A Rich Tapestry: Weaving Sustainability, Design, and Empowerment in Bangladesh
The Woman Entrepreneur and the Enterprise
In 2020, Marina Huq founded an online platform for minimalist handicrafts. She named the business, Baah Store. "When we see something beautiful, we say, ‘Baah,”” explained Huq. Offering home décor and in-house designed bags, Baah primarily serves the Bangladeshi market with a vision for increased sustainability.
In collaboration with Practical Action, the brand empowers weavers and emphasizes mobile finance, market access, and a commitment to the circular economy. Despite career interruptions, Huq's journey remains positive. "[People] liked the fact that - as a woman - I was self-driven and motivated and always creative in whatever area I worked in," she said.
Experience in the program
During the program, Huq engaged in sessions that provided insights into early stage ventures like Baah Store and helpful one-on-one mentorship. "Most valuable was the session I had with Swami," Huq said. She noted that he advised her on Baah’s business direction, especially with regard to the viability of upcycling in the current market.
Achievements and impact of program
The program introduced Huq to a diversity of women entrepreneurs from her local market. She exchanged ideas with them and gathered their insights on scaling, which broadened her understanding of the market dynamics in the region. "It was beautiful knowing them and the mentors are awesome," said Huq, adding that this sharpened her business knowledge. Now Baah has diversified its product range to include rugs, table mats, and jute, and also its customer base: In addition to B2C, the company also sells custom designs B2B, such as for corporate banks. Huq was naturally bullish on the program. "This is a very good platform for the woman who wants to start as an entrepreneur,” she said.
Baah has conducted 130 training and upskilling sessions specifically tailored for women weavers.
Over the next 3 to 5 years, Huq aims to focus Baah more on upcycling, using waste from the denim and RMG sectors, in alignment with their sustainable and eco-friendly ethos.
Visit their website to know more about Baah Store.
