We sit down with entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators from around the world — from startup founders to artists, content creators, and beyond. Each episode dives into their stories, challenges, and creative journeys, giving you real insights into what it takes to build something from the ground up.
💬 Questions or feedback?
Drop us an email: askus@askastartup.org
From growing up in Moscow to becoming one of Bangladesh’s most recognised dancers and entrepreneurs, Ridy Sheikh has turned creativity into a career that inspires thousands. In this episode, she opens up about identity, imposter syndrome, building her dance studio, launching her brand Gemini, and shaping the future of dance and fashion in Bangladesh.
📌 Watch the full video version on YouTube → youtube.com/@AskAStartup
📲 Follow Ask A Startup
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Website → askastartup.org
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💃Follow Ridy Sheikh on Instagram: @ridysheikh
11 Sept 2025
Magic Razik | From Engineering to Magic
🎙️ A career pivot that defies expectation.
In this episode of Ask A Startup, I sit down with Magic Razik, Bangladesh’s leading magician and mentalist with millions of followers. He shares how he left engineering to follow his passion for magic and built a thriving entertainment business.
Razik shares:
• How he discovered magic and turned it into a full-time career
• Why he left engineering, used his savings, and returned from Australia to start over
• The business side of magic — shows, clients, and growth
• How he keeps audiences amazed and coming back
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative professional, or simply curious about turning passion into a profession, Razik’s story is inspiring and full of insight.
📌 Watch the full video version on YouTube → youtube.com/@AskAStartup
📲 Follow Ask A Startup
Instagram → instagram.com/askastartup
Website → askastartup.org
Facebook → m.facebook.com/askastartup
LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/ask-a-startup
13 Aug 2025
How Zainab Maqsood Built AMIRÁ
🎙️ Two years in the making — and worth every moment.
In this episode of Ask A Startup, I sit down with Zainab Maqsood, founder of AMIRÁ, one of the most talked-about fashion brands in Bangladesh.
Zainab shares:
How AMIRÁ began and the inspiration behind it
Early challenges of building a brand from scratch
Balancing creativity with running a business
How cultural influences shape her designs
Her vision for AMIRÁ’s future and impact
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a fashion lover, or curious about the mindset behind building a brand, Zainab’s story is inspiring and full of insight.
📌 Watch the full video version on YouTube → youtube.com/@AskAStartup
📲 Follow Ask A Startup
Instagram → instagram.com/askastartup
Website → askastartup.org
Facebook → m.facebook.com/askastartup
LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/ask-a-startup
14 Jun 2024
Waliullah Bhuiyan’s Mission in Child Education
Join us as we dive into Waliullah Bhuiyan’s inspiring startup journey in ‘Waliullah Bhuiyan’s Mission in Child Education.’ We explore how he began and the problems he’s solving through initiatives like ToguMogu, Goofi, and Kids Time. He also shares exciting marketing tips and strategies. Tune in for a compelling conversation about shaping the future of education and empowering children.
9 Oct 2023
JP Morgan to Vlogging: Bushra Siddique’s Digital Entrepreneurial Journey
Step into the world of vlogging with Bushra Siddique in this episode. From her early days at J.P. Morgan to becoming a vlogging sensation, Bushra shares her journey. Discover her transition into vlogging. Learn about her strategies for building an authentic follower base and what brands value in vloggers. Find out how motherhood and COVID-19 challenges shaped her content and led her to an inspiring venture in Bangladesh. Explore her entrepreneurial journey in designing stylish jumpsuits under her brand 'BSIDD LOVES,' using sustainable deadstock garment materials. This episode delves into Bushra Siddique's vlogging life, offering insights into entrepreneurship, personal growth, and finding balance in a dynamic world.
1 Sept 2023
Mastering Business Abroad: Janani’s Startup Chronicles from India to the UK
Join us in this inspiring episode as we delve into the incredible journey of entrepreneur Janani Prasad, the visionary founder of MojoStack, a cutting-edge tech company. Janani takes us on a captivating ride from her roots in India to her entrepreneurial endeavors in the UK.
Discover the stark differences between launching startups in India and the UK, as Janani shares her firsthand experiences from both worlds. Gain valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in these diverse economic landscapes.
Janani’s secret weapon for success? The power of networking. Learn how she leveraged her connections and immersed herself in various communities to gain clients and navigate the unfamiliar UK market.
But it’s not all business. We also delve into the personal side of Janani’s journey, discussing the importance of mental health when living far from family and loved ones. Discover her coping mechanisms and the strength that keeps her thriving.
During the episode, we uncover how Janani recognized the need for business acumen, leading her to pursue a master’s degree in business in the UK. This educational journey, undertaken during the challenging times of COVID-19, equipped her with the knowledge and skills that would prove instrumental in the creation of her successful startup.
Don’t miss this episode packed with wisdom, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Janani Prasad. Tune in now for an unforgettable conversation!
29 Jun 2023
Content Creation & Mental Health: Inside the Mind of Rakin Absar
Join us for an exciting episode featuring Rakin Absar, also known as Mr. Absar. In this Q&A session, we cover various topics, including Rakin's journey in the media industry in Bangladesh, his advocacy for mental health, and his effective marketing strategies. Discover how he handles audience criticism, and his valuable tips for aspiring content creators. Don't miss this concise and insightful episode where we explore the multifaceted world of Mr. Absar!
22 Jun 2023
Resilience Rewritten: Elroy D'Souza's Story of Triumph
Join us as we welcome back Elroy D'Souza, an extraordinary video editor who defied the odds to achieve remarkable success. Hear how he transformed initial struggles into opportunities, launching his own video production house and securing a UK client from India. Experience his incredible intern experience at a prestigious Bollywood studio followed by his return to the UK. Also, witness his impressive portfolio, working with renowned brands like Monster Energy, Aston Villa, and Sky Sports. Prepare to be inspired by Elroy's extraordinary journey of starting from scratch, building a thriving venture, and gaining recognition in the world of video editing.
If you want to find out more about Elroy’s work, check out his insta account: iamelroydsouza
In this episode we cover:
Elroy’s journey since 2020 till now
Internship at a Bollywood Studio
How he secured a job in the UK
Life in the UK
Mental Health
Elroy’s motivations behind his work
Use of AI/Artificial Intelligence in video editing
AI’s pros and cons
Elroy’s aspirations
3 Jun 2023
"The Power of Perseverance: Ajara's Inspirational Journey"
In this second episode of Season-3, we present to you multi award winning fashion entrepreneur, Aditi Kumar. 🎉
She is the Founder and Managing Director of ‘Ajara by Aditi Kumar’; it’s a Luxury Indian-wear brand focusing on hand-embroidery.
She is also a full-time humanitarian who uses her work as a platform to spread social awareness and support humanitarian causes.
If you want to find out more about Aditi’s work please visit her instagram profiles: @aditiindia and @ajaraindia
18 Apr 2023
Lockdown Success: The Inspiring Story of a National-Award-Winning Wedding Photographer
In this first episode of Season-3, we present to you multi award winning wedding hybrid photographer, Veronika Joy. She is the Founder & Visual Storyteller of ‘Veronika Joy Fine Art Photography & Film’.
Veronika made the most out of the 2020 lockdown being super productive by learning and turning her skills into a full time successful business.
Veronika shared her journey with us including all the challenges she faced and how she overcame those with her creativity and passion.
If you want to find out more about Veronika’s work please visit: www.veronikajoy.co.uk
12 Dec 2020
The Inspiring Journey of Alixzondra Samuda and Aura-Lotus
In this third episode, we present to you Alixzondra Samuda, the Founder & CEO of Aura-Lotus (formerly MUDD Beauty).
Aura-Lotus is a makeup brand with a mission of inspiring the world of beauty with healthy products that does not compromise one's skin and the environment. 💄☘️
If you want to know more about their products go visit: www.aura-lotus.co.uk
1 Dec 2020
Crowdfunding insights shared by the entrepreneur, Olga Marekova, behind APA
In this second episode, we present to you the Slovakian entrepreneur who founded a startup called Aviation Passenger Advice (APA).
Grab your pie-lots and fasten your seat belts as Olga takes you on board to share her unique experience with crowdfunding.
Enjoy your ride! ✈️
APA website: https://www.apa-official.com/
19 Nov 2020
A startup was born in India as rejections were turned into motivations.
In this FIRST episode of SEASON-2 we have Elroy Dsouza, founder of Elroy Dsouza Productions. Elroy is a 22 year old entrepreneur whose dream of creating a startup in the UK wasn’t successful. After returning to India he powered through lots of challenges throughout the pandemic to create his own Video Production House and now serving overseas clients from home.
10 Aug 2020
The challenges of start up life, from the lens of a doctor.
In this episode we spoke to Dr. Kurren Sandhu who has been on the frontline during COVID-19 crisis. He speaks about his COVID journey and what led him to create SuperNova student a free online video series in which he shares techniques and tips that can help students maximise their revision for exams while reducing their stress levels at the same time.
10 Aug 2020
SIBO a Costa Rican company creating sustainable food that doesn't bug you
In this episode we spoke to Daniela Arias the Co-Founder & COO at Sibo which is a startup company based in Costa Rica with sister companies based in Europe.
Sibo Inc. was founded January 17th 2020, but the first steps where taken as Costa Rica Insect Company at the end of 2018 as 2 dreamers wanted to change the way we eat so maybe we could change the way we think about sustainability.
You'll get to hear a fascinating story about how SIBO started and all those interesting ideas that SIBO has come up with to create sustainable food made out of insects to save the world.
10 Aug 2020
The story of BEC - Building an Entrepreneurial Community
In this episode we spoke to Daniel Evans who is the Chief Executive Officer of the award winning startup 'Birmingham Enterprise Community'.
Daniel shares the whole journey of BEC since 2018 up till now.
24 Jul 2020
From International student to a UK Startup Co-Founder - the story so far
Our guest for this episode is Deep Godara who is from India, a former international student and a masters graduate from Aston. Deep is the CO-founder of a startup company called HiERD in Birmingham, UK. Our aim in this episode is to find out more about how different it has been for Deep starting from the challenges of visa applications to reaching to the UK and how he has been bootstrapping to follow his entrepreneurial dream.
11 Jul 2020
Personal struggles leading to a business idea.
In this episode we will be having a conversation with Danielle Roberts, the founder of Unlimited You.
Unlimited You is the first online fitness platform for disabled people and people with long term illness.
This startup company was born out of Dani’s personal challenges that she experienced herself when she couldn’t find the right information on the safe and proper ways to adapt exercises for herself.
According to a study only 2 in 5 disabled people feel they are given the opportunity to be as active as they would like to be.
Unlimited You would be creating opportunities for people with disability to safely exercise and be more active.
Our aim is to find out more about Dani’s personal struggles and current challenges she’s facing to create Unlimited You which she envisions to help disabled people with long term illnesses live happier and healthier lives.
9 Jul 2020
Introducing Ask a Startup
Welcome to "Ask a Startup," the podcast that dives deep into the world of entrepreneurship and creativity.
In each episode, we explore the unique journeys of our guests gaining valuable insights into their experiences, challenges, and successes.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a student, or simply curious about the creative process, "Ask a Startup" is here to provide you with actionable advice, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look into the minds of these remarkable individuals.
I'm your host, Adil, and I'm thrilled to have you join us on this exciting journey.
If you have any questions or feedbacks or you would like us to cover any specific topic or you’d like to share your startup journey with us please drop us an email: askus@askastartup.org
I hope you enjoy listening to them. :)
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
782
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 51 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
64
Social presence
0
YouTube
66
Engagement
32
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