1. Could you both share a bit about your backgrounds and how the idea for Dhaka Flow Women’s Day Festival came about?
Shazia Omar
Having taught Yoga for over two decades, my journey took a transformative turn post-Covid. I began hosting retreats, recognizing the immense value of community in fostering holistic well-being. These retreats extended beyond Yoga, embracing practices like breathwork and meditation, and provided a supportive space for individuals to connect and share their personal challenges. This approach not only enriched our sessions but also highlighted a growing demand for a healthier lifestyle.
As our community expanded, it became evident that our offerings could evolve to meet the broader needs of those seeking wellness. This realization sparked discussions around the types of products and services that would benefit our community, from nutritional choices to eco-friendly clothing, signifying a comprehensive approach to health and sustainability.
Inspired by this collective desire for a healthier lifestyle, we envisioned a larger platform that could encapsulate these ideals. Thus, the concept of a festival was born. In January of last year, we launched our inaugural event in Dhaka, giving rise to “Dhaka Flow.” This festival was conceived as a beacon for those seeking to embrace a holistic approach to health, offering a plethora of classes, workshops, and products aligned with wellness and sustainability. Dhaka Flow emerged not merely as an event but as a movement, a testament to the power of community in transforming lives and fostering a culture of health and mindfulness.
Tahsin N. Choudhury
Navigating the crossroads of my professional journey, I found myself yearning to explore beyond the pharmaceutical industry, where I worked alongside my family. My academic background in marketing, advertising, and psychology fueled my desire for creative and meaningful engagement. This quest for fulfillment led me to the Dhaka Lit Fest and Dhaka Makers, ventures that tapped into my passion for culture and innovation.
My path took a transformative turn when I attended a retreat hosted by my friend, Shazia. This experience, set against the vibrant backdrops of Cox’s Bazar and Dhaka, was nothing short of revelatory. Immersing myself in a community of like-minded individuals, I engaged in profound group discussions and introspective journaling. These activities not only provided clarity but also serendipitously opened doors to new opportunities, affirming my inclination towards the wellness sector.
Grateful for the retreat’s impact on my personal and professional growth, I was thrilled when Shazia proposed that I lead an ambitious new project. The more I collaborated with the team, the more I felt a deep connection to their vision, ultimately leading me to become an integral part of the brand and company.
Together with Shazia, Adnan Karim, and Ambreen Miraly, we conceptualized and launched Dhaka Flow. This initiative wasn’t just another venture; it was a manifestation of our shared dream to create a platform that promotes wellness and community. Dhaka Flow stands as a testament to the power of collective passion and the impact of fostering a holistic approach to well-being in our community.
2. Share with us some of the key activities and experiences that attendees can anticipate at the event. Are there any unique standout features of the festival that you would like to highlight?
Tahsin N. Choudhury
At our festival, beyond the expected array of vendors and stalls, what truly set us apart were the wellness sessions. Ranging from physical fitness to meditation, these sessions were guided by seasoned coaches deeply versed in their respective fields. This focus on wellness highlighted our commitment to fostering well-being among our attendees.
Additionally, we introduced community discussions that functioned much like support groups. These forums covered critical issues such as parenting, single motherhood, work-life balance, addiction, and mental health. They offered a space for attendees to share and learn from one another’s experiences, creating a network of support and understanding.
One of the festival’s distinctive features was our approach to food. We encouraged all food vendors to offer vegetarian options, demonstrating that curating a healthy menu is indeed feasible. This decision supported local farming and agriculture and promoted small to medium-sized businesses. The demand for such options, like the laal atta pizza we introduced, was overwhelming, to the point where one vendor added it to their regular menu.
We also focused on sustainability, adopting a no-plastic policy that encouraged vendors to reconsider their use of plastics. This initiative sparked a broader reflection on the sustainability and wellness aspects of their businesses.
The first festival featured panel discussions on women’s wellness, environmental wellness, sustainability, diet, nutrition, and more, bringing experts from various fields to share insights and suggest how to make these aspects more accessible and create effective policies.
The most significant takeaway was the popularity and impact of the community discussions. They underscored the universal truth that everyone faces challenges, but not everyone has peers to confide in. These discussions showed attendees how others are coping and learning, fostering a community of encouragement and support.
3. Tell us about the workshops designed to encourage creativity and talent exploration at Dhaka Flow Women’s Day Festival. How do you believe these workshops contribute to the overall wellbeing of the participants?
Shazia Omar
In our employee wellness program, we offer a comprehensive suite of workshops aimed at addressing a range of crucial topics, including depression, anxiety, stress, women’s health, and nutrition. Recognizing the existing taboos and the general lack of exposure to these subjects, we initiate each session with a half-hour segment dedicated to introductions and ice-breaking activities. This is designed to create a welcoming and open environment where participants feel comfortable engaging with the material and each other.
Following the initial warm-up, we bring in experts for the next half-hour to delve into the topics and theories relevant to the day’s focus. This part of the workshop is essential for providing a solid knowledge foundation and introducing participants to the latest insights and practices in wellness and health management.
The subsequent half-hour is dedicated to facilitated group work. In this interactive segment, attendees are encouraged to share their experiences and coping strategies. This not only helps in building a support network among colleagues but also fosters a sense of community and mutual understanding within the workplace.
We conclude each session with physical techniques aimed at enhancing well-being. This final half-hour includes practices like meditation and yoga, and discussions on work-life balance and journaling, to help participants uncover and articulate their true desires and aspirations.
Tahsin N. Choudhury
In our workshop dedicated to stress management, we delve deeply into strategies that foster a harmonious work-life balance and promote personal growth through reflective practices. A cornerstone of this workshop is the art of journaling, specifically designed to facilitate introspection and career clarity. We explore the concept of whether an individual is more inclined towards creative endeavors or has a knack for analytical tasks, such as finance or administration. This exploration is aimed at guiding participants towards a clearer understanding of their professional desires and inclinations. Like we introduce participants to Shazia Apa’s journal, “Flow Within,” a meticulously crafted tool that serves as a guide through this journey of self-discovery. The journal features 52 diverse prompts, each carefully designed to encourage deep reflection and provide insights into the participant’s aspirations, strengths, and areas for growth. This process not only aids in stress relief but also assists individuals in aligning their career paths with their true passions and capabilities.
Additionally, our nutrition workshops provide practical advice on dietary habits, such as optimal protein and rice consumption, and suggest adjustments to promote fitness and health. These workshops are crafted to empower employees with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain and improve their wellness, both mentally and physically.
4. Could you share with us the newest additions to Dhaka Flow and what offerings they bring to enhance the experience for attendees?
Shazia Omar
In our pursuit to foster a wellness-focused community, we curated a unique gathering of 100 vendors, all operating within the wellness sphere. Specifically, for our Women’s Day festival, we spotlighted 75 female entrepreneurs who align with our commitment to sustainability. This event served as a launchpad for new brands and innovative products, such as sugar-free options and wellness-centric offerings, providing a vibrant platform for these entrepreneurs to connect with potential clients.
Tahsin N. Choudhury
Additionally, we organized a farmers’ market featuring locally sourced produce, with a special emphasis on showcasing women farmers. This initiative not only celebrated the contributions of women to our society and economy but also promoted the value of local goods to our community, reinforcing our dedication to wellness and sustainability.
5. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Dhaka Flow Women’s Day Festival? How do you envision it evolving in the coming years?
Shazia Omar
Our vision is to expand our vibrant wellness community, which currently embraces 15,000 members in the bustling metropolis of Dhaka, a city home to 20 million souls. We staunchly believe that wellness—through yoga, meditation, fitness, and other holistic practices—is not just an occasional luxury but a daily necessity accessible to everyone. Our mission is to demystify wellness practices, making them approachable and achievable for all. To this end, we are committed to educating and training individuals, raising awareness, and collaborating with wellness suppliers and expert coaches. This effort aims to empower people to lead healthier lifestyles.
We offer a variety of engaging opportunities for our members, including workshops, classes, festivals, and retreats. These retreats are carefully planned every month, set in the serene landscapes of Bangladesh or captivating locales abroad. These gatherings are designed as deep dives into the practice and learning of wellness and healing, spanning 3-4 days of immersive experiences.
At our festivals, we showcase an array of wellness activities, such as functional fitness, sound healing, art therapy, energy healing, and group sessions for sharing personal challenges. We also offer writing groups to facilitate sharing processes and introduce a broad spectrum of alternative techniques, including herbal products aimed at enhancing well-being. Our goal is to touch upon a wide variety of methods to cater to the diverse interests and needs within our community.
A key focus for us is to engage more deeply with the youth, recognizing the importance of instilling healthy lifestyle habits from an early age. We plan to extend our outreach to schools, aiming to educate students on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, we’re organizing a retreat in Turkey during Qurbani Eid, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in wellness practices.
Tahsin N. Choudhury:
In Bangladesh, the holistic connection between mind, body, and spirit is a concept still gaining recognition. Our aim through wellness practices is to foster a more comprehensive approach to well-being, educating individuals on the importance of such balance. We believe that wellness extends beyond conventional workouts and walks; it’s about nurturing the whole self through a variety of practices.
At the Dhaka Flow Festival, we introduced innovative activities to enhance this energy connection. Recognizing dance as a joyful way to expend energy and enforce a no-screen policy encouraged participants to reconnect with nature, underscoring the interdependence of environmental and personal wellness. The serene setting of Baridhara Park complemented our sound meditation sessions, led by Kerry, which provided a unique, auditory path to mindfulness over 45 minutes.
Our broader mission includes introducing these wellness techniques to educational institutions, addressing the pressing issues of career confusion, and the mental health crises affecting young people. By integrating our programs into schools, colleges, and universities, we aim to provide support and preparation for life beyond academia. We are also planning to conduct a mental health symposium to focus on identifying and overcoming mental health challenges.
Further, we are dedicated to enabling discovery and connection across Bangladesh through retreats that build a larger support network and foster community experiences. Our vision extends to rolling out wellness programs beyond Dhaka, in places like Chittagong, and tailoring these initiatives to various demographics, including both younger and older participants. Currently, we are in a research phase, aiming to pinpoint specific needs and tailor our programs accordingly, ensuring that wellness becomes a universally embraced aspect of life in Bangladesh.
From artisans to entrepreneurs, each vendor brought their unique brand and perspective to the event. We delve into their stories, exploring the inspiration behind their brands and their experiences collaborating with Dhaka Flow.
Faiaz Rahman, Founder of Turaag Active (and sponsor)
Dhaka Flow event brought together wellness enthusiasts from all walks of life, creating a vibrant and inclusive space to engage and interact. It was encouraging to see that the various activities, workshops and discussions at the event fostered a sense of community and shared passion for holistic wellbeing among the event-goers.
As for the future, I would like to see Dhaka Flow reach beyond the tristate, broadening its horizon and perhaps hosting events in different areas across the city as well as the nation, offering its enriching experiences to a wider audience, transcending boundaries and bringing wellness to communities in all parts of the country.
ITAMAE
- Tell us a little about your brand and how your experience was with Dhaka Flow?
Named “Itamae with Love,” our brand embraces the artistry of sushi preparation, with “Itamae” signifying a sushi chef in Japanese. As Dhaka’s pioneering cloud kitchen specializing in sushi, we launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing the exquisite world of sushi to an online audience. Our collaboration with Dhaka Flow marked a significant milestone, as we became the first to offer vegan sushi in the region, finding an ideal platform in Dhaka Flow that resonated with our values and vision.
The festival provided us with a unique opportunity to connect with a clientele eager for healthy, high-quality food, validating our belief that every product thrives in its niche market. We seized this moment to challenge and transform the prevailing misconceptions about vegan cuisine. Contrary to the notion that vegan food lacks flavor and variety, we showcased an array of vegan sushi options that were not only innovative and diverse but also delicious and nutritious.
For Women’s Day, we celebrated with a special creation: pink sushi crafted for women, achieving its vibrant hue without the use of artificial colorants, emphasizing our commitment to health. Our menu featured vegan interpretations of traditional favorites, including crab, chicken, and tuna sushi, with our vegan tuna sushi becoming particularly celebrated at the festival. Through our efforts, we aim to revolutionize perceptions of vegan food, demonstrating its potential for both variety and delight in every bite.
PAAN TEMPTATION
- Tell us a little about your brand and how your experience was with Dhaka Flow?
My venture, Paan Temptation, seeks to reinvigorate the classic tradition of paan with a contemporary twist, aiming to captivate the younger generation. Originally, our clientele primarily comprised residents of Gulshan and Banani. However, participating in Dhaka Flow significantly broadened our audience, attracting a diverse group of curious individuals, including foreigners aged 25 to 45. This eclectic mix of people demonstrated a keen interest in exploring unconventional flavors.
Dhaka Flow was instrumental in providing a platform that challenged and reshaped the conventional perceptions of paan, breaking down the stigma that it’s outdated or inappropriate for the youth. We took this opportunity to innovate with flavors such as caramel, chocolate, cashew nut, and almond honey paan, all while maintaining a commitment to health by ensuring our offerings were tobacco-free. Furthermore, we introduced paan truffles, adding to our repertoire of creative variations.
Our goal with Paan Temptation is to introduce as much variety as possible, making this traditional delight appealing and accessible to a broader, more health-conscious audience, thereby preserving and transforming a cherished cultural practice for the modern palate.
COSMIC CANDLE COLLECTIONS
- Tell us a little about your brand and how your experience was with Dhaka Flow?
I’m Rachel Bernadette, the founder of Cosmic Candle Collections, where my passion for crafting candles has been realized. Crafting candles is not just a business for me; it’s a dream come to life. The cornerstone of my creation is affordability because I believe in crafting candles that everyone can enjoy, irrespective of their financial status. My vision is to make such beautiful and fragrant candles that even those with limited means can purchase a little luxury, allowing teenagers and others to gift their loved ones with something special and meaningful. In addition to traditional candles, I’ve innovated by incorporating mosquito-repelling properties into some of our candles, a feature that’s particularly relevant for Bangladesh. This unique aspect of our collection is something I’m excited about and keen on receiving feedback for.
Participating in Dhaka Flow has been a remarkable experience, offering the opportunity to meet new people and connect with a wide audience. The event’s vastness and its focus on wellness and innovation align well with my brand’s values, making it an excellent platform for Cosmic Candle Collections.
VISION SECRETS
- Tell us a little about your brand and how your experience was with Dhaka Flow?
I’m Anzareen, a law student who chose to embrace a spiritual journey. With six years of experience in therapeutic tarot reading, I’ve founded Vision Secrets, a holistic brand dedicated to helping individuals connect with their highest selves. My offerings include tarot readings and personalized guidance sessions. Launching my brand at Dhaka Flow presented an invaluable opportunity to engage with fellow female entrepreneurs, expand my network, and directly understand the needs and challenges of my clientele. Dhaka Flow, with its emphasis on wellness and spirituality, aligns perfectly with my vision, making it an ideal platform for growth and connection.
AZURIA
- Tell us a little about your brand and how your experience was with Dhaka Flow?
I’m Hridi Ahmed, the founder of Azuria – Organic Skincare, a brand deeply committed to offering natural skincare and haircare solutions. At Azuria, our ethos is grounded in sustainability, reflected in both our product formulations and our environmentally friendly packaging. We’re on a mission to encourage a shift away from conventional beauty products laden with harmful chemicals. Such products not only pose a risk to personal health but also have a detrimental impact on the environment during their production processes. Our carefully handcrafted products stand as a testament to our dedication to not polluting the air or water bodies.
Participating in Dhaka Flow was an exhilarating experience for us. The event resonated with our brand’s core values, and the atmosphere there affirmed that we were exactly where we needed to be. We are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have engaged with a community of environmentally conscious individuals who share our appreciation for natural self-care products and sustainable practices. We eagerly anticipate more events like Dhaka Flow, where we can continue to spread awareness and connect with those who support our vision for a healthier planet.
Feroz M. Hassan, President of Baridhara Society
I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of Dhaka Flow on our community. Their commitment to fostering wellness and holistic well-being matched perfectly with our vision for a healthier, happier community. The Dhaka Flow Women’s Day Festival exemplifies their dedication to promoting mindfulness, movement, and eco-conscious practices, ultimately redefining urban living in Dhaka City. We are proud to support their endeavors and look forward to continuing our partnership in creating a better tomorrow for all.
Wellness in the Workplace: Nurturing a Culture of Health and Fulfillment
In today’s fast-paced professional realm, prioritizing employee well-being has become paramount, blurring the lines between personal and professional spheres. With the advent of flexible work arrangements, health insurance, and wellness initiatives, employers are not only striving for productivity but also recognizing the intrinsic value of a balanced and fulfilled workforce. However, recent data shed light on a concerning reality: a staggering 76% of workers experience job burnout, leading to significant financial losses for companies, amounting to nearly $200 billion annually.
Enter the burgeoning market of corporate well-being, forecasted to reach a staggering $87.4 billion by 2026. At the forefront of this movement are initiatives promoting holistic well-being, understanding that employees’ health and happiness are intricately linked to their ability to dictate their work environment.
Making sure employees are healthy means looking after their minds, bodies, emotions, and money. When companies do this well, they see some great benefits:
– People work better when they’re healthy.
– Employees feel happier and more valued.
– It’s easier to find and keep talented employees.
– Happy employees make customers happy too.
Take Dhaka Flow’s wellness program, for example. They offer tailored initiatives such as yoga, mindfulness, and stress management. Proven to alleviate workplace stress and bolster mental resilience, this program empowers employees with the tools to navigate the challenges of a dynamic workplace, fostering individual well-being and organizational success.
Overall, creating a healthy workplace is like making beautiful music – it mixes what individuals do for themselves with what the company does to support them. It’s not just a nice thing to do; it’s essential for a successful business in a world where tired employees can slow things down.
Dhaka Flow crafts transformative wellness retreats in Bangladesh and worldwide. Anyone can join the retreat for a holistic wellness experience or corporates can organize retreats for employees or their senior management with Dhaka Flow.
Past retreats
International:
Valencia, Spain
Koh Samui, Thailand
Talalla, Sri Lanka
Upcoming Retreats:
Fethiye, Turkey
Kathmandu, Nepal
Local Retreats:
Gazipur
Savar
Tangail
BCDM
Basecamp
Bayla 2024 with Rotary Club
Cox Bazar
Rajshahi
Sri Mongol
Sylhet
Bandarban
Sundarban
Dhaka Flow carefully curates activities and itineraries, inviting you to explore the wonders of nature while indulging in rejuvenating yoga and wellness experiences. One can connect with fellow participants, make new friends, and forge meaningful connections as you unwind and recharge.
