Meet Farzeen Firdosh Balsara

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Farzeen Firdosh Balsara. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Farzeen Firdosh, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

Growing up, I often felt that the world moved too fast, too focused on achievements, appearances, and individual gain. There were moments when everything around me felt transactional, like kindness and connection were luxuries rather than essentials. In that space, I longed for something more, something softer, and more human.

That desire turned into a quiet but constant drive, to create spaces, physical or emotional, where people feel like they belong. Whether through my work in fashion, creative direction, or simply the way I listen to others, I try to offer that sense of acceptance I once craved. It’s never been about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s just about being present, noticing the details others overlook, or making someone feel seen.

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?

I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Fashion Styling, Creative Direction, and Digital Content at Istituto Marangoni in London. But this journey didn’t begin here, it started as a quiet urge to express myself through clothing. What was once a simple curiosity evolved into a deep passion, leading me to study Fashion Design at NIFT, and now into this next chapter of refining my voice and vision.

Every day feels like a learning curve. Though the path is filled with challenges, it’s also incredibly liberating. This field allows me to translate thoughts, emotions, and identity into visual language. My work is deeply rooted in personal memory, nostalgia, and the subtle experiences of everyday life. I draw inspiration from special moments, expressions, surroundings, and people who, without saying a word, carry entire stories in the way they move or simply exist.

Right now, I’m still building my world. I don’t believe in rushing the process. I’m experimenting, observing, creating, and shaping a vision that I hope to share on a larger scale soon. It’s less about constructing a brand at the moment and more about staying authentic and letting the work grow with time.

One book that’s stayed with me and often helps me reset my perspective is Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. I’m not an avid reader, but that book always brings clarity when my thoughts get clouded. It reminds me to zoom out and breathe, something crucial in both life and work.

In a way, I feel like I read people more than books. Every day is an exploration, the world becomes a living archive of unspoken narratives, waiting to be noticed. That’s where my direction stems from, a desire to make the invisible feel seen.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I think the most impactful parts of my journey have been shaped by a mix of emotional awareness, resilience, and a strong sense of observation. Learning to truly feel and understand emotions, both mine and those around me, has shaped the kind of work I create. It taught me that fashion and art aren’t just visual; they’re emotional languages, capable of saying things words often can’t. That emotional sensitivity made my creative process deeply personal and connected.

At the same time, resilience became essential. This path isn’t always easy, it’s full of uncertainties, critiques, and moments where nothing feels right. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel stuck, as long as you don’t stay stuck. Each moment of doubt has quietly pushed me to grow stronger, more adaptable, and more open to change. And through it all, I’ve discovered how powerful it is to simply observe. I don’t mean just looking, I mean really seeing. People, places, moments, even silence, they all carry stories, and those subtle layers of life constantly inspire me.

For anyone starting out, especially in a creative field, my advice would be, stay true to yourself. Take advice from experts, be open to learning, and let external influences inspire you, but don’t let them dilute your inner voice. Focus on building your own identity. It’s easy to get swept up in trends or pressure, but your uniqueness is your greatest strength. Learn to find that balance, between listening and leading, absorbing and creating.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

If I’m at this stage in life, a big part of the credit goes to my parents and close family. I truly believe the space you grow up in shapes your personality, your mindset, and even your sense of possibility. I was fortunate to be raised in an environment that gave me both emotional support and life lessons that still guide me.

My father, with his strong academic background, always emphasised discipline, structure, and the value of education. My mother, on the other hand, was someone who lived freely and unapologetically on her own terms. She taught me to be independent, to trust myself, and to always stay true to what I love. That contrast between them gave me the best of both worlds: the grounding to stay focused and responsible, and the freedom to explore, express, and dream.

One of the most impactful things they did for me was allowing me to pursue my dreams, especially in a creative field, while also making sure I understood the importance of time, money, and passion. That balance is a rare privilege. A lot of kids don’t always get the space to explore what they love, especially when it’s unconventional. I don’t take that for granted. Knowing I had their trust gave me the confidence to walk this path with clarity and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: farzeen._.balsara
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farzeenbalsara/