Grumpy Fish: Business that runs with passion

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

From '90s literature to hip TV series, Grumpy Fish caters to an audience who are interested in pop-culture. Nobonita Roy and Samia Binte Alamgir are the two originators behind this clothing brand. They won the New Entrepreneur's Award 2017 by the entrepreneurs helping platform, Chakri Khujbo Na, Chakri Debo. The passion for their work sparkles in their eyes as they speak to Star Youth about their journey.

 Nobonita identifies books to be the common thread between them. "We both are bibliophiles," chuckles Nobonita. Her playful attitude is a sheer contrast beside the more serious Samia. Samia explains that it is the nature of humans to associate with others with common interests. However, in their case, the difference in background has helped them grow better.

To decide on a design, they bank on their instincts a lot. Nobonita says, "We've never sold a T-shirt that we weren't passionate about." But of course, the risks are well calculated.

These young millennials believe that, the youth of Bangladesh have a lot to offer to this land. What really anchored them to their work is their interest in the subject and their passion to hold on to it.

Being female entrepreneurs in this male driven industry is not a cake walk. According to them, patience, passion, perseverance, research and communication skills are the five things one must possess to start a business. The passionate souls are not ignorant of their social responsibilities. They share their profit with a number of social development organisations too.

For those who always thought why it's called "Grumpy Fish", you will have to wait. The super duo intend to reveal the secret on their tenth anniversary.