We were lucky to catch up with Mohammad Sadat recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Mohammad with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the values instilled in me by my parents. As immigrants from Afghanistan, they fled war in 1981 in search of a better life. Their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to building a new life in unfamiliar territory has always been a testament to their immense work ethic. I’ve been fortunate to witness their tenacity firsthand and they’ve been my guiding lights. Their teachings have always emphasized the importance of giving one’s best in every endeavor. In addition to the values passed down by my parents, my faith in Islam further reinforces the principles of dedication, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Both these pillars of my life have shaped the way I approach tasks and challenges, always striving for excellence and authenticity.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Man, the journey started in 2016, a very tough year for me. So much was changing, and I was trying to find a way to kinda see my feelings, you know? Sounds odd, but I’ve always had this thing where I imagine music as movie scenes. Directing movies? That’s always been my dream. So when a song really hits me, I see this whole visual storyline in my mind.
That got me into buying a camera. Just a simple Canon T3i. It reminded me of the old times with my dad’s Minolta. Guess the photography bug might be a family thing.
So I started snapping pics, trying to show what was going on inside me. Not sure if others shoot that way, but it works for me. Then I moved onto videos, mostly music videos. That’s when my buddy, Iconic Bond, hit me up. Man, his music was fire! I knew he’d make it big. Told him straight up that I wanted to handle all the creative stuff for him – photos, vids, the whole branding deal.
From there, I started my own brand (MIZGHUND) and creative agency called Mizghund Productions. I work with several businesses and brands around the globe.
I felt like that wasn’t enough though. I had so much creative energy that I decided to embark on another passion and ended up launching my own streetwear line in 2020, called KHAN Clothing Co. It’s got this mix of Central Asian vibes and East Coast cool.
This year, Iconic Bond and I started this awesome non-profit, The House of Creatives. It’s all about giving a platform to creatives who don’t usually get the spotlight.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three things come to mind:
Self-awareness: It’s crucial to understand what you truly desire. For some, this clarity emerges early on, while for others, it’s a lifelong quest. My advice? Dive into various experiences, engage in conversations, travel, and explore diverse avenues. This exploration aids in honing in on your passion.
Execution: I know it sounds like a cliche, but once you’ve pinpointed your desire, it’s all about taking action. It doesn’t have to be a single path or method; it’s about making consistent strides towards your goal. I REALLY believe that.
Community: It’s important to surround yourself with individuals who share your drive and vision. The synergy created with like-minded folks can amplify your efforts and provide invaluable support.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents let me be, me. Honestly, that was their greatest gift. They never pushed me in one direction or the other. They always said, “Do what you want, but be the best at it.” It’s the same advice I would give to my kids. I grew up with several kids whose parents had already planned THEIR futures, funny right? But it happens. Especially to kids who come from a similar background as me. I am thankful my parents let me choose to do what I wanted, even if I did make several mistakes along the way. I feel I am a better man today because of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mizghund.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mizghund
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-sadat-02034a100/
Image Credits
Mizghund Productions
