DHAKA, May 24, 2024 (BSS) - Masuda Yeasmin Urmi always thought to be an entrepreneur. She felt interested in business. At last her dream came into reality as she became self-reliant by doing leather business.
 
Urmi used to live near a leather market in Jashore since her childhood. After marriage, she saw that her uncle-in-law is involved in leather business and appears to be an established businessman.
 
Seeing him, Urmi also becomes interested in business and is involved with leather business that turned her into an entrepreneur.
 
She took Taka 3 lakh from her husband and started leather business with her uncle. She also herself began selling and buying leather as she could learn the business soon.
 
Urmi did business with her uncle for about one year. Later, she started business alone naming after 'Smart Leather'.
 
For her diligent work and honesty, she was awarded 'Rashtrapati Shilpa Unnayan Sommanana-2016. She received the award from the President in 2018.
 
Urmi was also adorned with the best of the year award for women in microcredit category by SME Foundation in 2016. Mutual Trust Bank honoured her with an award on Women's Day as well.
 
Her 'Smart Leather' products were exhibited in Mohammadpur Tokyo Square in 2015. Now, her products including bags are being exported to Japan, Australia and Nederland.
 
A number of 30 people permanently work at her factory as she has 20 others temporary workers.
 
"Now, I am dreaming to turn my factory into an industry where hundreds of people can get job opportunities," Urmi said.
 
She said capital is the big challenge for becoming a businessman.
 
"In our society, it is very difficult for a woman to do something along with running family. But, my family and my husband support me from the very beginning. Even, my husband gave money to start business. I'm really lucky," she added.
 
Urmi said she completed her Honours and Masters degrees from Psychology. She was taking preparation for BCS. But, she was interested in business.
 
So, she started business with her uncle in joint venture.
 
In the beginning, many looked at her strangely as there was no other woman in the leather industry, Urmi said.
 
"But, I was confident. And I did my jobs with utmost sincerity and honesty. For this, I got success," she added.