Sausan Khan Moyeen is a name that resonates with innovation, elegance, and entrepreneurial spirit in Bangladesh. The CEO and founder of Enchanted Events and Prints, Sausan has transformed the wedding planning industry with her meticulous attention to detail and creative flair. She is also the founder of O’Play, an Italian restaurant in Dhaka, curated to transport their customers on a culinary voyage. Recently, she added another feather to her cap by becoming a judge on the esteemed international show Shark Tank, now making waves in Bangladesh. During an exclusive interview with TINDS, Sausan shared with us her remarkable entrepreneurial journey of coming this far and making it as the industry leader.
TINDS: Tell us a little about yourself.
Sausan: I am a proud mother of three children. I am the CEO and founder of Enchanted Events and Prints, and I have two other ventures, O’play bistro, where I’m a restaurateur, and La Maison, where I’m an architectural designer.
TINDS: Could you tell us a little bit about your childhood?
Sausan: My childhood was quite boring. I was a small, shy kid, and growing up in a big family meant I had plenty of cousins around. School wasn’t my thing—I found it pretty dull and didn’t click with kids my age. While most kids were busy playing to make friends around six or seven, that wasn’t my scene. I preferred burying myself in books, which actually turned out to be a blessing as it helped me hold conversations with people of all ages. Instead of playing, I spent hours reading. As time went on, I got into debates and writing competitions, which boosted my skills significantly. I pursued architecture in college and also delved into English because literature had always intrigued me.
TINDS: What three words describe you the best?
Sausan: Honest, Humble, and Hard-working.
TINDS: What is it like to be a judge for Shark Tank Bangladesh?
Sausan: I’ve been watching Shark Tank for a while, but I never thought I’d be called on to be a shark. But it was fascinating when they did, and initially, I was a little skeptical about the schedule and everything as the shoot schedule was very long. I was actually supposed to be there for longer, but I couldn’t accommodate, so somehow I managed, and I’m joining in as one of the female guest sharks. It’s an absolute honor, and it’s just such a matter of pride that such an international platform has come to Bangladesh and us, being entrepreneurs and exceptional young entrepreneurs being able to help others. Regarding investment, I emphasized more on the person rather than the projects because projects come and go. But the person conducting it reflects the success that he or she wants to achieve. If you love something and if you’re passionate about it, that is what always becomes successful.
TINDS: How do you think Shark Tank will impact the next generation of entrepreneurs in Bangladesh?
Sausan: Shark Tank will definitely be a platform. The Bangladesh government has always been very active in the country’s digitalization. Start-up Bangladesh has also been a part of the show, and it is evident that the government really wants people to come and do new things and get involved in businesses. Now that Shark Tank has arrived, people will now think differently that there are other ways of doing business. They don’t have to rely only on banks or other sources of investment. In fact, they can partner up with business people who have both the funds and expertise to guide them not just with money and finances but with their connections. So, I think Shark Tank will be a revolutionary platform for young entrepreneurs.
TINDS: Could you tell us briefly about the initial days of Enchanted Prints and Events when you started?
Sausan: Enchanted initially began as a pastime, but truth be told, it became more of a necessity when we first launched it. We were both young, and I was burdened with numerous medical expenses, all while raising two young children. Despite coming from well-off families, unlike our cousins who were off enjoying life abroad, we found ourselves grappling with exorbitant medical bills. Dealing with a serious health condition, I sought solace in pursuing something I loved – hence the birth of Enchanted. Fortunately, my family stood by me unwaveringly throughout this journey. Venturing into event management is no walk in the park. It ranks as the fifth most stressful occupation globally, demanding not only mental fortitude but physical endurance as well. The constant pressure of meeting deadlines leaves little to no room for error. With zero initial investment to my name, save for my grandfather-in-law’s modest 8×10 feet shared storeroom, I set out to prove myself above all else through sheer hard work. During the frenzied wedding season peaks, sleep becomes a luxury we can scarcely afford. Our nightly respite dwindles to a mere two to three hours over three to four grueling months – yet we soldier on without complaint. Meals are often forsaken in the frenzy of our schedules. Undoubtedly, financial concerns loomed large at the outset; however, my primary motivation was always internal validation rather than external approval – proving to myself that I had what it takes to succeed.
TINDS: Do you think that your experience in architecture has influenced your skills in event planning positively?
Sausan: Studying architecture was a huge help for me. It gave me an edge in understanding materials and working closely with people at the grassroots level. I had already collaborated with carpenters and laborers, so I was familiar with their methods and measurements. It felt like creating a stage set within a specific space, and I poured all my energy into it. Once the events were over, I had to take everything apart because I didn’t have a storage facility. The event industry operated differently back then. They presented portfolios or showed photos and videos, leaving you to choose from pre-priced options. My goal was to bring in customization and unique designs for each event. When I implemented this approach, I found success quickly, even in an era before social media dominated the scene. Everything spread through word of mouth alone. By starting in October, before long, my schedule was fully booked for the year without any social media presence at all.
TINDS: How would you say your business reached the international standard without the help of social media?
Sausan: At first, it was all about spreading the word through personal recommendations. It wasn’t until later when Facebook introduced pages, and mine became the pioneer event management page for a Bangladeshi company. I began tagging my clients, which helped attract more attention. The scene back then was quite different from today. People used to handle decorations and props themselves and take on most tasks independently. My focus was on birthday celebrations, so my client base consisted mainly of young girls and mothers active on social media. I frequently travel and participate in various seminars, connecting with designers worldwide to stay updated on trends and approaches. During the pandemic, I found myself in India where I managed four events independently, despite their smaller scale. It was a valuable experience working without my usual team and production support. Our goal is to establish Enchanted as a global brand, and we’re actively pursuing that vision.
TINDS: What do you think are the qualities in you that sets you apart from others?
Sausan: I believe that there’s nothing particularly unique about me. I’m just the same person I’ve always been. I don’t think you need to be a genius or exceptionally attractive to succeed. To me, it’s more about being genuine and modest in your endeavors. Success doesn’t come easy; it requires dedication and effort from everyone. Regardless of intelligence or academic performance, sincerity and hard work are key ingredients for achieving success in the long run.
TINDS: Where do you see yourself going in the next five years?
Sausan: If you’d asked me the same question three years ago, I would’ve likely told you that I was all about living in the moment. My perspective on life has evolved over time. I used to work as if each day could be my last, striving to make every event flawless as if it were my legacy. I always aimed for perfection, so that if something unexpected happened and I wasn’t around the next day, I could be proud of what I had accomplished. That mindset has always guided me. However, things have shifted a bit now after enduring the challenges of the pandemic with my family. We faced heartbreaking losses with three family members passing away, yet here we are, standing strong and grateful for each day. Looking ahead, my future plans include expanding internationally at some point, but more importantly, it’s about revolutionizing the wedding industry perception. I want to change the notion that spending a few hours at an event is a waste of time and money. In our culture, particularly in South East Asian countries like ours where hospitality is paramount, people spare no expense in celebrating weddings for their loved ones or children. Even small weddings in Bangladesh draw hundreds of guests because entertaining guests is deeply ingrained in our traditions.
TINDS: What would your advice be to young entrepreneurs?
Sausan: I think it’s very important that you have the courage to do something. Initially, when I started Enchanted, I underestimated the potential of what I was doing. I almost considered it as a side hustle and I did not spend anything into it, so I figured there would be no loss.I did not have a single employee, a warehouse or even an office for years. I worked within the comfort of my own home because I wanted to be near my children. I did not care if people judged me for how I conducted things, because I knew if I did good work people would eventually come find me. It is very important that you put out your own terms and also at the same time understand that you can not be overconfident. You have to be very humble about what you do and people will eventually be accommodating. Secondly, you have to be hard-working and the most important thing in anything is consistency.
Find HerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sausankhanmoyeen/ Enchanted Events and Prints: https://www.facebook.com/EnchantedBD/ |
