LADY OF THE MONTH – NISHIDA SHAHEEN

Name: Nishida Shaheen

Current Profession/Business: Fashion Designer / Interior designer/ Home Maker / Passionate Cook and Baker

1. Tell us about yourself.

I have been extremely passionate about fashion and design from a very young age, in fact from my high school days, when I used to try and bring difference to the normal pattern chosen by my parents. Currently I own a brand called Nishida Shaheen which is mainly into Abaya and Kaftaan designs catering to the Middle East markets. 

1. What made you decide to work and live abroad? Who or what inspired you, and why?

I trace my creativity back to my roots. My parents were based in Saudi Arabia for a long while and a number of my aunts and uncle lives and works in the Middle East.  I was always exposed to this culture which somehow got embedded in my mind.

My mother is my pillar of strength and has been my inspiration all along. She lives with me here and I still count on her views and support. She is a beautify lady with a fantastic eye for fashion.  

1. How long have you been working and living abroad? If you can, please include the years and locations/countries that you’ve worked at.

I moved to UAE with my husband after our wedding in 2002. Even since, I fell in love and consider this beautiful place as my home. The safety and sense of belonging I get from this country helps to liberate my creativity. 

1. How do you balance work and life responsibilities?

Designing is never a work for me since I live and breathe fashion. I am never at ease until such time I put my design on paper. Also, my days are incomplete unless I cook my children’s favorite dish and put it on a plate for them. 

1. What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?

My stubbornness to maintain high quality and attention to detailing. These are two things which I find difficult to make others understand. 

1. What are your success habits?

Hard work and patience. There are no short cut for these two elements. However I am a firm believer in quality and there is always a space for good and unique designers. 

1. As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career/business?

I don’t and I can’t compromise on the quality of the craft; come what may. I would rather quit this business than having to sell stuff that I won’t use. I see myself in every customer and each piece of thread and cloth is purchased with utmost care and pain.

1. What was the hardest decision you ever had to make for your career/business?

To stick to my belief and plan and to continue with my design in spite of pressure from my well-wishers to look for more affordable designs. 

1. What mistakes have you made along the way?

Success never taste good until you make a mistake. So I continue to learn from my mistakes which helps me keep grounded and to work more carefully.

1. If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?

I love what I do and always will do what I love. 

ADVICE

1. What is the best advice you can give to the next generation of young women who want to succeed in the workplace or in business, and in life?

Never hold back your dreams and go after it since no one can fully understand you other than yourself. Success is never easy and never compromise on your belief and principles. 

WEBSITE: https://nishidashaheen.ae/ — @nishidashaheen