Rafija Sultana, Award-winning entrepreneur, makeup artist, and content creator shares her journey, design philosophy, and aspirations for ‘RAFIJA’S CLOSET’ and beyond.

Q. Hi, Rafjia! Hope you are doing well. Can you tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur and how you got started in the business world?

Thanks for having me. Well, from my childhood, I always have had a deep interest into fashion design. I used to design clothes as a surprise gift for my relatives, friends, and other close people. My journey as an entrepreneur started after my marriage. Soon after my marriage, my husband found out how enthusiastic I am about this work, so as a big supporter of my life, he suggested me to move forward with this creative skill to become a true professional fashion designer. It all started in 2019, when Bangla New Year was coming up, I designed six pieces of Panjabi for boys, and then I opened a page on Facebook by the name “RAFIJA’S CLOSET’ to upload the pictures of those designs. Instantly, I was getting positive reactions not only from my own people, but also from others, and all the collections were sold very quickly. That was the first baby’s walk of “RAFIJA’S CLOSET’.

Q. What inspired you to start your own business, and what type of business do you run?

Frankly speaking, I wanted to be a doctor to provide free medical services to the people in rural areas. Unfortunately, I could not fulfill the dream because of getting married early. However, my husband inspired and encouraged me in every way possible not to stop dreaming and show my innovative skills in fashion design. My business is all about the designer Chroming line.

Q. How did you become interested in fashion design, and what is your design style or philosophy?

Well, when I was a teenager and went for shopping sometimes, I used to think by seeing the dresses that why almost all the dresses are identical in terms of the design, and often I asked myself, “Why should I have those clothes since there is no difference?”, so I started designing the clothes to bring some uniqueness. Mainly, I prefer to design modest dresses, for instance, sketching HIJAB in a way so that females can wear trendy clothes with them. Not to mention that almost every time, I make sure these are budget-friendly to everyone.

Q. What trends or styles are you most excited about in the fashion industry right now?

Generally speaking, I give high priority to comfortable dresses such as KAFTAN, CO-ORD, and KURTI. Side by side, in every season, I bring out clothes that are both easy to wear and trendy and I really like to give my best effort to design traditional clothes. Because I strongly believe, clothes must demonstrate a country’s cultural norms, religion, and other aspects.

Q. Balancing multiple roles and passions can be challenging. How do you manage your time effectively?

For a person like me, managing the hours is difficult, because I am not only a fashion designer, but also I am an internationally certified makeup artist, content creator, and most importantly, I am a mother. In every sector, I have to put my high concentration; otherwise, there will not be any fruitful outcome.

Though my family always comes first, when I am working, I give heed on my work. At the same time, when I am with my family, I never think about work, and this is the strategy that I have been following for so many years for time management.

Q. Can you share a memorable moment or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

After I have stepped into the business world, I got many awards and prizes for my contributions. However, among all one is worth telling that is, the BIOXION BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AWARD’S 2022. I never imagined of getting the “Best Designer Award”, but in the end, I got it because of my hard works and dedication. I can still recall that wonderful moment when I got the Award from my favorite actor, Shilpa Shetty.

Q. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own ventures?

Well, I would simply say to them to keep an independent mindset instead of a dependent one, and one must explore himself, or herself before he, or she plans to do anything because it is really important to know where he or she is interested on.

Q. Can you provide some makeup tips for individuals looking to enhance their beauty routines?

There is no alternative except drinking water for keeping the face fresh and pimples-free. It is necessary for one to adjust the foundation shade with the face tone. Before beautifying the face with makeup, it is also essential to choose a high-quality moisturizer, and the lipstick shade must be used properly with the dress. Lastly, one should not forget about using setting spray after the whole make-up is done.

Q. How do you continue to learn and grow in your various roles and stay at the forefront of your industries?

Though I am going through a very successful career in fashion design, or as a make-up artist, or as a content creator, I still feel I am a learner. Every day, I put my effort into learning something new from various places and people, so that I can bring out something new, and keep my position in the business world.

Q. What future goals or projects are you excited about, both in your business and creative endeavors?

I found the true significance of Paulo Coelho’s word in my life when he said, “When you want something all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”. When I first started my fashion design career, I never believed I would get such tremendous support and love from my customers, maybe because I wanted it to happen. I have a deep desire to open the “RAFIJA’S CLOSET” showroom in every district of Bangladesh. With my three professions- Fashion Designing, Make-up Artist, and Content Creator, I want to make Rafija Sultana as a self-made brand. Not to mention that I will create a perfect place for women to work and be an independent person.

I want to be an inspiration for all the women in my country, and I want to tell them that, it is possible for women to cross the river of society’s decades of domination, struggles, pain, racism, and so on. Most importantly, I want to show the world that a woman can also contribute and create a new identity in different sectors without anyone’s contributions, and financial support.

“I would simply say to them to keep an independent mindset instead of a dependent one, and one must explore himself, or herself before he, or she plans to do anything, because it is really important to know where he or she is interested in.” – Rafija Sultana