We recently had the chance to connect with Ainaa Farhanah and have shared our conversation below.
Ainaa, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Recently, I’ve found joy in the simplest aspects of my life. I’ve been spending more leisurely days at home with my cat, enjoying the quiet, the stillness, and the comforting feeling of not having to worry about anything, even for a moment. There’s something truly grounding about those peaceful moments.
On the other hand, I’ve also been taking my grandparents out for little “food-hunting adventures.” This has become a ritual that I eagerly anticipate — discovering new places together, listening to their stories along the way, and seeing their faces light up when they find something they really enjoy. This experience creates a wholesome contrast to the calm at home, and somehow, both sides of my life balance each other perfectly.
These moments — the tranquility at home and the joy of exploring with my grandparents — have been the source of my greatest happiness lately.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ainaa, the artist and creator behind Conteng by Ainaa—a small creative corner I started to express the things I can’t always articulate. ‘Conteng’ means doodle, and that’s how this journey began: with simple sketches, random shapes, and emotions poured onto paper during times when life felt overwhelming or too quiet. Over time, those little doodles evolved into a brand that celebrates authenticity, imperfection, and the beauty of being human.
Conteng by Ainaa is special to me because it goes beyond creating art; it’s about fostering connection. Every piece carries a story, an emotion, or a reminder that someone, somewhere, might need. I love that my artwork has found its way into people’s daily lives, whether through prints, small gifts, or personal pieces that hold meaning for them.
Currently, I’m focused on expanding Conteng into something more intentional: more storytelling, more meaningful designs, and more pieces that encourage people to pause and feel seen. I’m also exploring new mediums and ways to bring the brand to life while keeping that playful, heartfelt ‘conteng’ spirit at the center.
Conteng by Ainaa is still evolving, just like me—and that’s what makes it exciting. It’s a space filled with honesty, color, and a bit of chaos, and I’m grateful every day that people connect with it.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The individuals who truly saw me before I even discovered my own potential were the ones who embraced me with love long before I grasped my true worth.
My mum was my very first mirror—she reflected a vibrant version of me, full of capability, creativity, and endless possibilities, even when I was fixated on my own imperfections. On the days I felt insignificant, she championed my strength, holding a vision of who I could become until I was ready to embrace it myself.
Then there were my grandparents, who saw me with a rare kind of tenderness. They never asked for anything beyond the essence of who I already was, yet they subtly reminded me that I was destined for greatness. Their unwavering faith felt like a cozy haven, especially during times when I struggled to find my footing.
And let’s not forget that extraordinary teacher who recognized a spark within me before I even acknowledged it. Their encouragement came at a pivotal moment when I was uncertain of my own voice, helping to forge the confidence I gradually built.
These remarkable souls saw beyond my self-doubt and insecurities. They recognized my potential, my heart, and my capacity for growth—long before I could see any of it for myself. Their faith is a treasure I carry with me, lighting the way wherever I go!
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the most profound challenges I’ve faced in my life has been grappling with a rare neurological disorder known as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). From the very beginning, growing up with SMA has been an uphill battle, where each day feels like a confrontation with my own body, and each passing year brings an array of daunting new hurdles as my muscle strength continues to diminish. There have been times when the symptoms overwhelmed me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated: my hands would lose feeling, an intense ache would radiate from my neck, and even the most mundane activities—like enjoying a meal or simply clutching a paintbrush—became draining endeavors.
As an artist whose very existence is tied to expression through various mediums, the loss of fine motor control in my hands felt akin to losing integral parts of my identity. There was a prolonged period when I had to cease all creative activities—no sketching, no canvases, no vibrant colors to fill my world. This hiatus was not merely a physical setback; it became an emotional void. The act of stepping away from my artistic practice felt like turning my back on a crucial aspect of who I am.
However, that extended pause unexpectedly marked the dawn of my recovery journey. I permitted my body the gift of rest and began to pay close attention to its needs instead of incessantly battling against its limitations. As days turned into weeks, I began to reclaim small pockets of strength—not in a dramatic rush, but gradually, in gentle increments, with each breath and every new day bringing a sense of renewal. I discovered that healing often whispers, not shouts; it can be a tranquil, patient process filled with moments of grace and self-acceptance.
While SMA remains a component of my life, it no longer encapsulates my entirety. It may influence my daily experiences and push the boundaries of my resilience, but it will never determine my inherent value or my aspirations for the future. Although SMA may possess my body in some ways, I am resolute in not allowing it to commandeer my life narrative. I consciously choose to create, to evolve, and to keep moving forward in whatever ways I can manage—and this proactive decision has become the most profound source of healing I have ever encountered.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what truly matters to me is taking care of my health. They’ve seen how much my well-being influences everything I do, especially my art. They understand that without taking care of my body, I can’t create from a place of strength or joy. For them, my commitment to maintaining my health isn’t just about survival; it’s about protecting the part of me that loves to create, express, and bring Conteng by Ainaa to life.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I were to retire tomorrow, I believe my customers would greatly miss the distinct charm of my hand-drawn artwork the most. Each piece I create is a labor of love, with its own individual characteristics that make it truly special. Even if I attempted to recreate a particular design, the final result would never mirror the original perfectly — and that’s where the magic lies. The beauty of hand-drawn art is found in its unique imperfections, the subtle nuances in line work, and those delightful little details that infuse personality into every creation. Each stroke of my pencil carries a piece of my spirit, something that no machine or digital method could ever replicate. It’s this authenticity, this irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind quality, that resonates deeply with people. I believe it’s this connection to the art that they would miss the most, as it becomes a tangible representation of my passion and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contengbyainaa?igsh=NHZwdmcwM3R5Y3N2
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FkZjnwz8d/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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