha Siddiqa, born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, grew up in a business-oriented family, with her father as an industrialist. Early in life, she faced significant challenges, including marriage before completing her SSC and the demands of raising three children. Determined to succeed, Ayesha completed her BA and began small-scale ventures, selling handmade bags and teaching confectionery and cooking courses from home.
With initial support from her father, Ayesha invested in land and secured a bank loan. In 1999, she started over with a modest savings of BDT 20,000. The turning point came in the year 2000 when she enrolled in MIDAS’s “Start Your Own Business” course, which equipped her with essential skills and boosted her confidence.
Under the mentorship of Ms. Rokia Afzal Rahman and support from MIDAS, Ayesha’s business gained traction as she showcased her unique hand-painted sarees, pottery, and textiles at various fairs. Her designs quickly gained popularity, enhancing her visibility and sales. She later pursued advanced training in fabric and non-fabric painting, leading her to work as a trainer for organizations including MIDAS Youth Development and SME Foundation.
With MIDAS’s assistance, Ayesha showcased her creations internationally in countries like China, France, and Australia. She also collaborated with other female entrepreneurs to establish “WE For She” at Dhanmondi Genetic Plaza, promoting local crafts. Grateful for the pivotal role MIDAS played, Ayesha remains committed to her business and to empowering other female artisans, contributing to the growth of Bangladeshi handicrafts in global markets.
