Farhana Aakhoon, a resident of the old city in Srinagar, is an accomplished interior designer and 3D visualizer. With a strong desire to honor her late father, she has always harbored aspirations of becoming an independent woman and making a meaningful impact in her chosen field. From a young age, Farhana has been driven by the determination to achieve her goals and fulfill her dreams.
In 2016, I was selected for computer science engineering, a field I was passionate about. I traveled to Jammu for admission and everything seemed to be falling into place. However, something inexplicable happened to me when I returned to my hostel room, which I believe marked a turning point in my life. -Farhana
Upon returning to the valley, I discovered interior designing through a friend and became interested in it. I pursued it and found that I thoroughly enjoyed learning about it. In 2019, I completed my first internship in the field and was emotional when I gave my first salary to my father. However, my biggest struggle in life was losing my father to cancer at a young age, because I was so dependent on my father and his loss has made me even more determined to make him proud. Although it has been a difficult experience, it has made me stronger, but the loss is still deeply felt. -Farhana
Despite facing discouragement and comments from the people that interior designing is a field only meant for boys, I had the unwavering support of my family especially (my mother, brother and Uncle) friends, and especially my uncle. Although I temporarily left the field while working under someone and then later transitioning into teaching during the pandemic, I found that it didn’t bring me the satisfaction I craved. As a result, I have returned to pursuing interior designing as a freelance designer in the year 2022. I believe “I have not choose this field, This field choose me”
Farhana Aakhoon has nearly four years of experience in the field of interior designing, having worked with various firms. Her current goal is to establish her own firm, & she is presently working as a freelancer. She has worked on numerous projects, ranging from residential to commercial, & has collaborated with both firms and individuals. I have done numerous projects in the Kashmir valley both in residential as well as commercial ” Adds Farhana about her work”
I am currently in that face, Where I am building my life, and relationship with the people, Being a Kashmiri girl it’s a struggle to work in this field. This is a very different field, One should have a lot of knowledge by working in this field. Whatever I am today, It’s all because of my father and wherever he is today, I believe he should be proud of me. Says Miss Farhana
My message to parents is to support your children & encourage them to pursue their passions in a positive manner, as life only comes around once.
To girls, my message is to follow your dreams & be passionate about what you do. Don’t let societal expectations hold you back, as ultimately, everyone will come to appreciate your unique talents & strengths.
