The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 had a massive economic impact on many businesses.
Although the subsequent lockdown and restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus paralyzed many small businesses based on physical operations, it also inspired many women entrepreneurs to start and grow their own businesses through using social media sites like Facebook.
According to Meta, Facebook’s parent company, more than 70% of women-led businesses were set up using Facebook in Bangladesh since the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020.
Ankon, an online-based jewellery and accessories brand that focuses on handmade and handcrafted items, is one such platform that began its journey in the middle of the pandemic.
With a love for artistic jewellery, the platform was founded with some scholarship money and savings by sisters Mili Mohammad Ali, 28, and Israt Jannat Pinki, 25.
The outlet focuses mainly on clay accessories alongside metal and wooden-based jewellery.
“From making the clay to moulding the jewellery pieces and even packaging the ornaments for shipment, we sisters do it all with a lot of love and care. What merely started as a hobby is now a one-stop place for people who love art and jewellery,” Israt Jannat told Dhaka Tribune.
The platform is being creative with clay jewellery, a relatively new aspect for the Bangladeshi audience.
It is just like the clay or terracotta jewellery that was widely seen in different fairs or local markets. Bangladeshi artisans have been making such jewellery that dates back 500 years.
“This form of art showcases our rich heritage. Although we have a history of making clay or terracotta jewellery, we are the last ones to get our hands on the modern clay jewellery genre whereas many other foreign countries created a huge market out of it,” said Mili Mohammad.
“A lot of brands are trying to keep this art form alive by making the products available to people but the truth is, it is almost extinct,” she added.
According to her, the kind of clay jewellery that Ankon makes is mostly made of handmade air-dry clay which is also known as cold porcelain, a nontoxic variation of polymer clay.
People around the world mostly use polymer clay because of its availability and easy-to-handle option than air dry clay.
“In Bangladesh, it is hard or often impossible to get a good brand of polymer clay. Although we have only one brand available here, the quality is not good enough, it is expensive and it often gets stocked out. Hence, our goal is to bring something unique to the market which will remind people of this sustainable lost form of art,” Israt Jannat stressed.
With the aim of helping the economy and local people, Ankon’s focus is on attracting general people to handmade and locally produced items.
According to the Ankon founders, the clay jewellery by Ankon is so versatile that it can go well with any kind of style and can beat any kind of other jewellery items.
The founders said that from simple daily wear to grand functions, someone can rock any occasion and come by more compliments just by wearing well-crafted unique clay jewellery.
“These are not just a piece of jewellery but a piece of artwork made with a lot of hard work, care and dedication which can be cherished for years,” concludes Israt Jannat.