Women's History Month 2019 Profile: Fatimah Asghar

Fatimah Asghar, Artist

How would your peers describe your personality?

A little forgetful, loving, focused. I'm guarded, but once you're in, I'm very loyal and love you for life.

When did you consider yourself a success? How did this make you feel?

I don't know if I consider myself a success now! I have so much to do on this Earth still, which keeps me motivated and hopeful. I'm building towards that every day. But I think what is important is you have to define success on your own, and not let anyone else define it for you.

What is the biggest challenge you have come across in your career and how did you handle this?

There's a lot of people who've told me 'no' career-wise because I do things differently from the norm or how you are 'supposed' to. And I think the biggest challenge is feeling like because of who you are, the door is closing to you. But I think it’s important to remember that you can make another door on your own, until there are no more doors, until the world is a wide-open field.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?

Im so lucky I'm an artist. My work consists of what interests me, so I get to shape my life into that. I'm really compelled by people, by relationships, by what makes people act in the ways that they do.

What are you most proud of?

I'm proud of how I've learned to love in ways that are different than what society expects/ thinks of as normal. I'm an orphan, my parents died when I was young, and yet I've managed to build family wherever I go. For that I am very proud.

What inspired you when you were younger?

I wanted to make the world a better place. I felt like I saw so much unnecessary hurt around me. And I wanted to change that.

What nail color makes you feel most confident?

Pinks, yellows, gold.

What is a piece of advice you would give to young women?

It's okay to take your time. You're not on anyone's timeline but your own. Find your voice. Get to know and love  yourself. That takes so much time.

Photo Credit: Zoe Rain Photo