We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zarina Akhmetzhan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Zarina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

As I sat in the cozy corner of my room, flipping through the pages of my childhood album, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Even at the tender age of 8, I dreamt of a future adorned with the lights of fame as a world-renowned designer. In one heartfelt entry, I penned, ‘Art fascinates me because it has no boundaries… I want to connect my life with creativity,’ alongside a sketch of a girl lost in the enchantment of her own creation.

Every page of my album tells a story of a young mind brimming with creativity, each work a testament to my unique perspective and unwavering passion. Each stroke of the pencil, each splash of color bore the unmistakable imprint of my soul, a glimpse into the world as seen through my eyes.

However, as I entered my teenage years, the course of my life seemed to veer off in a different direction. With each passing year, my thirst for knowledge grew, propelling me to seek out new challenges and explore uncharted territories. The allure of a completely different path beckoned, leading me to consider a future in engineering, with dreams of making a mark in the oil industry.

Yet, fate had other plans for me. A twist of destiny led me down a path I never imagined, studying linguistics with a focus on the German language. Despite my best efforts, I soon realized that this path did not fully resonate with my heart’s deepest desires.

And so, here I am, a student at Parsons, one of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world, following the call of my heart back to where it all began—my love for art, creativity, and the boundless world of fashion.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Today, as a student at Parsons, I am immersed in a world of creativity and innovation, honing my skills and nurturing my vision. One of the highlights of my journey so far was being selected as one of the 16 designers to showcase my designs at the prestigious Yale Fashion Show, hosted by Yale University. This experience not only allowed me to share my work on a notable platform but also demonstrated my ability to thrive in the competitive world of fashion.

What sets my designs apart is not just my technical skill, but my unwavering commitment to infuse each piece with a piece of my soul. Every stitch, every fabric choice, every design decision is a reflection of my deepest passions and aspirations.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As a creative soul, nothing ignites my spirit more than the raw, unbridled freedom to express my innermost self and connect with others on a profound, emotional level through my creations. In each stroke of my brush, every line I draw, and every word I write, I weave a tapestry of my soul, sharing my unique stories and perspectives with the world.

My creativity is a vessel for nurturing understanding and empathy, bridging the gaps between people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Through my work, I strive to cultivate a sense of unity and compassion, creating a space where differences are celebrated, not feared.

The creative process itself is my lifeblood, a constant journey of self-discovery and growth. It challenges me to push beyond my limits, to innovate, and to evolve both as an artist and as a human being. Each new project is an adventure, a chance to dive deeper into the depths of my imagination and bring forth something truly extraordinary.

Ultimately, being a creative person is not just a passion; it’s a calling. It’s about making a profound impact, inspiring others to see the world in a new light, and leaving a legacy that will endure for generations to come. Through my art, I strive to touch hearts, provoke thoughts, and spark positive change in the world around me.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Absolutely! One aspect that non-creatives might struggle to understand about the creative journey is the depth of emotional investment and vulnerability that comes with creating art. Each piece of work is not just a product of skill and technique but also a reflection of the artist’s innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This emotional connection can make the creative process incredibly intense and personal, leading to a deep sense of attachment to the work produced.

The creative process often involves periods of self-doubt, uncertainty, and even failure. Non-creatives might not fully grasp the resilience and determination required to persevere through these challenges, to keep creating despite setbacks, and to constantly push oneself to grow and evolve as an artist.

The idea of “inspiration” and where it comes from can be mysterious to those who are not creatives. Inspiration often strikes unexpectedly and can be influenced by a wide range of factors, from everyday experiences to profound moments of introspection. Non-creatives might find it difficult to understand how something as intangible as inspiration can drive the creation of tangible works of art.

Overall, the creative journey is a deeply personal and transformative experience that goes beyond mere technical skill or talent. It requires a willingness to embrace vulnerability, a commitment to continual growth, and a passion for self-expression that can be challenging for non-creatives to fully grasp.