In January 2023, business professionals from the Dawoodi Bohra community of Dallas hosted a 3-Day Amazon Seller Bootcamp for their members.
The event was attended by 40 participants and organized by the local Dawoodi Bohra community’s business support group. It focused primarily on starting a business using Amazon’s private label and fulfillment (FBA) business models.
“Our goal was to encourage our community members to develop a business mindset,” explains Mohammed Mukhi, representative of the local business support group.
The Bootcamp broke down the fundamentals of becoming an Amazon Seller. Topics included finding winning products, building relationships with overseas manufacturers, and importing outsourced products. The presenters also spent time covering marketing strategies: how to create a brand, create a listing on Amazon, and market the product on Amazon with the help of product photography. The Bootcamp also offered private consultations.
"The Amazon Bootcamp was an enlightening experience. Hearing the real-life experiences of our community members and the successes they have achieved on the Amazon platform really inspired me. I plan to use the knowledge provided to elevate my electronics business on Amazon," said Hussaina Sodawaterwala, a mother and local business owner who attended the Bootcamp.
Hatim Patanwala, Information Systems student at UTA, volunteered for the event and also learned a lot from the guest speakers saying, “It was impressive to see the community stay current with the times and encourage using realistic and practical business models for community members to take the first step with entrepreneurship.”
Business and trade have been an integral part of the Dawoodi Bohra identity and tradition. Accordingly, both Bohra women and men are encouraged to seek financial freedom and success through entrepreneurial pursuits.
