We were lucky to catch up with Mukee Bano Murtaza Kabani recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mukee Bano, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Thank you very much for reaching out. I feel humbled to share my story with the world.
Personally, taking risks is one of my favorite hobbies in life.
In 2013, I left my corporate job in Pakistan and went to the United Kingdom to attend a leadership program organized by the UK-based charity The Change.
It was my first time solo traveling to Europe. I spent all my savings on tickets and flew on Emirates. I still remember that naive, young girl carrying her luggage—she looked so carefree and happy.
The confidence to travel solo didn’t develop overnight. Credit goes to my parents — who always believed in me and instilled independence in me from an early age. Additionally, they trust my choices and decisions. One of the biggest gifts they provided is my freedom — to be whoever I want to be in life.
Being a rebellious soul and a travel enthusiast, I was eager to explore new places and meet new people in the UK.
There was some backlash from my extended family questioning why I was traveling all the way to Europe alone — but I didn’t care, and neither did my parents.
The job I was doing was at a multinational company, but with time, I felt I wanted to go where I am valued, seen, and heard. Having said that, the true mentorship was also missing. It was time to take a bold step and rediscover myself.
After attending this program, my life changed—it gave me new perspectives and taught me a new meaning for life.
I met wonderful, like-minded participants in Cambridge, UK. Participants from across Europe, representing different cultures and languages, joined the training.
To me, it wasn’t just a formal training. It was a journey that enriched me as a person.
It helped me in becoming a better human being — evolving into a kind, humble, and grounded leader. Those lessons were truly inspiring and motivating.
It taught me:
The more I listen to myself, the closer I feel to God.
The more I listen to others, the better I understand them.
The more I help people, the more modest I become.
The more patience I have, the more rewards life will bestow upon me.
I owe a huge thank you to the humble and incredible leaders and coaches of The Change—Robert Mulhall, Paul Senior, Lydia Kiernan, Ruth O’Dowd, Maurits Hoenders, and all the other change-makers and participants who enabled me to have this life-changing experience.
My experience with The Change had been phenomenal and truly a life lesson for me. I will always cherish those memories.
It also allowed me to explore places like London, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, and Cambridge.
Eventually, I stayed in the UK for some time. It provided me with an opportunity to work in a global charity organization, Stroke Association. I helped the charity to raise fundraising in the coldest days of Christmas. I enjoyed every bit of it.
It brought a new, positive change in my life. Solo traveling transformed my mindset completely.

Mukee Bano, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Mukee Bano Murtaza Rahim Kabani, also known as hunzagirl. I am a girl from a small village now living in Atlanta, Georgia. I was born in Hunza, Pakistan, and grew up in Karachi.
Many people are curious about my homeland. Hunza is a breathtaking valley in northern Pakistan, often described as ‘Heaven on Earth,’ and is graced by the majestic presence of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain.
I am a hyper-independent girl— grew up in a joint family system and worked and volunteered my entire life. Professionally, I am a public relations and healthcare specialist with a double master’s in Media Management and Strategic Communications.
I currently work at a hospital in Atlanta, dedicated to supporting seriously ill patients.
I am also a global traveler, fortunate enough to have visited 12 countries and 32 cities across 3 continents. Outside of my career, I embrace many identities: I am a mother, a dog mom, a wife, a daughter, and a sister. I am also a podcaster, an influencer, a community volunteer, and an entrepreneur.
Each of these roles brings me joy and fulfillment, reflecting beautiful shades of life woven by love, support, and a desire to make a difference.
I am also thrilled to be participating in Miss Universe Pakistan 2026.
About my businesses:
I lead a community called Hunzagirl on Instagram which promotes communal love, travel, and Pakistani culture. I am passionate about sharing the beauty of Pakistani dramas, cinema, music, fashion, and traditions.
Link
https://www.instagram.com/hunzagirl/
As the CEO of “Purple Horse Media” — a global marketing and PR agency, my mission is to share the authentic stories of the Hunza people with the world.
Additionally, to use my skills, experience, and knowledge to work with businesses, organizations, and brands.
Since childhood, I have had a deep admiration for film, art, and culture. I previously worked with artists in Pakistan, where I had the opportunity to conduct interviews and cover film premieres.
Today, my organization covers red carpets, public relations, and events that celebrate music and culture in the USA.
Link:
https://www.instagram.com/purple.horsemedia
I have always believed in using my voice for the betterment of society. This belief led me to start my podcast, ‘Mukee on the Mic.”
I talk about everything from life and spirituality to the subconscious – I intend to have open, sincere, and honest conversations. I believe, we should no longer sweep issues under the rug; it is not going to help our souls, our society, and our community.
We must speak up whenever we encounter injustice or anything that does not feel right. We must use our voices.
Link
www.instagram.com/mukeeonthemic
Recently, I established “The Academy of Self-Worth” to help girls and women build confidence, self-worth, and resilience.
Link:
https://www.instagram.com/selfworth.academy
I also run the “Ghani Murtaza Foundation”, a global non-profit organization dedicated to increasing mental health awareness in the public. This foundation serves as a tribute to my late grandfather and honors the sacrifices of my parents.
I am a mental health advocate. This initiative is very close to my heart. I have dealt with depression for over 9 years. I empathize with mental health heroes.
Link
https://www.instagram.com/ghanimurtazafoundation
I also initiated a national NGO in the United States called the “Ministry of Happiness and Well-being”. Since moving here, I have felt a strong need for a formal institute to raise awareness about how to live a fulfilling and abundant life.
The purpose is to educate people on how precious life is and how lifestyle changes can lead to a happy life. It is a long journey, but step-by-step, we aim to build a happier American community.
Link:
https://www.instagram.com/theministryofhappiness_
Thank you once again for reaching out.
You can connect with me through my Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/mukeemurtazakabani or via email mukee@mukeekabani.com

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Oh my God—let me tell you, this is not an easy question. I would need a whole series to answer it, but I’ll try to keep it short.
I am still unlearning many old habits and lessons. For example: asking for help. I have learned the hard way that you cannot do everything by yourself.
It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to feel depressed. It’s okay to feel helpless.
Do not be very hard on yourself. Give yourself some grace. Take care of your physical and mental health.
Do not try to control every situation. Try to let go. Try to surrender. Not everything is in our control—our job is simply to try and pray.
The backstory is that I have been a giver my whole life. I believe I inherited this from my parents—they are givers, too. They have spent their lives helping, supporting, and giving to others.
You know it’s a long journey to unlearn and heal from old habits and patterns. However, I will get there I believe in myself.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Thank you for asking this question; it is a truly great one. I personally believe I have the blessings of my parents and family. I do not take my father, my mother, or their support for granted.
They taught me the biggest values of life such as honesty, integrity, sincerity, generosity, kindness, and helping people.
I believe their teachings help me and my businesses to grow. Whatever I do in my life – I do it with all my pure intentions and joy. Or I don’t do it all.
They have sacrificed everything to make my dreams come true—as well as the dreams of everyone in my immediate and extended family. I feel very humbled and fortunate to have such amazing parents — MashAllah. May God bless them.
I also have incredible support from my husband. He always tells me to ‘be yourself’ and reminds me that he has always believed in me. That truly motivates me.
Having said that, I have an incredible following on my Instagram community. My followers support me immensely, and we have built a great bond based on trust. They know who I am, they understand my energy, and they know my true self. They understand my values and my story, and support me in every possible way. I am very grateful for this amazing community.
I have also met some wonderful and amazing women on Instagram. We uplift and encourage one another.
Finally, I have a few loyal and sincere friends who always have my back. I am forever grateful to them. Thank you, ladies, for being in my life. They know who I am talking to.
Thank you to the team at CanvasRebel for publishing my interview. I truly had an amazing time sharing my story with you.
Thank you, again.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://hunzagirl.wordpress.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunzagirl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18RNo6ZT22/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mukee-r-kabani-1bb05b169
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hunzagirl
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hunza-girl
- Other: Podcast
www.instagram.com/mukeeonthemic
Purple Horse Media — Media House
https://www.instagram.com/purple.horsemedia
Social Cause
https://www.instagram.com/theministryofhappiness_
Charity Foundation
https://www.instagram.com/ghanimurtazafoundation
The Academy of Self-worth
https://www.instagram.com/selfworth.academy







