A familiar face at big corporate events, Sanzida Chowdhury Swarna is also a singer, a television anchor, and the founder of Shreya - a digital platform for women where they can share any thoughts, ideas or queries. Currently working at Robi Axiata, Shreya has become another identity for her. “I always wanted to do something for women empowerment and this seemed like the best pathway towards achieving my goal,” said Swarna, when asked about her motivation to get such a digital platform off the ground.
This week, she talks to the Weekend Tribune about her aspirations.
How did Shreya come about? Is there a story behind the name?
I used to be very active in multiple Facebook groups and then I decided to create my own group. The name ‘Shreya’ came to my mind instantly while deciding; because it means ‘A lady who excels in every sector of life.’ And that’s exactly what I wanted in my group - to have a group of girls who will be independent, fierce and ambitious in everything they do. That was my motivation, to support and guide them with whatever knowledge and experience I had.
What are some obstacles that you had to face in order to make this platform a reality? What has been the most difficult aspect of getting your page/group off the ground and how did you overcome that?
I did face some unnecessary judgment from my friends and family but that did not bother me much. Honestly speaking, I see any difficulty as a challenge and I love winning my challenges. I always believe that a life without challenges is not exciting at all. So, no complaints. But yes, my confidence and my passion helped me to think this way.
Since when did you get into anchoring?
I used to be very active in extracurricular activities from a very early stage of my life. I was always into singing, dancing, debating, etc. But my profession as an anchor began in 2013. This happened very suddenly as well. My brother used to work in a2i and one day, he asked me to host a live event called ‘Digital World’ as the original host hadn’t show up. From there, the CEO of Champs21.com discovered me and offered me to host a regular TV show on Channel i. And that’s how the journey started. Currently I host corporate events only.
Tell us a bit about your musical career.
My father was always a music enthusiast, he particularly loved Rabindra Sangeet. He always wanted me to become a singer, so he got me admitted to a music school when I was only 5 years old. Then I carried it forward and completed my 10 years certificate course from Chhayanaut. Currently I am clogged up with my job, Shreya and anchoring; so I can’t really continue singing as a professional. But I am in the process of recording a few tracks with my husband Amid Hossain Chowdhury, who happens to be a renowned artist in the current music industry.
Do you find it difficult to do all these at the same time? Can you invest enough time in all of them?
It is never hard because I know my priorities. I do everything according to that. My first priority is my family, then comes my profession. I love being busy and creating my own identity.
Do you have any grand plans for Shreya in the future? Any future ideas and exclusives you can share with the readers of Weekend Tribune?
Yes, definitely. First and foremost, I want to make it way more than just a Facebook group. I want to make it a properly registered organization to have an impact in reality. I intend to form an agency for the online entrepreneurs as well.