We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zarina Akhmetzhan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Zarina, 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?
As a fashion design student, my resilience comes from a deep-rooted passion for creative expression and an unwavering belief in the power of transformation through clothing. Fashion, by its very nature, is fleeting — trends come and go, tastes shift, and the landscape of style evolves almost daily. To survive and thrive in such a dynamic industry requires more than just an eye for aesthetics; it demands the ability to adapt, to fail forward, and to find inspiration even in the face of rejection or criticism.
I’ve learned that resilience in fashion isn’t just about pushing through hard times — it’s about embracing the journey of self-discovery and personal growth that comes with each collection. Every sketch that gets scrapped, every garment that doesn’t quite fit right, is a lesson in patience and perseverance. Over time, these small failures become stepping stones to innovation. They teach me that the design process is a marathon, not a sprint, and that true artistry emerges when we stay open to change and evolution.
Another key source of resilience for me is the stories behind the clothes I create. Each piece is more than just fabric; it’s a reflection of culture, identity, and the human experience. Knowing that my designs can empower someone, evoke emotion, or start a conversation gives me a sense of purpose beyond the material. Fashion is a language, and every time I send a garment down the runway or see someone wear my work, I’m reminded of why I started in the first place — to inspire and connect through beauty.
Lastly, my resilience is fueled by the sheer thrill of creation. There’s nothing quite like the moment when a vision comes to life, when sketches turn into garments that can be touched, worn, and lived in. Fashion is about constantly pushing boundaries — of form, function, and convention. And for every challenge, there’s an opportunity to redefine what’s possible. It’s that sense of possibility that keeps me resilient, no matter what the industry throws my way.
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 excited to share my journey as a fashion design student and what drives me creatively. Right now, my focus is on building a brand that blends bold, expressive design with a focus on storytelling through fashion. I believe that clothing is a powerful tool for self-expression, and my goal is to create pieces that tell a story and make people feel connected to something deeper—whether it’s through the design’s inspiration, the craftsmanship, or the message behind it.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to push creative boundaries. I love exploring bold, unconventional patterns and combining them with unique silhouettes to create something that feels fresh and artistic. My designs are inspired by art, music, and culture, and I aim to blur the lines between fashion and storytelling. For me, each collection is an opportunity to weave together elements of history, emotion, and personal experiences, making every piece much more than just something you wear—it’s a conversation starter.
One of the things that makes my work special is the fusion of fashion and narrative. I design with a purpose, often drawing on themes like identity, culture, or moments in time to create something meaningful. My collections are less about following trends and more about telling a story that resonates with the people who wear them. Whether it’s through a bold print inspired by a specific culture or a piece that reflects personal history, I strive to create designs that feel both personal and impactful.
Right now, I’m working on launching my first capsule collection, which will focus on fashion as storytelling. Each piece is tied to a narrative, with its own backstory, color palette, and concept. This collection is for those who want their clothing to feel like a form of personal expression, something that goes beyond aesthetics. I’m excited to share these pieces because I believe they’ll inspire people to think differently about what they wear and why they wear it.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to build a brand that reflects my love for creativity, storytelling, and fashion. I want my designs to spark conversations, provoke thought, and connect people with ideas and emotions. Fashion is such a versatile and influential medium, and I’m thrilled to explore how it can be used to tell stories in fresh, exciting ways.
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?
As a fashion design student, I’m still early in my journey, but I’ve already learned that certain qualities and skills are crucial for success in this field. Reflecting on my experiences so far, the three most important areas that have had the biggest impact on my growth are creativity and innovation, resilience and adaptability, and technical craftsmanship. These are the skills I believe will shape the rest of my career and are key for anyone else starting out in fashion.
1. Creativity and Innovation
In fashion school, creativity is at the core of everything we do. It’s about more than just designing something that looks good; it’s about pushing boundaries, finding new ways to express ideas through clothing, and staying ahead of trends. The most exciting part of this field is the chance to create something completely original that reflects both personal style and the world around us.
How I’m Developing It: To keep my creativity sharp, I try to surround myself with inspiration. I study not only fashion but also art, architecture, and even everyday life around me. The more diverse my influences, the more innovative my designs become. I also challenge myself to take risks in my work, whether it’s experimenting with unconventional fabrics or playing with bold silhouettes. Taking creative risks has led to some of my best ideas, even if they don’t always work out perfectly.
2. Resilience and Adaptability
Fashion school can be tough—there are critiques, deadlines, and the constant pressure to stand out. I’ve realized that resilience is one of the most important qualities for getting through the ups and downs of this journey. Not every design will be a hit, and sometimes things don’t go as planned, but that’s all part of the learning process. Adaptability is just as important, especially when you’re juggling multiple projects or need to pivot an idea that isn’t working.
How I’m Developing It: I’ve learned to embrace feedback, even when it’s tough to hear. Critiques are part of growing as a designer, and instead of getting discouraged, I try to use them as motivation to improve. I also remind myself that fashion is all about change—what’s trending today might be irrelevant tomorrow—so being flexible and open to evolving ideas is key. Staying positive and adaptable has helped me bounce back when things don’t go as planned.
3. Technical Craftsmanship
As a student, I’m constantly learning the technical side of fashion, from pattern-making to sewing and garment construction. Creativity is important, but without the technical skills to back it up, a great idea can easily fall flat. Understanding the craftsmanship behind a design is what transforms an idea into a piece of clothing that people can actually wear.
How I’m Developing It: I spend a lot of time honing my technical skills in the studio. Whether it’s learning to sew a flawless seam or mastering how different fabrics behave, the more I practice, the more confident I feel in bringing my designs to life. I also pay attention to the little details—things like fit, draping, and fabric selection make all the difference in a final garment. The more I learn, the more I realize how essential this craftsmanship is to making my designs stand out.
As a fashion design student, I’m still learning, but I already know that success in this field requires a balance of creativity, resilience, and technical skill. My advice to fellow students is to stay curious and keep pushing boundaries, both in your designs and in your mindset. Be open to feedback, embrace challenges, and never stop refining your technical skills. Fashion is constantly evolving, and the more we learn, the more we’ll be able to shape the future of this exciting industry.
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?
Once a special person in my life introduced me to the book “Ganbatte” by Albert Liebermann and Hector Garcia, and it has since played a significant role in my personal and professional development. The word ganbatte, meaning “do your best” in Japanese, serves as the foundation of the book, which is filled with wisdom about perseverance, focus, and resilience. As a fashion design student, these lessons have been incredibly valuable in helping me navigate the ups and downs of the creative journey.
Here are a few key takeaways from the book that have made a lasting impact on me:
1. The Value of Persistence
The book emphasizes that talent alone isn’t enough for success. What really sets people apart is their ability to keep going, even when the path is difficult or progress feels slow. In fashion, this is especially true. Facing critiques, revisions, and rejection is part of the process, but Ganbatte encourages a mindset of continuous effort and improvement. This has helped me stay focused on the bigger picture and not get discouraged by setbacks.
2. The Power of Small, Consistent Steps
One of the most impactful lessons from Ganbatte is that success is built on small, steady efforts, not one grand gesture. This idea has transformed the way I approach my work—whether it’s perfecting my design sketches or mastering technical skills in the studio. By setting small, achievable goals each day, I’ve learned to appreciate the progress I’m making, even when it seems incremental. Over time, these daily efforts add up to something much greater.
3. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The book also highlights the importance of resilience, especially in the face of failure. In Japanese culture, there’s a strong value placed on getting back up after being knocked down, and Ganbatte illustrates how crucial this is to success. As I’ve faced creative roadblocks and moments of doubt, this reminder has helped me maintain my focus and push forward, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than dead ends.
It’s a powerful reminder that with hard work, patience, and persistence, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.
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