‘There is a long way to go and I’m on my way’

Maria Khan, founder of the girls group named “Ongona” and an entrepreneur, recently sat down for an exclusive interview, sharing her working experiences and different sights of her life which are given below.

Hello, how are you?
Maria Khan: Hello, I'm fine.

What’s your full name and nickname?
Maria Khan:  My original name is Jannatul Maria but on social media platforms I'm known as Maria khan and my nicknames are Tuglu and Maru.

From where you finished your S.S.C and H.S.C?
I completed my SSC in 2010 from Monipur High School and HSC from Dhaka Commerce College in 2012.

Where and in which subject you are studying currently ?
Maria Khan:  I completed my undergraduation from Brac University and right now I’m doing an MBA from North South University.

Where are you working right now?
Maria Khan:  I am working as a Marketing Manager at Shodagor.Com.

Where you used to live in your childhood? Tell us one memorable story from your childhood!
Maria Khan:  Since childhood I used to live in Mirpur. One memorable story would be while I got a chance in Monipur High School, I got a surprise because I wasn’t expecting that really as I didn’t take much preparation for it.

Do you want to give any advice to an 18 years old yourself?
Maria Khan:  One advice I would like to give her is, choose your career or anything you like.  Don’t go for what your parents want.

I was a student of science background but I never understood mathematics and physics much well. That’s why I didn't get GPA 5 in S.S.C. But when I changed my background from science to commerce I really did well and got GPA 5. But till now I am happy with my decision and also regret why I took science at that time.

Is there anything that you wanted to achieve from your childhood and now you have got that? If yes, then what is that and how do you achieve that?
Maria Khan: I always wanted to be a public speaker or be someone who can motivate or influence people. So, I don't really think that I achieved it properly. But there is a long way to go and I’m on my way.

In this moment we all know we have got some precious free time. So, what are you doing this time? Are you doing something productive? Share it with us! We would love to know your activities.
Maria Khan: During this quarantine, I try to help my mother. Mostly I spend time with my parents and try to perform 5 time prayers. Besides that, I launched an Eid Promotional Campaign for 20 online entrepreneurs from ONGONA whose business really hampers this time. Also, I try to post or do lives on awareness related topics like that.

What is your dream job?
Maria Khan: I want to be a successful entrepreneur.

I see you are the founder of a very popular girls group named “Ongona”. Since when did you think to open that group? And what is the main purpose of that group?
Maria Khan: In 2018 on 23rd March I opened ONGONA. As I said I wanted to be a public speaker, so I really want to do helpful things for online entrepreneurs and make a community for girls where they can share their happiness, problems, lifestyle or help for anything.

Also, I want to contribute positivity in this society through ONGONA and I try to change some negative opinions and myths as well.

Since you are a fashion blogger and you have a shop too. There you design the clothes by your own. When you opened your shop? And who inspired you the most behind that?
Maria Khan:  My khalamoni (Aunt) inspired me to open a page which is now “The Femina Store” and she is my co-partner as well. Me and khalamoni always love to wear customized dresses and our family members and friends always appreciate it. One time we felt why not we open our own shop. Till now its online base but Inshaallah one day we will go offline and store-based too.

You are a social media influencer, everyday you have to face so many questions and stuff. But did you ever face any negativity? If yes, then how did you fight against them?
Maria Khan:  We get so much love and respect. So, compared to this the negativity portion is not a matter for me but yes I can’t deny that we face negativity like sometimes people feel jealous of us without any reason or they comment on us without having any idea.

So, I would love to give answers positively to those negative persons and try to do more work, so that they will know that they were wrong. So, the best thing is just ignore them and keep silence is the best answer for me.

What do you like to do the most in your pastime?
Maria Khan: I loved to watch turkish series. Currently my favorite one is Ask laftan Anlamaz. Also, I do check my page, Instagram profile and yes going for hangouts with my friends.

After 10 years where do you want to see yourself?
Maria Khan: I want to be someone whose opinion or influence will take a person to be positive in every situation and yes I want to count myself as a most successful entrepreneur. Also, I want to have a happy family.

So, in series #30days30souls you are one of those 30 people. How do feel to take part in this?
Maria Khan:  I feel honoured and glad to share my story with 29 inspiring ones. Thank you as well for considering me as capable of this.

And also, there are 29 more people like you who are passionate about their work and doing great for the world. Do you want to give any message to them?
Maria Khan: I want to say to them, “Be humble as much as possible. When you get success, be passionate about your work until your death.

 

Dhaka/Mukul