Did you ever wonder about the hands behind the intricate Eid ensembles, the delicious feasts, or the perfectly curated gifts? We see big brands dominate billboards and social media feeds; however, many formidable female entrepreneurs equally work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring festive joy to customers through their unique offerings. And for these women, entrepreneurship is not just about sales — it's about impact!

Truly, their efforts are not only enriching one of the most anticipated festivals for us but also in a broader sense, redefining the role of women in business.

Framing the essence of Eid

Thanks to the increasing accessibility of digital platforms, female entrepreneurs have found ways to balance personal space and professional ambitions. Women – no matter which business they are engaged in or where they are living – can now use social media, e-commerce platforms, and small business networks to showcase their talent and products.

Among the most profitable sectors during Eid are fashion, food, beauty, and home décor. But who would have thought photography, especially as a freelance profession, would equally thrive during this season? For freelance photographer Joyeeta Trisha, Eid is one of the busiest times of the year.

"I am at a photoshoot as we speak – truly this Eid season has been incredibly busy for me," shares Trisha. With brands and individuals eager to capture the essence of the festival, demand for professional photography soars. However, working solo means that Trisha has to manage everything – from bookings and shoots to editing and client communications – on her own.

She adds, "I've been receiving more work opportunities than I can handle and honestly, I am happy. While the pressure can be overwhelming at times, I am truly grateful for every project that comes my way."

Trisha has been mostly collaborating with medium-sized businesses. She views it as a fulfilling and rewarding choice, while many would have seen this as a limitation. "I don't measure success by the size of my clients but by their satisfaction. Whether I earn Tk 40,000 or Tk 10,000 for a project, I give my 100 per cent. If my clients are happy, I consider that true success," explains Trisha.

Moreover, as a female photographer, she acknowledges the challenges she faces in a competitive and often male-dominated industry. "There will always be people trying to undermine or discourage me, but I choose to stay focused on my work rather than the negativity around me," she asserts.

The sweet success

Again, Eid is synonymous with food and during this season the demand for homemade treats and gourmet delights soars, especially when it comes to iftar. As families seek out delicious and high-quality offerings without the hassle of making everything from scratch, several female-run food businesses experience a boom in sales – one of them being Cookie Craft BD – owned by Arifa Malik Bristy, who is also an architect.

Whereas major commercial bakeries flood the market with mass-produced treats, Bristy focuses on thoughtfully curated cookies that become a part of cherished Eid traditions, and according to her the true measure of success during Eid is not just financial profit but the role her products play in family celebrations.

She shares, "Success during Eid is about more than just making sales – it's about creating joy and being a part of cherished family traditions. At Cookie Craft BD, we take pride in knowing that our cookies contribute to the warmth and happiness of Eid gatherings."

Whether it is children excitedly unboxing DIY cookie kits or hosts offering their guests Bristy's premium assortments, the venture has come a long way since its inception. The main reason behind the success? "I would say it is the emotional connection with customers, making it more than just a business transaction," she answers.

Eid is naturally a time of hospitality and generosity where people seek out thoughtful gifts for their loved ones. Bristy informs that many of her clients purchase cookies as gifts for relatives, party hosts, and colleagues – making presentation and packaging just as important as taste.

She says, "Our assorted cookie boxes are among the best-selling items during Eid. Customers love that they come in beautifully packaged boxes, making them perfect gifts. Many buy multiple boxes to distribute among family, friends, and hosts when visiting during Eid."

While we usually associate iftar and Eid celebrations with indulgence, Bristy has also noticed an important shift in customer behaviour. "One of our most loved healthier options is our oatmeal cookies made with brown sugar and raisins. These cookies provide a naturally sweet, fibre-rich alternative that's both satisfying and nutritious," she informs.

Now, most of her clients are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional sweets and baked goods, indicating that more than ever home-baked delicacies are on the rise and so are female-run businesses!

Fashion with a personal touch

For many clothing brands, Eid might be a make-or-break season. From finding the perfect outfit to haggling over prices, customers are eager to find the best possible option. For Fahmida Faiza, the founder of Firo, Eid is not just about selling clothes – it's about building lasting relationships with customers through personalised services and unique designs.

Unlike mass-market fashion brands, Faiza aims to offer curated and exclusive collections that cater to a niche audience. Therefore, behind the success of her business lies not just high sales figures but the strong connections she builds with her customers.

She cheerfully informs, "I look forward to customer messages like 'Apu, aajke dawat e dress ta pore gesilam, everybody loved it.' Having this type of strong relationship with our customers is what I call success!"

With countless clothing brands in the market, staying relevant in the fashion industry is constantly becoming a challenge for small-scale business owners like Faiza.

Still, she perseveres, stating, "As the competition in this market is so high, it is tough to stay ahead. But at Firo, our approach has been to provide personalised assistance and customised collections. We are very selective with our releases before each festival or season, making sure our customers get something truly special."

The spirit of Eid entrepreneurship

As more women step into the entrepreneurial world, the Eid season appears to be a time of opportunity and growth. The rise of female-led businesses is not just about financial independence, it is equally about creating spaces where creativity, passion, and empowerment thrive.

Therefore, as we celebrate this festive season with our family and friends, let us also celebrate the women who are shaping the festive experience with their talent, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Their success stories should be a reminder for us that the spirit of Eid is not just about new clothes or delicious meals, it is about the resilience, ambition, and dreams that fuel these incredible female entrepreneurs who are working relentlessly.

Photo: Courtesy