Working Hard with Grace Beverley

Ep.56 From Homelessness to a Multimillion £ Brand: Founder Rokeya Khanum's Truly Incredible Story

12 snips
Oct 2, 2023
From teenage homelessness to founding a multimillion £ brand, Rokeya Khanum shares her incredible journey of resilience and success. She discusses her struggles, determination, and turning pain into power. The podcast delves into the evolution of her luxury clothing brand, challenges in the fashion industry, and the importance of mentorship and networking in business.
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ANECDOTE

Turning Point: Homelessness To Education

  • Rokeya became homeless as a teen, had her son prematurely, and used that crisis as a turning point to return to education.
  • She studied English, law and politics, then law at university to prove she could overcome stigma as a teenage mother.
ANECDOTE

Business Born From 18 Months Unemployment

  • After 18 months unemployed Rokeya planned a business using a Virgin StartUp template and still accepted a job while building her brand as a side hustle.
  • Her motivation was survival and financial security, not romantic entrepreneurship ideals.
ANECDOTE

From Google To First Sample

  • Rokeya bypassed expensive local suppliers by emailing manufacturers in India, paid for a sample (~£180) and received it weeks later.
  • She used savings and favors for a DIY photoshoot and launched via influencer outreach from her phone in Nando's.
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