We recently connected with Doanya Gholami and have shared our conversation below.
Doanya, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I owe my work ethic to my upbringing as a first-generation Canadian, shaped by the tireless dedication of my hardworking parents who made significant sacrifices to provide my siblings and I with a brighter future. Witnessing their relentless commitment, working tirelessly seven days a week, instilled in me that diligent effort is the pathway to achieving one’s aspirations.
I consider myself fortunate to have found a deep passion for creativity from a young age—a passion that has become the driving force behind my work and efforts to create the life I want. Working in the challenging fashion industry, I have come to realize that my ability to derive joy and satisfaction from my work plays a pivotal role in sustaining my work ethic. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my family and friends, whose encouragement and challenges have consistently pushed me to strive for excellence. Their encouragement has been instrumental in shaping my journey and keeping me on the path to success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In my current role as Ruby Lyn’s personal assistant in New York City and as a freelance fashion stylist, I am concurrently devoted to the development of my personal brand, set to launch in early 2024. Leveraging my expertise in marketing, fashion, and entrepreneurship, I am thrilled to announce the forthcoming debut of my private label clothing line, Doanya. Distinctly produced and sourced in Canada, Doanya is a women’s focused streetwear label featuring unisex pieces that reimagine 90s street style with a contemporary twist.
What sets Doanya apart is its commitment to elevated basics, meticulously designed with a keen attention to detail—an intersection of statement and staple for your wardrobe. Realizing the dream of creating my own clothing line has been a journey of passion and dedication, and I am eager to bring this vision to fruition. Beyond the garments themselves, my brand aims to foster collaboration with young creatives at every juncture. From models and photographers to graphic designers, I aspire to cultivate a community of creatives, particularly within Canada. Growing up in Nova Scotia, I found it hard to imagine a career in fashion as it didn’t really exist around me. I hope with my brand I can one day create opportunities for fashion creatives in Canada, and to show anyone like little Doanya that anything is possible with hard work and passion.
Simultaneously, I remain enthusiastic about advancing my career in fashion styling, creative direction, marketing, and business strategy, both in New York and Canada. As I navigate these pursuits, I am committed to showcasing my colorful, expressive, and authentic style in every facet of my professional journey. Stay tuned for updates on Doanya’s launch and my continued ventures in the dynamic realms of fashion and creative entrepreneurship.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three pivotal attributes stand out as essential: networking skills, a comprehensive understanding of business practices, and the resilience to embrace rejection as part of the path to success.
Networking is a cornerstone in today’s professional landscape. The ability to adeptly communicate and connect with industry professionals and peers can open doors and propel one’s career forward. Actively participating in events, initiating informational interviews, and leveraging social media can foster meaningful connections with mentors, potential employers, customers, and collaborators. The power of a strong network should not be underestimated, and cultivating it is a vital aspect of career development.
My academic background, including a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing from Acadia University and studies at JCI Institute in the Fashion Business + Creative Arts program, equipped me with fundamental business knowledge. Proficiency in areas such as accounting, marketing, finance, business operations, and entrepreneurship has proven invaluable not only in the professional realm but also in everyday life. With the abundance of free online resources, including courses, YouTube videos, and books, acquiring this knowledge is more accessible than ever and should be actively pursued.
Perseverance is the third indispensable quality. Recognizing that setbacks are an inherent part of the journey, maintaining a positive, motivated, and patient mindset is crucial. Challenges are inevitable, but pushing through difficult times, staying consistent with one’s goals and vision, and persevering through adversity contribute to the ultimate reward. Understanding that rejection is a stepping stone rather than a roadblock is key to personal and professional growth. Setting clear goals, staying open-minded to emerging opportunities, and navigating challenges with resilience define a fulfilling and successful journey.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I’ve had the pleasure of reading several impactful books on my journey, including favorites like “The Secret,” “The Four Agreements,” “The Defining Decade,” and “Creative Confidence.” However, one book that stands out and always finds its place on my bedside table is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It’s a book I can revisit anytime to feel re-inspired and motivated.
One key concept from “Atomic Habits” has had a profound influence on how I approach personal and professional development. Clear’s idea that “You don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems” has been particularly enlightening. It encourages creating personalized systems instead of fixating on strict goals or comparing oneself to others.
The book underscores the power of building systematic processes, highlighting that goals are destinations while systems embody the ongoing journey. The philosophy that true long-term thinking is goal-less thinking resonates strongly, emphasizing the importance of committing to the process. Clear suggests that progress is tied to the quality of input, with improvements in input naturally leading to positive output.
“Atomic Habits” has become a timeless source of wisdom for me, urging a focus on the journey, dedication to effective systems, and the understanding that lasting progress comes from committing to the process. This transformative perspective has significantly shaped my mindset and approach to personal and professional growth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_doanya/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doanya/
