We continue our column about talented and successful women from Central Asia. Today we are talking about inspiring specialists and leaders from Tashkent.
Nodira Abdurakhmanova, Tashkent, ethnic fashion-influencer, founder of the brand nadi_uz, Items, @nadi_uz.
About me
I was born and grew up in the city of Angren, in the Tashkent region.
I have always been ambitious. At the age of 14 I started working and earning money. I taught English to younger children.
Since the age of 19 I have been living in Tashkent. I graduated from the Institute of Oriental Studies, Chinese Language Department.
Career milestones
After 10 years of work in my specialty, I changed the sphere of activity. Four years ago my career as a designer and influencer began. I am now the creator of the first Chapan Museum House.
When I started my business in the fashion sphere, I dreamed of becoming an example for other people, I wanted to instill in Uzbek people and not only love for national ethics through my images and clothes that I create.
About stereotypes and difficulties
I have never faced any stereotypes in my activity. But I know that we women, creating our own business, often feel guilty in front of our family members because we give them less attention and time. Business is a 24/7 job, so I am learning to find balance in everything.
I always try to be as honest as possible in all aspects of the business: in dealing with partners, in paying taxes, in dealing with my employees. It is important to me to maintain a high standard and reputation so that people associate our brand with words like quality and relevance.
Recommendations
It's important to believe in yourself and your craziest ideas!
A prime example for me is the story of Thomas Edison, who made over 1000 unsuccessful attempts to invent the light bulb. It took him five years, but he achieved his goal.
Sabina Bakieva, Tashkent, founder of the advertising agency Faces, @s_bakieva
About me
I am originally from Tashkent. I lived here until I was 28, but for 4 years now I have been living in two cities: Moscow — Tashkent.
I graduated from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in "International Economic Relations" and got a master's degree in "Foreign Economic Activity". At the moment I am writing a dissertation on e-commerce at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations.
The size of the city affects professional development, because when you live in a small city, there is a feeling that you are in a bubble. There is a sense of a ceiling. In a big city, things are a bit different, but there are also challenges.
Career milestones
My career path started early, at the age of 17. I worked as a news reporter at anons.uz. I worked in journalism for a long time, practically until 2018. During this time I learned discipline, realized that talent is only 20% of success, the other 80% is daily work.
At one time I wanted to be a diplomat. I wanted to earn good money. But later I was fascinated by the idea of making projects that people would remember. That's why today I have my own business.
About stereotypes and difficulties
It so happens that I look much younger than I really am. I am often not taken seriously at the beginning of negotiations. But this is only at the first meeting. Once people get to know me better, they change their opinion.
The main problem for girls in Central Asia is balance. To have a successful career, you have to have the support of your family. It so happens that after graduating from university, girls want to get married as soon as possible. And with family troubles, they give up work and stop in their career. Personally, it was difficult for me, I got caught up when I saw that all my friends were married and I only had a job. That was the difficulty. Other than that, I am happy that my family always understands me and gives me every opportunity to grow and develop.
Recommendations
For me, the important qualities and principles were responsibility, diplomacy and the ability to quickly find solutions in crisis situations.
It is important not to be afraid. If you want to start your own business, do it. If you want to leave a job you don't like, leave. We have only one life, and it is necessary to live it so that at the end there would be no regrets. I believe that it is better to do something and regret it than not to do it and spend the rest of your life thinking about what could have happened if you had been a little braver.