Bangladeshi Trailblazers

What does it take to build Bangladesh's premium handcrafted chocolate brand from scratch? In this episode, we explore the journey behind Affanium Chocolate , from sourcing exceptional ingredients to educating a new generation of artisan chocolate lovers. We also discuss entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and the future of premium food brands in Bangladesh.

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers , Tasnim sat down with Nilima Khan , the co-founder of Khushi Spice, to explore her journey from ambition to entrepreneurship. We discuss the realities of building a food brand, preserving cultural heritage through cuisine, navigating expectations from family and society, and what it truly takes to turn a passion into a sustainable business. Nilima share...

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, Zarrin Tasnim shared her journey from being an engineering graduate to building a career in supply chain and safety at a multinational company while simultaneously launching her clothing brand, Z Atelier. Zarrin shares the realities of balancing a demanding corporate career with entrepreneurship, navigating creativity alongside structure, and building a...

In this episode, Tasnim Hasan sat down with  Mohammad Karim , a dedicated footballer and rising sportsperson representing the spirit of Bangladesh on and off the field. The host and the guest explored what it truly means to build a career in football in Bangladesh, the sacrifices behind the scenes, and his vision for the future of sports in the country. This episode is a powerful reminder that tra...

In this episode, host Tasnim Hasan sits down with Saadiyah Khan, the founding partner of Beige & Co., a minimalist daily wear brand redefining elegance and comfort in Bangladesh's fashion landscape. Saadiyah shares her journey from launching her own ethnic clothing label in 2017 to identifying an untapped gap in the market for thoughtfully designed, everyday wear. She opens up about the ph...

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, host Tasnim Hasan sits down with Elius, serial entrepreneur and one of the founding forces behind Pathao, to unpack what it really takes to build companies from Bangladesh, and beyond. From starting Pathao in 2015 with no experience and no ecosystem, to navigating the realities of ride-sharing markets, Elius reflects on why many startups hit a ceiling i...

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers , we sit down with Taneem Taldar , a seasoned product leader who spent a decade at Amazon and has worked across Microsoft, BlackBerry, and multiple startups. From growing up across African countries to studying at the University of Waterloo, and eventually breaking into some of the world’s most competitive tech companies, Taneem shares an honest, behind-...

In this inspiring episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, host Tasnim Hasan sat down with Anil Wasif, Co-Founder of BacharLorai, a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering the Bangladeshi diaspora. With a strong record of cross-sector leadership and a lifetime of community service, Anil balances roles as a senior civil servant in the Ontario Government and serves on boards at University of Toronto an...

Bangladeshi Trailblazers introduces the Health & Fitness series in collaboration with Nutrition Depot. Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is an authorized distributor of high-quality sports supplements. They've made it their mission to provide 100% authentic, safe, and effective products, directly sourced from world-class brands. They're not just selling supplements; they're promoting a he...

Bangladeshi Trailblazers introduces the Health & Fitness series in collaboration with Nutrition Depot. Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is an authorized distributor of high-quality sports supplements. They've made it their mission to provide 100% authentic, safe, and effective products, directly sourced from world-class brands. They're not just selling supplements; they're promoting a healthier life...

Bangladeshi Trailblazers introduces the Health & Fitness series in collaboration with Nutrition Depot. Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is an authorized distributor of high-quality sports supplements. They've made it their mission to provide 100% authentic, safe, and effective products, directly sourced from world-class brands. They're not just selling supplements; they're promoting a healthier life...

In this episode, meet Jahnnobi Rahman , the visionary behind Relaxy , who is redefining what mental wellness means for today’s generation. In this episode, she opens up about her path from burnout to building a mindful movement for the people of Bangladesh. We talked about resilience, entrepreneurship, and the courage to slow down in a fast world. Listen to the episode to know more!

Urmi Hossain — an Italian Bangladeshi finance professional in Montreal — joins the Bangladeshi Trailblazers Podcast . From being a third culture adult to hosting Stories Beyond Borders , she shares how identity and belonging shape her journey.

In this empowering episode, we sit down with Monoshita Ayruani — founder of SHAPE , Bangladesh’s very own body-positive, inclusive innerwear brand. From redefining what comfort means in women’s innerwear to challenging societal norms around body image, Ayruani shares the inspiration behind SHAPE and her mission to help women embrace their bodies unapologetically. Tune in for real talk on entrepren...

Kashfy Ahsan’s story is one of evolution, creativity, and passion. Starting with a foundation in literature, Kashfy honed her ability to weave intricate tales and capture human experiences through words. This literary background became the springboard for her career in advertising, where she learned to blend storytelling with strategy, creating campaigns that resonated with audiences far and wide....

In this episode, Tasnim Hasan spoke to Asad Sattar about on ARKA Collective, a creative platform founded by him in 2023. ARKA aims to shift the narrative from "Made in Bangladesh" to "Designed in Bangladesh," empowering local designers and promoting cultural preservation. Known for its flagship event, Arka Fashion Week, the collective highlights sustainability and innovation in Bangladeshi fashion...

Nerissa Nashin is redefining beauty standards in Bangladesh—one flawless, true-to-skin makeup look at a time. As a makeup artist at Studio Salon and co-founder of Freya Makeover & Salon, she champions true-to-complexion beauty with every brushstroke. Her work goes beyond brushes and palettes; it’s a bold stand against colorism, proving that every shade deserves to be seen, celebrated, and serv...

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers , we sit down with Rash Cotts, the Bengali barber based in New York City. From perfecting his craft in barbershops to building a clientele, Rash shares his journey of perseverance, and redefining the barbering experience.

In this episode, I sat down with the main brain of Dhaka Flow, Shazia Flow. Listen to this episode to find out how Dhaka flow started with its mission to make wellness, and mindfulness the core of its conception.

In this episode, I got into a conversation with Maliha Bhuiyan about wearing your WZN. The brand focuses on heritage jewelry and plans on expanding with clothing line to celebrate body positivity too! Listen to this episode to know more about the brand and her 2025 plans.

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, Tasnim Hasan interviewed Ishtiaque Mahmud, a Kyokushin Karate practitioner and advocate for holistic wellness. Representing Kyokushinkaikan, Ishtiaque combines martial arts with yoga practices from Yogkulam, emphasizing mind-body alignment. He also draws inspiration from the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, focusing on inner peace and self-realization....

In this episode, we dive into a critical yet often overlooked topic—women's reproductive wellbeing in Bangladesh. Listen to the episode with Ronika Karmaker , founder of Lilac Digital Wellness , a platform dedicated to empowering women through digital tools for better reproductive health and overall wellbeing. From breaking taboos to fostering awareness about menstruation, and sexual health, Ronik...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains explicit content, including discussions of sex and mature themes. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If these topics may be triggering or uncomfortable for you, we encourage you to prioritize your well-being and skip this episode. Thank you for listening responsibly. Bushra Apa, a pioneering Bengali sex educator based in New York, joined the  Bangladesh...

Shadman Sakif, an MMA expert making waves in the global mixed martial arts scene. A Bangladeshi powerhouse, he is known for his relentless discipline, innovative techniques, and inspiring journey in a sport still gaining recognition in his homeland. Shadman has represented Bangladesh on international platforms, breaking stereotypes and pushing boundaries. His commitment to empowering aspiring athl...

In this inspiring episode, Tasnim Hasan sat down with Gulnahar Mahbub Monika from Deshi Ballers to explore the journey behind the organization's creation. From breaking barriers to fostering a community of empowered athletes, we dive into the challenges they’ve faced and their bold vision for the future of women's basketball in Bangladesh. Don’t miss this deep dive into passion, perseverance, and...