I recommend
Pepper B. Chic Textiles and pillows
Flowerink Seed paper goodies and plantable stationery
Outclass carefully crafted, timeless menswear essentials
Decor-Rest Furniture Ltd. customizable fine upholstery
C. E. Clothier Inc. Custom-tailored menswear.
My top five
My siblings
My siblings are so very important to me, and I spend most of my time with them. I have an older sister and an older brother. Both are married. I consider my sister-in-law and her sister as well as my brother in law to be like my siblings as well. We are a very tight-knit group! I'm especially close to my sister-in-law’s sister because we share a lot of interests. I think a part of the reason we are so close is because we've been family friends with my sister in laws family since before I was even born. They've all seen me grow up.
I do everything with these people, and they all take such good care of me. Even though they're a lot older than me I know that I can look to any one of them to help me whether it's with school work, social issues or something as simple as shopping. whether it is or isn't a bond of blood, I love them all equally and am incredibly grateful to have so many tremendous successful influences around me.
My Parents
My parents are excellent for many reasons; Firstly, they have given me a great life with everything I could ever want or need. They have been there and acknowledged my issues, and have helped me with them. When I was failing math they didn't get upset but rather tried finding ways to help me with different resources. A massive issue in my life has been my struggle with mental health issues. Instead of my parents denying or ignoring it, they acknowledged it and got me the help I needed while being incredibly supportive.
My Online Store
My online site is a dream come true for me. I launched my brand Decor Den Home back in January 2021. From the beginning of the first lockdown, I started working on home decor products as a passion project. I created a small line of products that ideally represent my style. They are affordable and made with care, and have a luxury feel.
Decor
Although I'm 16, I have many interests that a regular teenager may not have. For example, home decor and interior design. Growing up, I would always help my mom decorate; we would go to Homesense weekly, where she asked for my opinion. A few years ago, when my brother got married, my sister-in-law, Anam, and her sister Roop heavily influenced my decor style.
They have all shaped my style into what it is now. Home decor is a massive part of my life; I'm always decorating, changing something in our home or creating new pieces for a special occasion.
Photography
When I was seven years old, I remember gliding on the floor taking photos acting at my sisters' wedding pretending to be the photographer. When I was 11, my older sister Warda got me a polaroid camera that I loved and used consistently. When it came around one Eid when Roop couldn't find anyone to take photos of her, and that's when I really got into it.
At my brother's wedding, I took many photos as well, and my uncle was very impressed. He knew that I always had my Roop's camera, so he got me my very own! And till this day, I still take all of Roop's photos! I also use photography to showcase my home decor on social media!
Reflections on a Pandemic Year 2020
Life before the Pandemic
My life before COVID-19 was fun; however, drastically more fast passed compared to now. I was always hanging out with friends after school, see my sister every weekend or be out exploring the city.
My life in the past year
The past year has been very bumpy for me. The most significant change for me was not being able to go out independently on public transport or seeing my friends because of COVID-19 which has been difficult, however, I've found this time to be a blessing as well as I've been able to start passion projects and started taking my future more seriously.
What I'm hopeful for in the future
For the future, I first hope for all the people struggling during this pandemic to get through it and have things turn around for them. As for me, I hope to get to see my friends and sister regularly again, and I hope to have more success with my business and life after high school.
published April 22 2021