The 20-Something Artists Who Are Budding Entrepreneurs
This article is part of Arriqaaq Magazine - Unfurl
Zara Ilyas
What inspires you?
I am someone who likes to learn a variety of things; art, design, tech, research, religion, etc. I take the essence from each and absorb them, albeit within a specific limit of my understanding. However, lately I have found that my interest gravitates more towards something I am increasingly becoming passionate about with each passing day and that is learning the art of calligraphy and design.
How did you start your entrepreneurship?
I acquired a hobby that then transformed into one of my passions. I learned through doing; by mimicking the designs over and over again until I built enough muscle memory to get started with it. Few years later, I knew it was time to start sharing my work with people around. I created my page on Instagram (@waveofletters) with the goal of sharing snippets of messages in the form of creative art in order to inspire the youth to get back on track with Islam.
Future plans?
Even though I have a long way to go, I am happy where I am, having created my own style of calligraphy and giving my own unique touch to it, Alhamdulillah! So if you are sailing in the same boat of wanting to do something but haven’t started yet, then know this - Time is begging you to start, but time is also not going to wait for you to begin! Every second spent is an amanah from Allah SWT.
Zainab Alam
What inspires you?
For me, every day in art class was ethereal – so beautiful, so freeing. Every colour, every tool and medium was like a door taking me to a different world I could explore. I could breathe underwater, soar and touch the clouds, and float among the stars in outer space, simultaneously. I could create my own unique designs and artworks and take anyone interested along with me!
How did you start your entrepreneurship?
It was only last year that I decided to go ahead and set up a business for my art. It was a halal hobby, and I really wanted to continue it, so I finally decided to take it more seriously and invest in the idea. My friends had encouraged me since the very beginning, but it took me years to accept that this is something I am good at and can monetise.
Future plans?
I still have a long way to go in my artistic journey in sha Allah, and I am so grateful to Allah for leading me to a halal source of income that I enjoy, and for all the lovely friends I made through it. Alhamdulillah times infinity!
