Huzaifa

What does life as a woman or girl look like in your country / city / town / village? Any issues / challenges / exciting milestones?

I’m from Jammu and Kashmir, a place where there is bloodshed everyday. But besides that, the society I live in is male dominated, women who work independently are a topic for wonderful gossip here! Girls are limited to household work so business here for a girl, or going out and walking shoulder-to-shoulder with men is very hard.

What would you like the world to know about YOU? What life experience, challenge or achievement do you want to share? What obstacles have you faced and overcome?

I’m a poet, writer, storyteller, and an entrepreneur. I write poems, write my heart out, express those feelings which are untold, untouched and true. I also own an online business namely, KashmirWorld.

Since, I’m from Kashmir, I am not much renowned but I still try to pour my heart out through my writings. In Kashmir, these things aren’t given too much priority. People here are like: poetry, story telling? What will that give you? A girl and a business? How will you do marketing? How will you handle it?, etc, etc.

In my opinion, people here are too introverted and they have limited thinking so this has caused me difficulties. But I’ve learned to ignore people and move forward. Today, my online store works well and my poetry winds hearts. In life, we shouldn't expect anything from people, we should ignore what people throw at us. Just set your up your goals and move towards being "YOU". I believe: be the CEO you want to marry.

If you are an entrepreneur, tell us all about your business and how you got started.

At KashmirWorld, I sell bags which I make myself at home and the business does quite well. My father was into this business of manufacturing leather, suede bags and Kashmir arts, so I got up to learn this from him. Then I thought to start up as an online business and that’s what I’m up to today.

What are you most passionate about and what are you doing with that passion?

Well, I have a lot of passions! I’m also a basketball player. I love to play basketball. Moreover, I write poetry, and I’m also passionate about being a known business girl and inspiring other girls.

What's your definition of success?

Success is all about your efforts. It is about building the person you dream of. Unless you ignore the [naysayers] and their comments, you will not climb the ladder of success.

How have the women and girls around you helped you to get to where you are today?

Honestly,  the persons who helped are myself and my Dad - that’s only the secret to the stage that I’m in right now.

Describe yourself in one word: "I am... Passionate.

Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today, is to...

[Find it] extremely hard to get yourself recognized. It is a challenge, but all you need to do is patience and [perseverance].