This week we caught up with an upcoming sensation Maryam Sheikh and we have to say she is not here to have fun! She means business and Social Diary had a wonderful time interviewing her. Hope you enjoy reading it!
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Who is Maryam Sheikh? Tell us about yourself (your background, education, lifestyle etc.)
I was born into a family of businessmen and businesswomen. Currently I am doing my Bachelors in Media Studies from a reputable university in Islamabad. Before that, I did my Alevels, and I have also studied Fashion and Graphic Designing. If you talk about my hobbies and lifestyle, apart from pursuing my studies and my modeling career, I enjoy horse-riding everyone in a while, and also swimming.
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How did you get started as a model? Was it something you always wanted?
I was always into following the latest fashion trends, but I had never planned on becoming a model. People used to appreciate my dressing quite a lot, and used to complement my fashion sense, and used to say that I look and carry myself like a model. This got me interested in becoming a model, and later I did my first project for a friend, which led to more and more opportunities, and now the rest is history.
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You belong to a family of amazing and talented individuals. Did that play a role in determining your career choice?
There are a lot of inspirational people in my family, but the person I look up to the most is a cousin of mine, Mohsin Naveed Ranjha. He is a designer and has established himself well at a very young age.
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What drove you to start out in the fashion industry at such a young age?
I always wanted to do something on my own, and become a strong and independent person. I started to develop interest into fashion at a very young age and I always liked to follow the latest fashion trends, and from that I figured out that this is a field/line of work that I can flourish in.
I think that grooming yourself, adapting to the latest fashion trends, is an expression of love towards yourself and I always liked to be in the company of people who thought the same, and led a similar lifestyle. Another reason of me getting into the fashion industry was to meet like minded people.
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Did you face any challenges you faced when you entered the modeling industry?
Yes, I did. There are a lot of people around me who are jealous of my success and my lifestyle, and they often try putting me down. But I have never let it become an obstacle towards me achieving my goals.
Wherever there is negativity, there is positivity, and I consider myself to be blessed for how supportive my family has been and to be surrounded by people who motivate me to become more and more successful, and this positivity is what keeps me going.
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What is your dream project that you would love to work on?
My dream project has always been to launch my own fashion line, and become a successful entrepreneur. I have started to work on this, and soon I am going to launch my own business, and I hope to expand it internationally. My dream is to be famous and known for my work, and become an inspiration for the people who want to get into this field.
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Modeling is undoubtedly difficult. What has been the most challenging part since you started?
Although it may look easy from the outside, but modeling is not a very smooth road. Just like any other field, modeling field also require a lot of hard work. You have to strive a lot to become successful.
The most challenging bit for me is that I always, and still want to look the best for every project that I do and that takes a lot of hard work. It is also very difficult to carry yourself in front of the camera wearing heavy dresses and high heels. But I still enjoy every bit of it!
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Which designer and campaign have you enjoyed working with the most so far?
I have enjoyed every project that I have worked on. I have worked with many designers, cameramen/team, and I have enjoyed all of them. I do not sign up for a project if I am not comfortable in working for the designer or team, but when I do sign up, I give my best work, and also enjoy it quite a lot.
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Is modeling something you want to focus your career on, or is it a stepping stone in the fashion industry for you?
Modeling for me is a hobby, not a profession. Modeling has proven to be a stepping stone for me in the fashion industry, but is not something that I see myself pursuing for my whole life. I am just getting started, and I would like to explore new and better opportunities inside and outside the fashion industry.
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Do you have any upcoming projects that you want share?
Yes, there are quite a lot of upcoming projects. Just wait and watch!
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Who is your inspiration in the fashion industry, both national and international?
Without inspiration, you can never succeed in any field of life. You have to have some inspiration from whom you learn, and try to adopt their characteristics to improve yourself.
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When you are not modeling, what are your hobbies and how do you spend your free time?
I spend my free time sketching and painting. Whenever I sketch or paint, it always revolves around designing clothes. I also want to become better and better at sketching and painting, and become and inspiration for all the up and coming artists.
Socializing is another hobby of mine, that I enjoy quite a lot.
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Tell us something about yourself, which very few people know?
Although it may not seem like it, but I am actually a very introvert and aggressive person. I also do not appreciate humor, or lame humor.
I am attracted towards people with an attitude.
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Will you ever consider straying into the field of acting?
I have been getting a lot of offers from various channels, including Hum TV. But acting requires a lot of work and time, and considering my other commitments and studies, I do not have the time for acting. However, I am open to new opportunities and you never know what’s coming next!
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If you were not a model, what career would you have pursued?
Modeling is just a hobby for me. I am running a business right now and consider it to be my main work, and even if I weren’t a model, I would’ve pursued business. Although my father always wanted me to become a doctor.
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Can you tell us something about your passion for designing? Do you have any upcoming collection?
I am very passionate about designing. I create designs on demand/orders, and soon I am going to set up my own outlet. Arabic culture and Arabic dresses inspire me a lot when I am designing. I try to make my designs as unique as possible, because if anything is not unique, I don’t consider it to be attractive.
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What is your take on the current state of the fashion industry in Pakistan?
Pakistan’s fashion industry is booming, and is liked all over the world. I think that Pakistani Fashion Industry is a fusion of different cultures for example Indian and Arabic etc, and the fusion is what makes Pakistani Fashion good and unique.
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Any message for your followers and fans?
Do whatever you want to do, no matter what people say. Whatever work or profession you enjoy, you should go for it! Whatever makes you happy, you should pursue it.
Watch out for the people you surround yourself with, because not everyone is a friend.
Quick Bits:
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Who was the last person you got a text from?
It was a text from a classmate in our class’ WhatsApp group.
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Last book you read?
The Secret
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Favorite movie/s?
Namaste London from Bollywood, and all Horror Hollywood Movies.
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Your all time celebrity crush?
David Beckham.
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You favorite TV series of all time?
Turkish Drama Serial, Ishq e Mamnoon
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Biggest wish?
My biggest wish is to always live my parents, and to never have to leave them.
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You spend most of your money on?
Clothes, Shoes, Bags, Food and Traveling.
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Favorite perfume?
None to be specific, I like the perfume range by Gucci and Chanel, and also Eternity by CK.
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Favorite pizza topping?
Lots of cheese, mushrooms and black olives.
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Your favorite city in Pakistan?
Islamabad
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Ideal breakfast menu?
Depends on my mood, somedays I like to have a heavy desi breakfast, othertimes I like English Breakfast. However, whatever I eat, a cup of tea is a must to go with it.