My Architect and Interior Designer journey hasn’t been easy. From starting with nothing to balancing studies, work, marriage, and motherhood, every step taught me lessons I carry today. This is my story of struggles, small wins, and the hard-earned confidence that shaped the designer I’ve become.
It was October 2016 when I finally hit “send” on my resignation email.
To the world, it looked sudden. But inside, it had been building for six long months. I was done living a life that didn’t belong to me.
I had very little savings, no support, and no contacts. I didn’t even know the difference between materials, nor how to approach contractors or handle site work. But I had one thing – a burning desire to build something under my own name.
Not someone’s employee. Not someone’s assistant. Just Naseema – an Architect and Interior Designer in her own right.
And that’s how my real journey began.
At that time, I was also pursuing my master’s degree.
Evening classes on weekdays. Saturdays and Sundays from 2 PM to 9 PM.
No weekends. No holidays. No rest.
Stress, anxiety, and insomnia became a part of my daily life. I started facing health issues because I wasn’t taking care of myself. Work wasn’t coming in. Every night, I lay awake thinking:
- “Will this ever work?”
- “What if I made the biggest mistake of my life?”
But I promised myself:
“No matter how hard it gets, I won’t leave things halfway.”
In 2018, I got married. Life changed overnight.
1.5 years later, Rayan was born, and suddenly, I had a new identity: A mother.
It was overwhelming. Beautiful, but exhausting.
And I chose to raise him without daycare support. It was just my husband and me handling everything alone.
Later, we welcomed another child. Double the work, double the love, and I still didn’t quit.
I worked when I could. During naps. Late at night. In silence. On my terms.
In the early days of my practice, I often overlooked my own personal safety.
Though my husband, then just a friend, would accompany me on most site visits, there were times I had to go alone.
Looking back, I realize how risky that was. I was young, new, unaware and vulnerable.
I’ve been lucky. Nothing happened.
But luck isn’t a plan.
If you’re just starting, especially as a woman. Never compromise your safety for work. Be cautious, take someone along, or reschedule if needed. No site visit is worth risking your peace or safety.
It took me six full months to earn my first ₹5000. That day, I cried. Smiled. Felt alive.
It wasn’t about the money. It was about proof that maybe, just maybe, I could build something on my own.
Today, I select my projects. I choose my clients. And I decide how much time I want to dedicate.
That confidence came from hard-earned lessons, sleepless nights, and silent battles.
Recently, I completed a dream interior project.
It turned out just the way I had imagined, and people loved it. The best part? Referrals started flowing in.
That kind of validation is priceless, not just professionally, but personally.
Yes, my journey has been slow.
Yes, there are days when I feel behind.
But I’m proud of every step.
And I’m still moving forward, one honest day at a time.
Some days, you’ll have no one to cheer you on. You’ll cry alone. Heal in silence. But you’ll still have to show up strong and smiling for the world.
That’s why you have to become your own cheerleader.
Don’t ignore your dreams. Don’t abandon your voice. Don’t shrink your passion to fit into anyone else’s box.
Table of Contents
Lessons for Women Entrepreneurs in Architecture and Design
Here are lessons I’ve learned the hard way as an Architect and Interior Designer building a career from scratch:
🔹 People Value You Only When You Value Your Time
Stop doing free site visits and consultations. The right clients will value your time — and pay for your expertise.
🔹 Don’t Be Busy, Be Smart with Your Time and Energy
Now, I only start work after receiving an advance. It protects my energy and filters out time-wasters.
🔹 Set Boundaries, Your Time is Sacred
Pre-plan site visits and set strict work timings. Boundaries are the key to balance.
🔹 Your Work is a Part of Life, Not Your Whole Life
Protect time for learning, rest, and family. Balance is everything.
🔹 Clients Are Just Clients
Some will ghost you. That’s okay. Maintain professionalism, but don’t get attached.
🔹 Dignity Over Deadlines
Toxic clients aren’t worth your peace of mind. Step away. Mental health is non-negotiable.
🔹 Be Clear About Payments
Never deliver work before full payment. Use strict payment milestones. Respect your work enough to protect it.
🔹 Prioritize Your Health, It’s the Foundation of Everything
When I ignored my health, everything else crumbled. Now I focus on nutritious food, proper sleep, and emotional wellness.
Conclusion
I am writing this as a success story because, for me, reaching the mindset that I am walking on the right path means everything. When I compare myself to my contemporaries, or when I see other Architects and Interior Designers doing so well, I sometimes feel I am moving slowly. However, I remind myself that doing something is always better than doing nothing.
I don’t know what the future holds. But today, I am loving my life. I love what I do, and nothing compares to the joy of creating something beautiful and seeing people appreciate my work. There is still so much to learn, to embrace, and to grow into. But growth takes time. Learning takes time. And eventually, we all shine in our own time.
Because at the end of the day, success is not just about projects or money. It’s about peace, patience, and the passion to keep going.
To every woman starting her own journey – trust your pace, protect your peace, and keep moving forward. Your time will come, and when it does, it will be worth the wait.
THE HONEST JOURNEY OF AN ARCHITECT AND INTERIOR DESIGNER: FROM STRUGGLES TO SUCCESS
Also Read – FROM FUMBLING TO FEARLESS – BUILDING CONFIDENCE AS AND ARCHITECT AND INTERIOR DESIGNER
Check out my book ‘THE TREE AND THE WIND’ on Kindle
Check out my book ‘ISHQ-E-SAFAR’ on Amazon
