Meet Sanaz Masoumi

 

We recently connected with Sanaz Masoumi and have shared our conversation below.

Sanaz, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience stems from a combination of personal experiences and strong influences from my heritage and culture. Growing up in Iran, I saw firsthand the resilience of people facing adversity, particularly women who have fought tirelessly for their rights and freedom. That gave me a strong sense of perseverance.

As a designer, I am inspired by nature’s resilience, especially how mountains endure and change over time. This connection between the strength of nature and the human experience is something I incorporate into my work, particularly in my most recent collection, which celebrates both resilience and beauty shaped over time.

I’ve also faced my own challenges as an immigrant and entrepreneur, moving to a new country and starting a business from scratch. But each setback has only made me more determined to succeed, reminding me that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving and growing through every challenge.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

At Ara Art and Design Studio, we’re focused on offering a unique collection of up to 100% handmade fashion items, home décor, accessories, and bags. Each piece is crafted with thoughtful attention to detail, incorporating traditional techniques and sustainable practices. Our designs reflect a deep connection to nature’s beauty and human strength, with every item telling a story of resilience and creativity.

What excites me most about the brand is how we blend art and fashion, using handwoven textiles and bold, vibrant materials to create pieces that are not only wearable but also meaningful. Our goal is to provide items that people will cherish for years, knowing they were made with care and intention.

I’m also thrilled about our expansion plans, as we prepare to launch a boutique in Portland where customers can experience the full range of our handmade products. We’re committed to continuing this journey of creativity and craftsmanship, always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with sustainable fashion.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, creativity, and adaptability.

**Resilience** has been crucial, especially as an immigrant starting a business in a new country. Challenges will arise, whether personal or professional, but it’s important to stay focused and push through. My advice for developing resilience is to embrace setbacks as learning experiences. Every failure is an opportunity to grow, and persistence is key to overcoming obstacles. Also, don’t wait for the perfect time to start—there’s no such thing as perfect! Start with whatever you have and keep moving forward.

**Creativity** has always driven my work. It’s not just about artistic expression but also about problem-solving and finding unique ways to bring ideas to life. To foster creativity, I recommend staying curious, learning new skills constantly, and seeking inspiration from diverse sources—nature, cultures, and everyday life.

**Adaptability** is another essential skill that has helped me navigate the ever-changing landscape of fashion and business. Being flexible and open to new ideas has allowed me to evolve as a designer and entrepreneur. For those starting out, I’d suggest embracing change, staying open to feedback, and always looking for ways to innovate.

Above all, never lose hope—hope is what keeps us alive. No matter how tough things get, hope will keep you going. Ultimately, it’s about being open to growth, learning new skills always, and staying committed to your vision.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I’m currently facing is securing the funding to open my business after just graduating. I’m actively looking for grants and loans, but without a long credit history in the U.S., the process has been more difficult. Despite this, I continue searching, applying, and making connections to bring my dream to life. I believe, as Rumi says, “What is in your imagination is reality!” With that mindset, I know I’ll either find a way or create one.

I also remind myself that being nervous or stressed doesn’t solve anything; it only holds me back from my plans. Staying focused and proactive is key to overcoming challenges and moving forward. However, it’s essential to respect your body and remember that sometimes we need to do nothing to recharge. I’m determined to make my vision for Ara Art and Design Studio a reality, no matter the obstacles.

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