How a Bangladeshi trailblazer redefined tradition and modernized a heritage perfume house
In today’s fast-paced luxury market, the brands that stand out are those that evolve without losing their soul. Munira Rahman is doing exactly that. As a leading executive at Al Haramain Perfumes, Munira isn’t just steering a legacy brand into the digital future—she’s rewriting the narrative of what leadership can look like for women from traditional backgrounds.
With roots in a conservative Bangladeshi Muslim household, Munira’s journey is nothing short of groundbreaking. From creative expression through dance and travel to helming innovation at a global fragrance house, she’s fused vision and values into a leadership style that’s as refreshing as it is rare.
In this exclusive Hollywood Business Magazine feature, we sit down with Munira Rahman to explore how she’s breaking barriers, building brands, and using her platform to empower women and redefine legacy in a male-dominated industry.
Interview with Munira Rahman
1. Coming from an orthodox Bangladeshi Muslim background, how did you find the courage to challenge societal expectations and pursue a life of independence and entrepreneurship?
Growing up, I was surrounded by clear expectations, especially when it came to my role in society. But I always believed that tradition and ambition don’t have to exist in conflict. I found the courage to create change, not just for myself but for other women who grew up thinking their dreams had limits. I knew I wanted to be independent, to lead, and to build something meaningful. That belief gave me the strength to challenge norms and step into entrepreneurship with confidence.
2. Your journey from solo travel and dance to joining the family business is unique. How did your experiences as a creative individual influence your approach to modernizing Al Haramain Perfumes’ branding and marketing?
My background has given me a deep appreciation for expression, culture, and storytelling—all of which play a huge role in branding. Exploring the world on my own taught me how different people connect with beauty, scent, and identity. When I joined Al Haramain Perfumes, I carried that perspective with me. I approached branding not just as visuals or messaging but as an experience. My creative journey helped me see the brand through a wider, more expressive lens.
3. Breaking into a male-dominated industry is no small feat—what were some of the biggest obstacles you faced as a single woman in business, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was simply being taken seriously. In a male-dominated industry, especially as a single woman, you’re often met with assumptions before your work is even seen. I had to work twice as hard to prove myself—not just within the industry, but even in the rooms I stepped into. What helped me overcome that was focus and consistency. I let the results speak. I embraced the digital space, modernized our branding, and led campaigns that made a real impact. Over time, the conversation shifted. And I’m proud of that.
4. Under your influence, Al Haramain Perfumes embraced the digital world. What strategies or innovations do you believe were game-changers in expanding the brand globally?
Going digital wasn’t just a strategy; it was a necessity to stay relevant. One of the biggest game-changers was shifting our focus to storytelling and visual identity. We started building a strong presence on social media, collaborated with influencers across different regions, and created content that felt authentic. These moves helped us connect with a wider audience and reposition Al Haramain as a global luxury perfume brand without losing our identity.
5. You’ve spoken about the importance of empowering women in your community. What specific initiatives or projects are you currently involved in that promote this vision?
Empowering women is something deeply personal to me. I’ve been fortunate to use my platform to support initiatives that open doors for others—especially young women from traditional backgrounds like mine. One of the things I’m most proud of is launching internship and mentorship programs within Al Haramain that give young women exposure to the world of branding, marketing, and business. I’ve also used platforms like TEDx to share my story openly, in hopes that it inspires others to rewrite theirs. Beyond that, I actively support female-led startups and creative projects whenever possible because representation matters, and so does access.
6. How do you balance preserving the traditional legacy of a heritage brand like Al Haramain while also pushing for modern innovation and global relevance?
For me, it’s all about honoring the foundation while being unafraid to evolve. Al Haramain has a beautiful legacy rooted in tradition, and I’ve always believed that tradition is not something to replace but something to build upon. My goal has been to preserve the soul of the brand—its craftsmanship, its heritage, and its authenticity—while introducing modern elements like digital storytelling, contemporary packaging, and global branding strategies. It’s a constant balancing act, but when done right, tradition and innovation complement each other.
7. What advice would you give to young women—especially those from conservative backgrounds—who want to break barriers and lead confidently in business and beyond?
My biggest advice is: don’t wait for permission to believe in yourself. Coming from a conservative background, I understand the pressure to follow a set path. But growth happens when you step outside of what’s expected. Stay grounded in your values, but don’t be afraid to dream bigger. Surround yourself with people who lift you, keep learning, and let your work speak for you. Confidence grows with every step, no matter how small, that you take toward your goals. And remember—by breaking barriers, you’re not just changing your story; you’re making space for others to do the same.
