MLC

Saeeda Zaidi decided to take the plunge and pursue her lifelong dream of designing

“I am an interior designer, and I love creating things. Be it any piece of furniture, a wall, or a room, my mind is always finding ways to change things. I love making everyday things more useful and beautiful. For example, my son had a shelf in his room which was hard to maintain and clean. So I decided to cut it in half and convert it into a useful TV unit. These are the kind of projects I love. 

Before following my passion, I was a coordinator in a school, and while I learnt a lot there, I have always loved creating things. My kids pushed me to do what I have always loved. So I decided to come to Mumbai, pursue my diploma, reinvent myself and chase my passion. My husband and my younger son were back at home in Patna, and while I kept visiting them every two-three months, it sure was tough. My domestic worker helped me a lot and managed things for me. I was stuck in Mumbai for over five months when the pandemic hit. But I think it all made sense for me in the end, and I’ve, thankfully, never doubted my decision.

People were generally supportive of my decision, but a few odd ones here and there didn’t have the best things to say. But it didn’t matter because I was listening to the other side of the crowd–my mentors, my teachers who appreciated my work. So those things didn’t really matter to me. Some people asked me ‘tum kar payogi kya’, but those words only gave me strength. 

When I went to take admission, they asked me who is the student (laughs). The students were pretty much the same age as my kids, but I was talented and a hard worker. I was a class representative, and my project was chosen to be displayed on the college website. I remember one of my professors telling me that the day I took my admission was the day I truly became an interior designer. 

My advice to women out there who are hesitating to pursue their dreams is to listen to their gut feeling.Age is just a number; all you need to succeed is your passion.”