British Bangladeshi mother shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the Muslim Women Awards

 

A British Bangladeshi mother, Hasina Momtaz, has been shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the Muslim Women Awards after transforming the grief of losing her son into a powerful message of hope, faith, and resilience for others through her faith-inspired jewellery brand. Hasina founded Soul Gems London in 2019 in memory of her son, Sami Ahmed, who was killed in a road traffic collision just two days before the opening of his first restaurant in London in 2014. What began as a deeply personal tribute has grown into a brand rooted in purpose, healing, and spiritual meaning.

The Awards recognise the achievements of Muslim women who are leading change, breaking barriers and making meaningful contributions across areas including business, media, community and culture.

Hasina is shortlisted alongside high-profile names, including Great British Bake Off winner, Nadiya Hussain MBE, and Zarah Sultana MP, in their respective categories, highlighting the formidable calibre of finalists.

Founder of Soul Gems London, Hasina Momtaz, said:

“This recognition is deeply personal for me. I founded Soul Gems London in memory of my son, Sami, after the most painful loss a parent can face. Prior to going into entrepreneurship, I had a successful and established career in media and crisis communications, advising high-profile politicians such as Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstome, so going into business was a big departure and a financial risk for me.

“However, what began as a way to honour my son’s unfulfilled business dream has grown into a brand that offers connection and touches others through messages of resilience, comfort, and hope. To see Soul Gems London recognised in this way is a reminder that even from our darkest moments, it is possible to build something meaningful. I’m truly humbled to be shortlisted.”

Through Hasina’s strategic leadership, Soul Gems London secured a pop-up residency in Westfield, placing it alongside global luxury brands in a highly competitive retail environment as well as introducing her motivational jewellery to a wider audience beyond Muslim communities.

Even prior to setting up her business, Hasina was one of the founding directors of the British Bangladesh Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (BBCWE) in 2014, reflecting her commitment to helping Bangladeshi women enter, navigate, and thrive within the business environment.

Founder of the Muslim Women Awards, Suada Mohamoud, said:

“We are delighted to have shortlisted Hasina Momtaz for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Her story is truly touching and inspiring and it was clear how much she has impacted the community from the number of public nominations she received. She represents the resilience, vision, and excellence that the Muslim Women Awards seeks to celebrate.”

Charity is a core aspect of the brand, reflecting Hasina’s values, with Soul Gems London supporting initiatives such as National Charity Week, Medical Aid for Palestinians, and Forgotten Women. The brand’s influence and unique message of hope and resilience has been featured in numerous media outlets including the BBC and Channel S. Hasina has also secured endorsements for Soul Gems London from globally respected figures, including Islamic scholar, Mufti Menk.

Soul Gems London customer, Fatma Lazorczyk from London, said:

“I first discovered Soul Gems London at Westfield and was immediately drawn to how beautifully the pieces combined faith, meaning and elegance. We bought some pieces from her and then went back again a few days later to have a custom bangle design made for myself and a friend, which we both treasure. Now I’m looking to order a personalised necklace too. Hasina is a lovely seller, she always delivers whatever you desire and is an amazing person.”