Afroza Parveen has made herself a pioneering beauty expert in the beauty services industry which is rapidly emerging as a promising sector within Bangladesh's small and medium-sized enterprises (SME).
She is not only a successful entrepreneur but has also taken on the role of a mentor, guiding and empowering new entrepreneurs and service providers in the industry.
Her significant contributions were recently recognized with the prestigious IDLC Prothom Alo Entrepreneur Award.
However, Afroza Parveen's journey to this recognition did not happen overnight. It is the result of her relentless dedication, hard work, and remarkable success over the years.
Initially, she provided beauty services to individual clients and organizations. In 2009, she founded her own salon, Red Beauty Studio & Salon, marking the start of her entrepreneurial journey.
Afroza's ambitions extended far beyond her own business and in collaboration with the SME Foundation, she began training beauty service providers in various districts of Bangladesh, equipping them with the skills to establish themselves in the sector.
This experience broadened her vision, and in 2017, she established Ujjwala, a beauty service training center. Ujjwala has since empowered over 11,000 women across the country, making them self-reliant through comprehensive training in beauty services.
"In 2013, I realized that just running one organization wouldn't be enough. More entrepreneurs needed to be created. From 2009 to 2012, I had to work incredibly hard, facing countless challenges along the way. But these experiences have been invaluable. Now, I want to share what I've learned, not just to move forward myself but to help others grow as well," Afroza said.
In addition to her own organization, Afroza Parveen has collaborated with various institutions like the SME Foundation, the Joyita Foundation, and several projects under the Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh, to provide training as a beauty service expert.
In 2016, Afroze launched her own beauty brand, Ujjwala Care. This brand, known for its range of beauty and personal care products, is unique in that all products are made using indigenous ingredients in her factory in Natore.
On her journey, Afroza credits her family and colleagues for their unwavering support, saying, "My family has been with me since the beginning. While I may have sacrificed some time with my own child, I've gained the fulfillment of helping many other women succeed, and that is my greatest achievement."
Afroza pays tribute to industry pioneer Kaniz Almas Khan, a legendary figure in Bangladesh's beauty sector. "Kaniz Almas Khan told my family that they should always support me in my entrepreneurial journey. Her advice played a crucial role in helping me reach where I am today, and I hold her in the highest regard," Afroza recalls.
Afroza has also been honored with several other accolades, including the MGH Group Award for Inspiring Change and the BASIS Award for Successful Women in the Workplace.
"Recognition is something we all seek, and I'm no different. But throughout my journey, my focus has always been on doing my work with sincerity. The IDLC Prothom Alo Award reminds me that if you stay dedicated to your work, recognition will find you. This honor gives me renewed energy, courage, and motivation to continue pushing forward."
