Shamima Nabi is a successful name in our fashion industry. Her own brand Nabila has been acclaimed nationally and internationally. This talented designer is working hard for a long time with Bangladeshi fashion and trying so hard to popularize it in international arena. Today she talked about her journey, hardship and future plans with The Daily OShamima Nabi: A successful name in fashion industry
Earliest journey to become a designer...
When I was a child, like others I loved to play with dolls. I remember I had approximately 150 dolls. I dolled up my dolls with my own designed cloths. Maybe the seed of becoming a designer was sowed in my mind then.
Tell us something about your childhood...
I was born in Rajshahi but my upbringing was in Dhaka. My father was a government employee and mother was a homemaker. I am the second among my eight siblings. As I said earlier, making clothes was like addiction for me; this addiction made me a fashion conscious persona. I befriended my mother's sewing machine. I never thought that hemming and stitching would become a passion for me. I got married when I was only 16. You would be amazed to know that I brought my dolls to my in-laws' house.
Life after marriage...
I passed my HSC examination from Adamjee Cantonment College. I had to take pause from my studies as I stepped into motherhood at a very early age. However, I never stopped. I finished my studies.
The first phase of your career
My earliest business started from home. In the 80s, garments industry was not very successful. There were not plenty of opportunities like today. Expert workers and designers were not available then. Even the facilities were limited. Particularly these were the major obstacles I had faced. I had to work hard a lot. But I must say that my hard work had been paid off. I succeeded swiftly and it was the turning point of my life. But I had to take pause again as my daughter Nabila was born.
The birth of your brain child Nabila...
After taking a short maternity leave, I started working. I am a workaholic person so it is hard for me keep distance from my work. There were only 15 workers with me. I used to make clothes with screen print and hand embroidery. Then I hit upon a plan that why not I open a showroom? I remember many people laughed at me and taunted me! Their mockery became my inspiration. I was obstinate and finally I did it and Nabila set sail on her voyage in 1997. I always ensure the best quality of the products. I believe in 'buy less and choose well' philosophy. A good product lasts long. My products are also reasonable as I target customers from different socio-economic backgrounds.
Now Nabila has three showrooms. Recently our new flagship store has been inaugurated. Nabila is not only celebrated in Bangladeshi market but also in international arena. Nevertheless, we are still working very hard to improve our standard. Especially my daughter Nabila has a big dream to expand our business.
Your strength and inspiration...
My biggest inspiration is my family. My husband has guided me all the time. I must say without his support things would have fallen apart.
Future plan...
In every corner of the world, we see that clothes with 'made in Bangladesh' tagline are used by different brands but there is no such brand in Bangladesh. Now our dream is to turn Nabila into an International clothing brand. I want to spread Bengali fashion and culture in every edge of the world. I want it to be appreciated as an international brand.
