Meet Raka Ahmed | Small Business Owner & Aspiring Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raka Ahmed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raka, what role has risk played in your life or career?
There is definitely a love-hate relationship with risks especially if you want to start a small business. There is fear that when you do take risks, it is automatically considered a failure. There is some truth to that. Yes, you do fail but what you do about it next will map out your future. Balance is key for when you are taking risks. If you fail on the first try, you have to ask yourself what went well? What didn’t go well? What can I do better on the next try? What’s in my control? It’s a lot of self reflection.
On the flip side, there is something powerful that comes along with taking risks because your energy, your tears, your patience, and opportunities that you are investing into your small business or aspirations will turn into something bigger. It takes 10, 20, sometimes 30 failures to end up with 1 true success story. When I think about risks, I see opportunities like when my parents moved to the United States more than 28 years ago or how I decided to move to Dallas, TX 4 years ago and now have a small business. Taking risks can be so tough but also very rewarding. It teaches me about perseverance, consistency, and growth. I want to live my life knowing that I gave it my all without ever thinking about the what ifs and not giving things a try.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The vision behind Raka Ahmed Writes came after a dark time when I lost my grandmother in the summer of 2023. Before her passing, I talked to her about starting a small business where I would sell journals and how I also wanted to become an author one day. Throughout our conversations, she expressed that to dream, you have to start somewhere. Nothing will get done if fear is in the way or if you’re unsure of where to start. Her words stuck with me even to this day.

If you have an idea, a dream that you want to start, or an outlet, one of the ways to do that is putting your thoughts onto paper. The journals that I designed have specific positive affirmations as a reminder to keep on pushing whatever you aspire to be. Some of the covers also have a representation of my Bangladeshi culture. There is always room for more South Asian entrepreneurs.

I’m proud of taking a chance, a risk to start this small journal business over 4 months ago. It definitely wasn’t easy starting a small business. I work long hours on top of my full time job, money is invested into buying items that are needed to make the products, and it’s hard to put yourself out there when people don’t know you or just don’t want to know about your business. Starting a business is cutthroat but it gives me the motivation to push myself to be better. I learn and grow from remaking my designs and ensuring the quality of my journals are great for every client. My business is my passion. I enjoy what I do. Even if it’s hard, I know that something bigger will come out of this. That’s why it’s all worth it.

My story is the product of someone who always dreams. I hope that when people see my journals, they feel like they can too.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I think of community, I think of Bishop Arts! It feels like home. There are many amazing restaurants, small local businesses like MoonFire and Whose Books, and events that take place often. Last week, there was a Mardi Gras parade! My friends would have an amazing time there!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to first thank my parents. Ma and Baba, thank you. I have so much respect for you both and the sacrifices that you had to make when you immigrated to this country. Learning about your hardships and seeing where you are now, I am truly inspired by you. In Bangladeshi culture, we don’t say I love you, we show it through our actions. Baba, your love was bringing my favorite fruits at home, making sure my car was okay and sending coupons to me for going into stores. Ma, whenever I come home to NYC, you’re always there at the airport, you always make my favorite Bangladeshi dishes, and you always pack extra things for me whenever it’s time to go back to Dallas. I don’t realize that I need those things until later. You just know. These things don’t go unnoticed and for that I’m truly grateful. Thank you Ma and Baba.

My love, my world, my joy, Elvin. You have been there for me for every moment of my life ever since we met in highschool. Through life’s ups and downs, you motivate me, you uplift me, you sometimes push my buttons but that’s what love is. You are my # 1 supporter in everything that I aspire to be. From starting on the idea of having a small business to helping me at markets, restocking my journals in local businesses, to reminding me that what I’m doing is amazing, my appreciation and my love for you is endless. I love you to the moon and beyond, Elvin. Thank you for everything.

Finally, I want to thank Grandma Marie who passed away in July 2023. Grandma, I know that you are up there in heaven, protecting me. I just know that you are so proud of me. When I first talked about starting a small business a few weeks before you passed away, you were so supportive and saw so much potential in me. I will never forget our last interaction before you passed away. I know that you are always cheering me on. Even though it’s been more than 6 months since your passing, I still miss you very much. You have been a wonderful grandmother figure to me. I love you so much Grandma Marie!

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