Bangladeshi Instagram Bloggers Taking the World by Strom
Instagram is more than just a social media site to skim through pictures, it is a hub bursting with ideas and creativity. To some, it has become synonymous with a blog, while others see it is a platform to spread knowledge and daily tips, and the Bangladeshi community is no different. But according to Anisha Hassan what makes this bunch of women truly exceptional is their ability to juggle life outside their home countries, managing jobs and families, all the while maintaining the most amazing and informational Instagram feeds.
Aydha Mehnaz
IG:
Aydha is a Bangladeshi who is currently based in Paris. Her Instagram feed can be seen as a warm canvas with lots of fashion inspiration and occasional pieces of her Parisian life.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a Bangladeshi fashion creative and communications specialist based in Paris. I am currently finishing up my master’s degree in International fashion and luxury brand management at ESMOD Paris. On a national level, I formerly worked as a fashion marketing executive for Sailor by Epyllion for a long time and now often contribute as a creative consultant for their marketing strategies.
What was your inspiration behind your Instagram blog?
Although I used to be quite active in blogging, I have not been very active in updating it, to be honest. Therefore, naturally, I turn to Instagram to share my daily life, my style and what inspires me in terms of art, culture, places and people.
How do you perceive the Bangladeshi Instagram community that is evolving?
It is amazing to see so many emerging creatives in the Bangladeshi scene right now, however, I would really encourage anyone, whether they have been around for years or just starting out, to really explore how to define your own personal style instead of following the trends out there…
Which photo would you describe as your most-loved Instagram photo, and the story behind it?
This picture was a self-portrait! I took this picture using an iPhone attached to a tripod at a street corner at the Le Marais district in Paris. I was on my way to meet a friend for coffee, and my outfit reminded me of house Slytherin! Nothing special about this really but I really love this anecdote.
When not on Instagram, you can be found doing?
On weekdays working as a communications assistant for the French luxury fashion house of Mugler and sleeping on the weekends.
One thing which Bangladesh has but the country you currently live in does not?
The food and the people I love!
How would you describe your go-to style?
Understated, comfortable and always in a suit jacket.
One fashion piece you cannot live without, and why?
My jersey scarves and white converse!
Afsana Islam Tatum
IG- afsana.i.makeup
Afsana resides in Australia, and a feed full of vibrant and beautiful makeup looks, plus a heap of fashion inspiration is what you get when you visit Afsana’s IG account.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m just a simple girl originally from Chittagong. I’m currently living in Canberra, Australia and this has been my home for the last 8 years. When I’m not doing my day job as a Lending Specialist at a bank, I am pursuing my passion for makeup and fashion with my growing Instagram blog
What was your inspiration behind your Instagram blog?
My passion for makeup and fashion is inspired by my mom. She is a very artistic person, and I think she has great taste. My friends and my husband have also really pushed me to share my work on social media. Currently, I am focusing more on fashion on my Instagram blog and I have seen some great response. A couple of my inspirations from Instagram is Samatha Maria, Tamara Kalinic and Karen Brit Chick.
How do you perceive the Bangladeshi Instagram community that is evolving?
The Bangladeshi Instagram community is having a fantastic run! I follow some brilliant Bangladeshi bloggers with really great content.
Which photo would you describe as your most-loved Instagram photo, and the story behind it?
It’s very hard to choose one but it will have to be a picture my husband took of me with just the iPhone X at a Tulip Farm. It’s me among some beautiful cherry blossoms and I love how he was able to capture this beautiful but unexplained emotion on my face.
When not on Instagram, you can be found doing?
If I’m not on Instagram, that means I’m either working, binge-watching Netflix, cooking, hanging out with friends, or reading a book! I love crime and supernatural shows or movies and crime or spy novels!
One thing which Bangladesh has but the country you currently live in does not?
The food! You can get Bangladeshi food here, but it’s just never the same! Whether it’s ‘fuchka’, ‘shorshe ilish’ or ‘biriyani’, it’s just not the same here! I also miss being able to fully enjoy the cultural events or having time off during Eid!
How would you describe your signature go-to makeup?
Currently, my go-to makeup look is a lot of warm matte shades for the eyes, sometimes I’ll add a champagne or gold shimmer on the lids, wings if I have time, and a nude brown or terracotta lip.
One makeup product you cannot live without?
My ABH Brow Wiz for sure!
Samira Ahmed
IG: the.millennial.ma
Samira Ahmed currently resides in the United Kingdom. Parenthood, tips and tricks, and the rawest and real motherhood experiences is what you see on Samira’s IG account.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a writer at heart, an Air Traffic Control Engineer by profession. I have an 8-month-old son who is the light and love of our lives. My husband, Bubs and I live in Southampton, UK.
What was your inspiration behind your Instagram blog?
I have dabbled in blogging before The Millennial Ma. I started a travel and food-based blog a few years ago but as they say, it takes a few tries before you find your niche in the blogging world. When I became pregnant with my child and started following mommy bloggers on Instagram, I fell in love with the awesome community. I found support for moms that lacked in my immigrant life. It was powerful and I wanted to be a part of it.
How do you perceive the Bangladeshi Instagram community that is evolving?
It is booming. I was lucky to spend two months of my maternity leave in Bangladesh and meet some of the amazing bloggers who are taking the Dhaka scene to new heights. More and more brands are recognizing the value of Instagram marketing. Likewise, more creative minds are coming out to blog. It’s exciting times.
Which photo would you describe as your most-loved Instagram photo, and the story behind it?
This photo was taken during the autumn season in England. I love babywearing and have done so since my baby boy was a newborn. In the early days, they love cuddles and generally want to be close to their moms so I would wear this often while doing almost everything around the house. I posted this picture as a throwback a few weeks ago. I was sad that my baby had outgrown the sling. We have moved onto a sturdier one but it’s nowhere near as comfy. And of course, he is heavier too. These babies grow up crazy quick.
When not on Instagram, you can be found doing?
Taking care of my baby – he is a handful. There is room for little else these days but if and when I find some quiet time, I will bury myself in a book.
One thing which Bangladesh has but the country you currently live in does not?
The time for bikaler nasta. In UK people dine by 5-6 pm. Great for metabolism, horribly hard to sync with Bengali lifestyle.
What new thing did you learn about yourself after becoming a mother?
I can move mountains for my son.
One important parenting lesson you learned and would want to pass on?
I am still new at this parenthood thing – I am learning new lessons every day. I would like to pass on a reminder instead, a reminder I got often and cannot agree with more. ‘The nights may be long, but the years are short. Hold your little ones tight, for they won’t be little for long.’
Nawrin
IG: life__happened
While living in Canada Nawrin takes it to Instagram to showcase the juggles of a working mother with a strong passion for creativity, yet acing it all beautifully.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Firstly, I’m a mom to my only child and wife to a caring husband who is literally the backbone of my support system. I am also a full-time insurance professional and I’ve been living in Windsor, Canada for almost 12 years. My guilty pleasure is anything salty and savoury with a touch of Netflix. I am addicted to coffee and British murder mysteries. My new found love is photography and I’m a little obsessed about my daughter. Despite it being so difficult to juggle my job, home, family, social commitments and blogging, I ALWAYS find the time to create contents because, at the end of the day, blogging quenches by thirst for creativity and makes my creative soul happy.
What was your inspiration behind your Instagram blog?
Well as cliché as it sounds, I wanted to start a blog to document my motherhood journey but then when I started looking into it, I felt so intimidated and was so consumed by the fear of failure that it took me 4 years to gather the courage to finally launch my blog. But my fear was groundless; as I realized that to be successful in blogging, you don’t need to be better than anyone, you just need to be consistent and create good quality contents that reflect the real YOU. Even though initially I started blogging with the aim of sharing my mom life, but over time it has evolved so much as now I share everything from my motherhood moments, home décor and outfit inspos, recipes, our travels and so much more.
How do you perceive the Bangladeshi Instagram community that is evolving?
Oh, I am very optimistic about the Bangladeshi Instagram community as it clearly has come a long way in the last 2 years. I see more and more focus on quality photos with a good composition which is definitely the foundation of creating good contents.
Which photo would you describe as your most-loved Instagram photo, and the story behind it?
This photo of me and Imaan taken during the apple picking season last fall is my most favourite. I loved how her eyes lit up each time she spotted an apple.
When not on Instagram, you can be found doing?
I work 9-5, Mon-Fri and I’m a mom lol so when I’m not on Instagram, I’m basically adulting, no flashy life here guys.
One thing which Bangladesh has but the country you currently live in does not?
Warm weather!!
One home décor trend you absolutely love, and one you dislike.
Love everything wicker, rattan, seagrass when it comes to furniture, loving the tribal patterns on fabrics and rugs and I’m obsessed with indoor plants and I definitely do not like mirrored furniture.
A tip to get life together for busy women like you.
Use the reminder option on your phone to keep track of all your events and appointments by setting up a reminder at least 24 hours before the actual event so you have time to prepare and definitely meal prep!
Fehma Munazza
IG: gelatoandmanolos
Fehma is a bookworm and traveller at heart living in Canada, and her feed about books, travel and more isn’t only pretty to look at, but just as informative.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am Fehma, a girl in her twenties who crunches numbers and builds massive financial spreadsheets during the day. At night, I wrap myself in a blanket and watch movies, read books, and share my stories with the world on my blog and Instagram. I love travelling and immersing myself in new experiences, different cultures and hearing stories of people from all walks of life. I am also crazy for gelato, shoes, and a bit of fashion here and there.
What was your inspiration behind your Instagram blog?
Instagram is just a complimentary vehicle for my WordPress blog “Gelato and Manolos”. The Instagram profile exists to create traffic for my more traditional blog. As for inspiration, I wanted to share my life and travel experiences with the world to help like-minded people plan their perfect vacation, read great books, and share great fashion finds. It’s just my way of helping individuals like myself whilst channelling my creativity.
How do you perceive the Bangladeshi Instagram community that is evolving?
It’s applaudable how there are so many Bangladeshi women and men making great use of this micro-blogging platform to promote themselves, their passions, and their budding businesses. We’ve just scratched the surface and I can’t wait to see how this community evolves further.
Which photo would you describe as your most-loved Instagram photo, and the story behind it?
There are so many! But if I had to choose one from my current Instagram feed, then it has to be this photo of me in a random Toronto alley in front of some colourful graffiti. My husband and I were out for brunch and just happened to come across this wonderful backdrop. We couldn’t help but stop for some photos.
When not on Instagram, you can be found doing?
Eating, reading, or crunching numbers in my amazing finance job
One thing which Bangladesh has but the country you currently live does not?
Bangladeshi food obviously! Nowhere can they make such scrumptious Fuchka or mouth-watering Kacchi Biryani.
One destination everyone needs to visit and why?
Italy! Rich history, flavorful food, colourful people, and breathtaking views– what else do you need?
One travelling tip you would want to share and one item that you would never travel without.
Plan, plan and plan ahead. But if your plan falls through, then accept it happily and move on to enjoy the next best thing. A pair of all-white sneakers – versatile and comfortable.
By Anisha Hassan
