Balancing teaching, family life, and business, Fatema Akter Sonia has carved a niche for herself in the entrepreneurial world. Known as the ‘Pickle Queen’ on social media, she has gained widespread recognition for her brand, Rubaiya’s Fairytale Pickle House. What started as a small Facebook-based venture has now grown into an international business, with her pickles reaching food lovers across multiple countries
A Passion Turned Profession
Fatema has had a passion for cooking since childhood. She would often surprise her family with new and unique recipes. However, she never imagined that her love for cooking would eventually turn into a successful business. In 2023, she launched Rubaiya’s Fairytale rather spontaneously. On her first day, she sold just four boxes of food, featuring her mother’s favorite dish, Khuder Bhat with five types of bhorta. Encouraged by the positive response, she gradually expanded her menu to include various delicacies such as dried fish bhortas, puddings, payesh, and Pulao Roast with Eggs.
However, it was her homemade pickles that gained the most attention, not just in Bangladesh but abroad as well. What started as a simple hobby quickly transformed into an international business. Today, Fatema’s pickles are being shipped to the USA, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Malaysia, and various European countries. Many expatriates regularly order her pickles, and her brand has received endorsements from well-known figures, including singer Akhi Alamgir.
Diverse Range of Pickles for Every Taste:
Fatema offers a diverse selection of pickles—around 25 varieties—each crafted with a perfect balance of flavors. Her collection includes:
Meat-based pickles: Beef pickle
Fruit-based pickles: Guava, olive, lemon, Kashmiri mango
Spicy varieties: Naga chili, green chili, tangy-spicy
Unique blends: Potato with plums, black cumin, tamarind, garlic, amla, ber
Health-conscious options: Sugar-free pickles for people with diabetes and high blood pressure
Her commitment to quality and authenticity has won the hearts of customers worldwide.
A One-Woman Show with Strong Support
Despite the growing demand for her products, Fatema continues to make all the pickles herself. She has no hired staff but receives support from her husband, who helps with courier services and other external tasks. Her motivation comes from her family, friends, and loyal customers who constantly encourage her to keep going.
“My husband is very supportive. With his help, I’ve been able to expand my business. Additionally, my friends and relatives encourage me. But the biggest motivation comes from my customers. Their love and appreciation inspire me to keep moving forward,” says Fatema.
The Road Ahead for Rubaiya’s Fairytale:
Fatema’s dedication and determination have not only helped her build a successful business but also maintain a balance between her roles as a teacher, entrepreneur, and mother of three. She is now focused on expanding her brand further, ensuring that Rubaiya’s Fairytale Pickle House becomes a well-established name both in Bangladesh and internationally.
With her pickles already being stocked in various supermarkets, Fatema dreams of taking her business to even greater heights. She hopes to receive continued support and blessings from her well-wishers as she embarks on the next phase of her entrepreneurial journey.
LND/Sakib
