Embracing It All: The Inspiring Journey of Peya Jannatul
In the world of high fashion and empowerment, a timeless debate rages on: Can a woman truly have it all? These questions, often laced with doubt, echo through our society—Can she have it all? Should she have it all? The elusive “all” encompasses a delicate balancing act between excelling in domestic responsibilities and making a mark in the professional arena. The implicit question lingers: Can a woman truly enjoy freedom, empowerment, and the love of her family all at once? For many women, it’s an enigma; for some, a distant dream. But then there are those remarkable individuals who defy the norm, shattering glass ceilings and achieving unprecedented success on both personal and professional fronts. Jannatul Ferdoush Peya is one such woman, an embodiment of boldness and beauty.
Defying the Odds: Breaking Barriers and Setting Standards
Peya Jannatul’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From her crowning moment as Miss Bangladesh 2007 to gracing the prestigious cover of Vogue India alongside other South Asian models, and even making waves in the headlines in her bikini, Peya has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.
Today, as a full-time advocate, entrepreneur, and devoted mother of a two-and-a-half-year-old son, Peya continues to challenge herself in various roles. When asked which role she finds most daunting, her response is classic Peya, delivered with unwavering confidence: “I think the role of an entrepreneur is the most challenging of all because one has to constantly think about sustaining the business as well as scaling it to the next level.”
“They’ve seen their grandmothers, mothers, and sisters do it for generations. After fulfilling everyone’s wishes, they’re left with little time for themselves. Self-love is a concept missing from their vocabulary, and that’s why I advocate for it.”
Peya Jannatul
Endurance Amidst Challenges: The Lavish Boutique Salon
In 2019, Peya embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by co-founding Lavish Boutique Salon. The COVID-19 pandemic brought its own set of lessons, testing the resilience of businesses worldwide. For Peya, her journey from a female model outside Dhaka to a prominent media figure laid a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit. However, scaling up in the post-COVID era presented unique challenges, which Peya and her team have overcome with grace and determination. What sets Lavish apart is Peya’s unwavering commitment to using organic and herbal materials in her salon. She firmly states, “The biggest challenge is sourcing these materials from trustworthy vendors. We have decided not to compromise on quality or the authenticity of the products.”
With a growing clientele and a well-established brand identity, Lavish is already making waves in the tri-state area.
The Power of Multitasking: Advocate, Entrepreneur, Mother
What sets Peya apart from her peers is her commitment to excellence in a multitude of roles. Beyond her successful business ventures, she also practices law at the high court and collaborates closely with the esteemed Barrister Syed Sayedul Haque (Sumon), a vocal advocate for social equality. When asked about this enriching experience, Peya enthusiastically shares, “It’s indeed a wonderful experience. I learn something new from my mentor every day. Our shared passion for media and aligned thoughts make our work together seamless.”
Juggling these diverse roles, especially for someone residing in the bustling Gulshan area, entails daunting commutes to the High Court. But for Peya, who pours her heart and soul into everything she does, it’s just another chore. As she puts it, “I have chosen this path for myself, and dedication is my mantra for seamlessly shifting between these roles.”
The Role Closest to Her Heart: Motherhood
When asked which role resonates most deeply with her, Peya’s eyes light up with a radiant smile. “Of course, the role of a mother,” she declares with unmistakable warmth. Peya chose to embrace motherhood at the pinnacle of her modeling and acting career, even as the brand ambassador of TRESemmé, a renowned name in hair care and styling associated with New York Fashion Week. “It was the best decision of my life,” she reflects. The pure bliss she finds in returning to her son after a long day’s work is a sensation every woman yearns for. “He is my first priority, no matter what,” she asserts with unwavering love.
The Art of Self-Love: Nurturing Inner Peace
In a world where women are often expected to make endless sacrifices and prioritize everyone else’s happiness, Peya champions the concept of self-love. “Women have been celebrated as caretakers, always putting others before themselves,” she observes. “They’ve seen their grandmothers, mothers, and sisters do it for generations. After fulfilling everyone’s wishes, they’re left with little time for themselves. Self-love is a concept missing from their vocabulary, and that’s why I advocate for it.”
Peya’s most treasured possession is her inner peace, and she refuses to compromise it for anything in the world. She meticulously considers every decision, ensuring it adds value to her life without disturbing her serene core.
Breaking Stereotypes: A Trailblazer in Male-Dominated Fields
Peya’s resilience extends beyond her modeling and business ventures. In September 2018, she proudly became the brand ambassador for Yamaha Motorcycles Bangladesh. She hosted cricket matches in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in 2017 and 2018, gaining immense popularity. Her outstanding performance in these roles led to an invitation to present at the ICC 2019 Cricket World Cup, making her the first Bangladeshi to work as a presenter in the ICC World Cup.
These domains, often perceived as male-dominated, posed no challenge too great for Peya. “I firmly believe I am as capable as any male counterpart,” she boldly states. “I should not limit myself to predefined roles. Many girls seek advice on modeling and career development, and I always tell them the same thing: Don’t let societal stigmas and pressure deter you. We’ve made great strides, and we will continue to do so.”
The Ultimate Question: Can a Woman Have It All?
As we near the end of our interview, we revisit the ultimate conundrum that framed our discussion: Can a woman truly have it all? In response, Peya radiates optimism and conviction, “They deserve to have it all, and with a good strategy, unwavering focus, and relentless hard work, there’s nothing in this world that a woman cannot achieve.”
Peya Jannatul’s journey is a testament to the boundless potential within every woman. Her life story inspires us to pursue our dreams relentlessly, reminding us that with dedication and passion, we can indeed have it all.
