We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rabia Razzaq a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rabia, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Growing up in a vibrant South-Asian household, I was profoundly shaped by the wisdom and character of my parents and grandfather, both extraordinary individuals. Their guidance imparted to me invaluable lessons in resilience, integrity, and the art of hospitality. My father, a paragon of hard work and integrity, emphasized the significance of making resolute decisions and standing steadfastly by them. He not only taught us the importance of warmly welcoming guests but also the necessity of embodying grace and kindness in their presence.
Each interaction, my father emphasized, presented an opportunity to carefully choose our words, communicate clearly, and genuinely appreciate those around us. I vividly recall his words of wisdom when I faced the pivotal decision of choosing my career path, despite his desire for me to pursue medicine. He encouraged me to discern what truly resonated with my aspirations and to embrace my decision with unwavering appreciation.
Above all, he reminded me that my family would always stand by me, offering unwavering support and encouragement. Indeed, the bolstering support of family and the presence of steadfast friends imbue us with the confidence and determination necessary to navigate life’s decisions with conviction.
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 both a passionate product designer and an entrepreneurial spirit. For me, the journey of creating and launching new products is not just a profession but a deeply fulfilling pursuit. I thrive on innovation and relish the challenges that come with it.
Currently, my focus lies on Re-mend, an innovative application aimed at revolutionizing the way people interact with tailors. Through Re-mend, users can seamlessly customize their clothing by digitally connecting with tailors, eliminating the need for physical visits, especially beneficial for power wheelchair users. This digital platform streamlines the process by digitally capturing measurements, ensuring precise tailoring without the constraints of physical location. Not only does it simplify the tailoring process, but it also enhances the overall experience for power wheelchair users. The positive feedback received during the testing and prototyping phase has been immensely encouraging.
Furthermore, I am excited about the upcoming launch of a scarf designed to provide comfort and solace in overstimulating environments. This product embodies my commitment to creating solutions that enhance well-being and promote mindfulness in everyday life.
In addition to my endeavors in product design, I am also the driving force behind Olive.Creatives, a packaging company dedicated to crafting personalized experiences. Each package is meticulously curated to reflect the unique story and emotional significance of the occasion or recipient. From the design of the boxes to the selection of edible items, every element is tailored to evoke a sense of connection and celebration.
Through my various ventures, I am constantly inspired to innovate and create meaningful solutions that positively impact people’s lives. Whether it’s through clothing customization, sensory comfort, or personalized gifting experiences, my goal remains the same: to make a difference through design and entrepreneurship.
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?
To truly excel at something, it’s essential to infuse it with genuine passion and commitment. Pour your heart into every endeavor, giving it your undivided attention and unwavering effort. Maintaining focus is equally crucial; although it demands substantial dedication, it’s a trait that propels you towards enduring success. Throughout my journey, I’ve made it a point to invest myself fully in everything I undertake.
In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, setbacks are inevitable. However, what sets apart the successful from the rest is their steadfast commitment to learning and resilience. Even in the face of failure, it’s vital to persevere, continuously absorbing lessons and driving your venture forward. Consistency, I’ve found, is the linchpin of progress—a steadfast dedication to showing up and pushing forward, regardless of the obstacles encountered.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I once held a job that didn’t align with my passions. Nevertheless, I approached it with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, dedicating countless hours to learning and growth. This seemingly unrelated role equipped me with invaluable skills in managing and engaging with people, honing my abilities in communication and collaboration. To me, these qualities—courage, resilience, and collaboration—are paramount for achieving success in any endeavor.
In essence, success isn’t just about talent or opportunity; it’s about the unwavering commitment to pour your heart into every pursuit, coupled with the resilience to weather any storm and the willingness to collaborate with others to achieve greatness.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m currently seeking passionate investors who share my vision of making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities through the launch of our sensory scarf. I’m eager to collaborate with individuals who are driven to solve challenges and create meaningful solutions in this space.
In particular, I’m looking for partners who can contribute to the distribution and marketing efforts of the sensory scarf, both within the United States and internationally. Your expertise and insights in finalizing the distribution channels will be invaluable in ensuring the widespread availability and accessibility of our product.
If you’re as excited as I am about this opportunity and believe you can bring valuable expertise to the table, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via LinkedIn or email. I look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Let’s work together to create positive change and empower those in need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rabiadesigns.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabia-razzaq-961aa6223/
Image Credits
My picture: Aiza Naeem https://www.instagram.com/aizanaeem_?igsh=ajlucHc1MHJwdWM1
