With only 2,500 taka in her pocket, Rona Begum began her small business. She also had a sewing machine from her sister. She attended a six-month vocational training run by the Department of Youth Development before that. Rona's Utsab Tailors Training and Sales Centre began in 1997.

Fifteen years later, she now owns a small production house of fashion garments. Traditional items, block print works and embroidery are done at her production house. “Despite serious trouble in my personal life, I worked very hard to survive," said Rona.

She supported herself by working at three places. At a time she worked at a local diagnostic centre, at a private medical college, as well as at her own training and boutique centre. She continued this till 2007.

“At first, I got almost no support from my family. Instead, I faced objections. But I'm happy now and busy with my business. The atmosphere at home has also changed," said Rona.

Ms Rona has just started several more commercial projects with partners. She decided to expand business earlier. But she did not get support from any bank or financial institutions. Then she joined the Women Business Forum (WBF), Sylhet and things started to change. At present, she is the General Secretary of WBF, Sylhet.

In the last 15 years, Rona received much appreciation and a number of awards. Along with other awards, she received Jatiya Juba Padak in 2012. (adapted from The Daily Star.)