We recently connected with Mateen Khan and have shared our conversation below.
Mateen, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
This question is in the middle of all the choices for a reason. It covers the answers to all of the above and below.
I was born and grew up in 2 different societies. Let me briefly explain.
Society’s dos and don’ts are what develop you as a person.
Opening your eyes in a developed country with everything provided to you by the government is different from opening your eyes in a third-world country where people stuff your mind that your only purpose is the purpose given to you by your extended family members.
I found my purpose in becoming a successful entrepreneur from life’s difficulties. The hard times made me think of the future and not repeat my parent’s mistakes. One of God’s most beautiful gifts is a meaningful and purposeful life.
As life challenges grew, my purpose of becoming financially successful became harder. However, unexpected incidents in life taught me that having a career as a purpose to drive you forward is not enough. Instead, your purpose must be to become mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and ethically strong.
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?
I am a creative entrepenuer. I have a bachelor’s degree in fashion marketing and merchandising management. I started my career as a fashion designer while I was in fashion school back in 2000. I am a certified graphic designer and a self-taught photographer & videographer.
Creative businesses are the most challenging and fastest-evolving businesses. My brand provides creative services. The more innovative you are, the more you stand out; this is today’s market demand.
I am passionate about guiding people and know the importance of knowledge. I started writing blogs on my website to advise people on photography equipment, and later on, I would love to talk about modeling and fashion.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
- Passion for learning (skills, trade, manufacturing, language, history, and how to survive), 2. Ambition. 3. Patients.
I had to unlearn many things I thought I had learned in the past. The things I learned from my parents and other family members were not applicable in the current times and situation. I am very grateful that I developed this passion for learning.
I read books that helped me to become better at communicating with others. I am so surprised that people can’t even change a tire just because they are programmed to believe that it’s the job of a licensed mechanic.
Learn how to survive and cook to save money on unhealthy restaurant food. Learn about culture, history, and language; this helps you with your social skills and professional life.
Ambition is a blessing. In my everyday life, I see people who lack ambition. I know people who had minor accidents that they turned into life’s tragedies.
What I understand is it’s all in your head. Watch an Instagram reel on how people like you overcome life’s biggest challenges. The only difference is they are thinking differently than you.
Sometimes, I need more drive to get up and get it done. I am writing all this passionately, but I need one more cup of coffee.
If you are struggling to change your habits, it’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up if you didn’t wake up at the time you planned. Sleep early today.
Be ambitious in every part of yourself. Make your ambition to get up early.
Here are some healthy changes you want to start making. 1. Remove sugar from your diet. 2. Remove alcohol from your diet; 3. Start cooking at home. 4. Start taking natural supplements. 5. Start eating healthy enough to fulfill your appetite. Do not overeat.
If you read the pointers above, you will realize that they all suggest staying active and determined.
Patients, I used to be very impatient when it comes to listening.
Being impatient brought me so much misery, financial stress, and wasted time.
How? For example, driving at a safe speed limit gives you time to react when you see a car cuts you off. If you drive aggressively, you will fail to respond on time and likely engage in road rage or an accident.
Since I was reacting before, I allowed my mind to analyze what someone was acquiring from me. I would always give the wrong answer and regrate later on why I said yes when I was supposed to say no.
If you master the art of patience regardless of the situation, you can succeed in both your personal and professional life.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
This is a very unique question that I am pleased to answer. There are a few different components to this question. First, I believe in constantly improving and strengthening our abilities.
Second, our strengths are always limited. I came to this conclusion after reading many articles about successful people and learning in my professional life. The people who succeed in life are the ones who have broader knowledge.
Let me elaborate. It would help if you had a multi-dimensional perspective on anything you want to do in life. You must have the knowledge and abilities to work in multiple fields. I have experienced people from a particular field with minimal understanding outside their circle.
I choose arts as my profession because it’s not limited to artistic abilities. It would help if you learned to be very strong socially. You must have sales, branding, accounting, marketing, and analytic skills. I chose a profession where I could meet other ambitious people with very versatile personalities.
I worked in retail sales for a long time, and then, in 2015, I got a job as a customer service agent. I might not be the youngest or the brightest, and I was very new at the job. But I was more honest and dedicated than most.
I got two promotions in eight months. I became a lead agent and then became a supervisor. People have been working in my department for four to ten years. I became their supervisor. Why? Because I think outside the box.
Since then, I decided I didn’t want employment. I was, and I am,
self-employed. I am investing my time and efforts in constantly growing and strengthening my abilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://makstudiosinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makstudiosinc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makstudiosinc
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@makstudiosinc
- Other: https://m-a-k-studios-inc.kavyar.site/
Image Credits
Female Model: Model: Karina Devine IG: @karinadevine Brand: Rag & Bone New York IG: @ragandbone Styling: Rachel J Penca IG: @racheljstyling Photography: Mateen A Khan (M.A.K Studios., Inc) IG: @makstudiosinc Hair & Makeup: Nina Esposito IG: @ninaespositomakeup Kristin Kaide IG: @kristinkaide Sabrina IG: @get_cute_with_sabrina Producer: FGI Chicago IG: @fgichicago Male Model: Model: Malcolm Sharkey IG: @malcolmsharkeyofficial Brand: Rag & Bone New York IG: @ragandbone Styling: Rachel J Penca IG: @racheljstyling Photography: Mateen A Khan (M.A.K Studios., Inc) IG: @makstudiosinc Hair & Makeup: Nina Esposito IG: @ninaespositomakeup Kristin Kaide IG: @kristinkaide Sabrina IG: @get_cute_with_sabrina Producer: FGI Chicago IG: @fgichicago
