Breaking Boundaries: Munira Rahman’s Journey from Tradition to Trailblazing Business Leader
How Munira Rahman Transformed Al Haramain Perfumes and Empowered Women in the Middle East
“Raised within the framework of a traditional upbringing, Munira Rahman overcame personal limitations to forge her own path.”Born into an orthodox Bangladeshi Muslim family, where conventional expectations for women centred around marriage and motherhood, Munira instead chose to explore her passions and break through barriers. Her journey took her from solo travel and dance to an influential leadership role in her family’s fragrance business, Al Haramain Perfumes, where she now serves as the Director, Chief Marketing Officer and a brand ambassador.
Munira’s story is one of resilience and innovation, exemplified by her commitment to empowering women and supporting them in redefining cultural expectations. She created her Instagram account, @travelinmyshoes__, to share her adventures as a solo female traveler, quickly gaining a following and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. However, her journey took a transformative turn when she joined her father’s business, a decision that came with its own set of challenges.
Her father, Mohammad Mahtabur Rahman, built Al Haramain Perfumes into a renowned name in the fragrance world. Munira initially worked behind the scenes, learning every aspect of the business, before ultimately taking charge its digital transformation. Facing resistance as a woman in a male-dominated industry, Munira remained steadfast, merging her father’s legacy with modern strategies to take the brand global. Through exhibitions, events, and high-end client connections, she elevated Al Haramain Perfumes’ presence and became a key player in the industry.
Munira’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She recently received the Filmfare Middle East Young Achiever Award and has spoken at prestigious events like TEDx and the Saudi Women Leader Summit. Her dedication to empowering women extends beyond her business role, as she supports numerous women-led initiatives and strives to inspire the next generation to lead with confidence and courage.
Interview with Munira Rahman
1. Munira, you grew up in a family that built one of the most renowned names in the fragrance industry. Can you take us back to the beginning—what was your first experience working for the family business, and how did that shape your journey into the role you hold today?
Growing up in a family that built this brand has been a wonderful journey. My first experience in the family business was observing and learning from my father, Mr. Mahtabur Rahman, who transformed Al Haramain Perfumes. Initially, my involvement was behind the scenes, where I made it a point to work in every department, from accounts to sales. However, it was when I stepped into the digital marketing role that I truly found my passion. Seeing the business from a digital perspective and helping expand its presence globally shaped my path to becoming the Chief Marketing Officer, from where I now lead us towards innovation.
2. Your father, Mohammad Mahtabur Rahman, played a significant role in guiding you throughout your career. Could you share some early memories or pivotal moments with him that deeply influenced your approach to business and leadership?
My father has been a guiding force throughout my career. Something that I will be thankful for is when he took me under his wing and insisted that I learn all the different aspects of business. He taught me the value of hard work, humility, and honesty. He helped me understand the details of how to make a brand exceptional. Those early lessons continue to guide me in my role today.
3. Stepping into a leadership role within a company with such a long-standing legacy must have been both challenging and rewarding. What was your mindset when you first joined Al Haramain, and how did you balance respecting tradition while pushing for innovation?
When I first stepped into a leadership role at Al Haramain Perfumes, my mindset was a blend of responsibility and determination. I knew I had to honour the incredible legacy my family had built while also ensuring that we stayed relevant in a rapidly changing world. It was a challenge, balancing innovation with tradition, but I am not one to shy away from challenges. To bring about innovation, I first needed to understand our brand—its priorities, values, and commitment. Only then could I modernise Al Haramain Perfumes without losing our roots. It’s about respecting our origins but not being afraid to take bold steps forward.
4. You’ve mentioned that when you joined the business, it needed a digital transformation. What inspired you to take on that challenge, and what were some personal milestones or obstacles you overcame during that transition?
Yes, when I joined the business, it was clear that we needed a digital transformation. We were still relying on traditional, old-school methods, which were no longer in sync with the trends of today, especially with Gen Z beginning to enter the workforce and influence trends. The business required someone to take charge and make those necessary changes, and I felt I was the right person to push forward. Challenges don’t intimidate me—I thrive on them. I’ve spent my life challenging the ‘no’s’ I was given, always asking ‘why’ and finding ways to turn them into ‘yes.’ One of my milestones was changing the perception of women traveling alone, which is often discouraged. I faced backlash, from comments about my independence to judgments on how I dress and run the company, but I persevered. Overcoming these obstacles has not only pushed the business forward but has also set an example for women in similar situations.
5. As a woman leading a global company, especially in an industry that often sees male-dominated leadership, what were some personal challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them to emerge as a strong, influential figure in the business?
As a woman leading a company in a male-dominated industry, I faced several challenges, particularly in being taken seriously and earning respect in business settings. In my initial days, I encountered scepticism from colleagues and industry peers, but I never let that demotivate me. I focused on proving my capabilities through hard work, dedication, and innovative results. Over time, the success of my marketing strategies, such as expanding our digital presence, spoke for itself, and I gained recognition.
6. Your journey has taken you from a traditional family business to the forefront of modern technology and marketing. What were some of the most significant lessons you learned along the way, both personally and professionally?
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned along the way is that marketing is a long game. While we invest in exhibitions, events, influencer marketing, billboards, and digital ads, it’s essential to understand that the impact may not always be immediate. Marketing isn’t just about instant monetary returns; it’s about brand building. It takes time, effort, and a lot of persistence to see results. I’ve realised, with time, that even if revenue doesn’t reflect the effort right away, the process of building brand recognition is just as valuable. Brand trust and transparency are key to connecting with our customers. When customers feel they understand the company and its values, they form a stronger bond, which ultimately leads to long-term success.
7. Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self when you first started in the business, and what legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of leaders in the Al Haramain Group?
The advice I would give to my younger self is to stay focused on your goals and not let the words or actions of others deter you. It’s important to remain determined and courageous, knowing that what is meant for you will come, even if it takes time. I’d remind myself to be proud and patient. As for the legacy I hope to leave for the next generation of leaders, I want to be remembered as someone who made a change. I hope my journey serves as a reminder that women, especially from diverse backgrounds, can lead and make an impact. I want to inspire future leaders to continue pushing boundaries, ensuring that Al Haramain Perfumes remains a pioneering force in the industry.
