Oral History Interview with Samia Rahman
Samia Rahman co founded the business Pantried, an online platform to shop from local businesses in metro Detroit in 2017 with a group of friends. The business features many immigrant owned mom-and-pop shops, creating equitable access to shopping local. Samia says many local businesses cater to specific items and foods which are inaccessible, or more readily available in stores.
Oral History Interview with Fariha Ahmed
Fariha Ahmed began experimenting with henna since middle school. Over the years she felt drawn to creating. During high school she began pursuing her hobby as a professional henna service. She launched her business Farihennart in 2016 via Instagram. Fariha is one of metro Detroit’s Bangladeshi Women Entrepreneurs.
Oral History Interview with Humayra Bobby, Jahura Hobby, Tahura Holly, and Shakira Khanam
Humayra Bobby, Jahura Hobby, Tahura Holly, are sisters who created their own businesses: skincare, professional makeup services and jewelry to provide community based needs. Their sister Shakira Khanam helps all the businesses. Their father Rezaul Karim is an entrepreneur who opened his own stores in the early 2000s.
Oral History Interview with Mafruza Begum
Mafruza Begum is the owner of Mersiha Homecare Services LLC in Hamtramck, Michigan. She opened the business in 2014. She was inspired to open a homecare service after her father suffered from a stroke and was unable to find culturally sensitive and Bangla language homecare services for her father. She is one of metro Detroit's Bangladeshi Women Entrepreneurs.
Oral History Interview with Tamanna Choudhury
Tamanna Choudhury is the business owner of Bengali Nastha Michigan. Tamanna creates homemade treats such as frozen samosas, rolls, kabobs, to order chicken roast, and specializes in making wedding taals. Tamanna says she wanted to generate income at home while she cared for her young children. Although she began making snacks for several years, she launched her Facebook page in 2015.
Photographs of Tania Begum, Co-owner of Community Rx Pharmacy, and Staff
Tania Begum was inspired to become a pharmacist, following in her father's footsteps to serve the community in healthcare. In 2013 she and co-owner Mahbubur Motlib opened Community Rx Pharmacy in Warren, Michigan, to serve the growing Bangladeshi community and other diverse communities.
Oral History Interview with Tania Begum
Tania Begum was inspired to become a pharmacist, following in her father's footsteps to serve the community in healthcare. In 2013 she and co-owner Mahbubur Motlib opened Community Rx Pharmacy in Warren, Michigan, to serve the growing Bangladeshi community and other diverse communities.
Oral History Interview with Begum Rafique
Begum Rafique is an owner of Ummah Fashion and Ummah Outfitter, family owned businesses. She was selling Bangladeshi and Islamic clothing for 17 years out of her home before opening her storefront. Begum opened Ummah Fashion in 2018 in Hamtramck, Michigan.
Oral History Interview with Shamsun Nehar
Shamsun Nehar began her business Cakes by Lucky in 2014 after baking for her friends and family. She learned cake decorating as a creative outlet from her day job as a senior software engineer for the engineering company Continental Automotive.
Oral History Interview with Muntaha Qureshi
Muntaha Qureshi is an event decorator in metro Detroit. She opened her business Bridal Insignia in 2014, first in Virginia and then later moving it to Michigan. Muntaha studied fashion design, and later worked in corporate offices in supply chain.
