Jonathan, Narinjara News, 11 October 2024

Kyaw Sein Thay Dolly, managing director of Clothes ‘R’Us Ltd, has been awarded the 'Outstanding Woman in Business 2023' honour. The Arakanese womanfrom Bangladesh was honoured at the 22nd Bangladesh Business Awards,reported The Daily Star on 10 October.

Dolly's recognition as the outstanding womanhighlights her resilience and determination in overcoming adversity.

Born in Patharghata of  Chittagong locality and brought up in Cox's Bazar locality, Dolly faced significantchallenges when her father faced paralysis in 1994 leading to closure of thefamily owned screen-printing business.

Encouraged by her bedridden father, Dolly pursued abachelor degree in Commerce at Tejgaon College, believing it would help her in workplaces and also support her family of five members.

Dolly graduated in 1996 and joined Li & Fung as anassistant merchandiser in 1997.

Despite receiving an offer for a high salariedposition as a personal secretary, she opted for the low-paying assistant role,understanding its potential for a long-term career.

During her 13 years at Li & Fung, she developedher skills and also completed an MBA by 2003.

"My MBA was a turning point for  mylife," she said, analysing its role in shaping her entrepreneurial career.

Dolly's career advanced rapidly leading to theleadership roles at PVH and later she served as the country manager for MS Modeand MGF Sourcing in Jakarta.

By 2016, she directed MGF's operations in Bangladesh.However, her aspirations went beyond the corporate leadership.

In 2019, she founded Clothes ‘R’ Us and invested Takaone crore from the sale of a family-owned plot of land. 

Despite the challenges during the corona pandemic, her business achieved a turnover of $ 10 million in 2022.

Her company focuses on working with brands andretailers to create the future of fashion by sourcing sustainable products fromBangladesh.

Moreover, the company is committed to sustainabledevelopment emphasizing the use of garments from bamboo-fiber, organic cottonand materials certified by the better cotton initiative.