Meet Sahar Rana

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sahar Rana. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sahar below.

Hi Sahar , appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?

I’ve redefined self-discipline as an act of self-love and gentleness, rather than something rigid or intimidating. To achieve this, I’ve been trying to cultivate the right habits and mindsets. One of those mindsets is to stop relying on feelings alone, and embrace this four-word mantra:

ART OF SHOWING UP

Sometimes, motivation alone isn’t enough to keep me moving. There are days when I feel uninspired and exhausted, wondering how I’ll ever reach my dreams. I printed these words and placed them on my wall so I would see them every day. This daily reminder keeps me going, especially when I feel overwhelmed by how much work lies ahead.

I made a promise to myself: as long as I show up, it doesn’t matter how slow the journey is. Doing the work consistently is a guaranteed investment in my future, and I trust that the results will come, even if not immediately. Instead of fixating on the end result, I focus on the task at hand. I want to silence thoughts like “will I ever become the person that I dream of?” and instead choose to enjoy the journey of creating and working on myself.

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?

I’m a photographer, director, and multimedia artist, with experience in marketing and content creation. I graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Photography from Sheridan College and currently work as a freelance photographer/director. I create editorial and commercial work for clients but use visual arts primarily as a medium for self-expression. My visual style is often described as bold, whimsical, endearing or exciting. You can view my portfolio at www.saharrana.com to see more.

While this describes my professional work, art and creativity cover all aspects of my life. My family and friends know me as a versatile artist whose passionate about a range of things, including photography, filmmaking, design, poetry, writing, acrylic painting, sewing, flower pressing, and more. Even if I don’t share my work, this is what takes up my free time and brings me joy.

Currently, I’m transitioning from my freelance photography business to roles that support larger causes. I find fulfillment in applying my skills in photography, videography, marketing, and art direction to Muslim organizations, focusing on contributing to meaningful work rather than expanding a personal art portfolio. This shift has been a decision I grappled with over the years- as I always envisioned myself as a full-time freelance artist. Despite the changes, I’m excited for this new chapter. Things are always changing though so we’ll see where this path takes me.

What excites me even more is my new YouTube channel. I often reflect on the impact I want to leave on the world and saw this platform as the perfect way to share tutorials, general knowledge and stories learned through life. I’m able to combine my love of the arts, teaching/inspiring others and my values (like faith, creativity and self development). I’m just beginning this journey and, as I mentioned, focusing on showing up for myself rather than stressing over the years of work ahead.

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?

If I had to share three skills to advise others with, they would be:

1) Immersing yourself in the right environments
2) Being open to experimenting
3) Using YouTube as a tool for learning

Firstly, the environment you’re in is crucial in shaping personal and professional growth. The idea that “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” is true with your creative interests as well. When I’m surrounded by creative people, I don’t doubt my ideas as much because everyone places importance on their craft. Being part of a creative environment also means visiting galleries, exhibits, workshops, classes and artist talks. Plus, it opens up opportunities for networking, sharing resources, and offering support, because we are all facing similar struggles.

Second, I approach each project by viewing them as an experiment instead of a final product. This allows more room for mistakes and combats a perfectionist mindset. It helps to push my creative boundaries, encouraging exploration of different mediums, and keeps me from being stuck in one niche or identity.

Finally, YouTube has been incredibly transformative for me. It’s where I first learned Photoshop and gained filmmaking and photography skills since high school. I owe a lot to this platform because it provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, from artist interviews and marketing trends to creative advice (#notsponsored).

What is a challenge you are currently facing?

A challenge I’m currently facing is choosing to live a private life versus putting myself out more. Like others, I want my work to be seen. The greater the audience, the more people I can also reach when it comes to sharing fundraisers or organizations that I care about. I know that I’m capable, and if I want to make a larger impact, I need to use all resources and social media platforms on hand.

But on the other hand, it feels like all creative people are unable to escape social media – as if we have no choice but to constantly be present. This comes at the cost of mental health, increased screen time, potential judgement and perhaps inauthenticity. Part of me longs for a simple, private life with just my loved ones, without the camera and phone. It makes me wonder how much a story can be just as appreciated, even when it’s not heard. Can I make something of myself without being known? Can I find opportunities without social media? What is the value of artwork that is never seen?

I haven’t figured it out yet, but I’m reassessing my priorities. I think using my voice as a Muslim in the west is something I need to embrace. I can’t let fears limit me anymore, so I’m working on being brave. For now, the benefits of being visible seem to outweigh the desire to “hide away”, though these thoughts might change as I get older and my values shift again.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Sahar Rana

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