The Spirited Duo of Moar
Nabila Nowrin and Nahid Sharmin bagged The Rising Star Award for their immaculate venture, Moar. These inspiring young women tell Tunajina Islam of Colors’all about their journey till’ now and how they came about this progressive idea.
A dream turned reality
Being young and full of dreams in Dhaka, two young girls set out to pursue a great business opportunity. Nabila Nowrin and Nahid Sharmin’s tale goes way back when they were both just university students. Nabila had been working for a start-up design studio with a friend, but at the time with a low budget of just BDT15 000, finding an office space that feels safe enough for a girl and efficient enough for collaborative work was merely impossible. During her postgrad studies, she was sent to Brazil for a temporary work term and that’s when she was first introduced the notion of ‘a co-working space’. “If I had known about this simple solution of a co-working space a few years earlier my problems back then could’ve been solved and, things could’ve been different now” Nabila says. This sparked a passion in her to bring this idea to Bangladesh essentially to service and support small start-ups who might be in dire need of something like this just like she once was.
moved back to Dhaka, determined to execute her ongoing plan. Nabila approached Nahid to become partners in this venture since Nahid had also been introduced to similar ideas of a co-working space and was indeed a great friend. They both decided to fully invest themselves in this new venture and even quit their jobs at the time to make sure they can give their 100%. “We didn’t have much of a plan at first. We just learned on the go and tackled it one step at a time” they state. This co-working space now known as Moar is the topmost co-working space in Dhaka. The result of all the effort, hard work and determination put in by these young women who risked it all for their dream.
The core of Moar
Moar caters to anyone and everyone who needs an office space. They categorize themselves as a hospitality business as they offer co-working desks, office suites, meeting rooms, locker space, etc. “When starting a business you have to initially think about all the little things like space, air-conditioning, staff, cleaning and more, but we want to take away these hassles so you can focus on the core of the business and thrive,” they added. Their biggest break yet was when Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Al-Jazeera+ did a big event, Digital Kichri, at Moar.
“Receiving this award is such a great honor”, they said, “but even though it is labeled as “women’s” business awards, we hope that we are being merited for our business regardless of our gender. We strongly believe we can compete amongst everyone on all levels.” Nahid and Nabila truly are an embodiment of strong-headed women who don’t care for social stereotypes or labels. They thrive on the power of ‘believing in yourself’. Nevertheless, family support is something you can never have enough of. Nabila and Nahid emphasized the support which they got endlessly from their parents, spouses, siblings and even in-laws.
“The great thing about Moar is that if you give it 1%, you get 10% back. Which has always been the case.”
How we tackle challenges:
- “Having a friend as a partner is a blessing,” Nabila added. Nahid mentions the importance of being considerate towards your partner to avoid problems in the workplace. “We have new challenges every day, but first making sure the other is emotionally okay is essential to overcoming them” she states. Come what may.
- A 3rd eye is crucial in spotting flaws and mistakes that you and your team may not be able to see. Nabila mentions her husband being that 3rd eye who gives his honest opinion and constructive criticism to the both of them. “As harsh as he may be, he is always right to tell us what we need to heard.” Taking negatives and turning them into opportunities of growth is how I always help myself improve.
- Last but not least, be persistent. You cannot half-ass anything if you want to see major results. “The great thing about Moar is that if you give it 1%, you get 10% back. Which has always been the case.”
