MEET ZARA STREET
Welcome back to our 'MEET' series, where you can meet members of the Other Box community and other inspiring individuals making moves in their respective industries. We will spotlight their diverse talents, unique perspectives, and innovative contributions to the industry.
So, without further ado…
MEET ZARA
a British Pakistani artist, designer, creator, author, and founder of the positive lifestyle brand Keep It Bright.
How did you get started?
I started Keep It Bright way back in 2007, just before I turned 16 - because positive thinking saved my life and changed my mindset when I was a teenager - I wanted to help other people to help themselves the way that I had, to love themselves and enjoy their lives more, I made it my mission to do this through my designs, the books I wrote and the words I put out into the world. I started with nothing much but a dream in a tiny bedroom in our council house.
How do you support and celebrate underrepresented people?
For me, growing up, there weren’t any other cool or varied British Asian people in the media to look up to - a role model like me would have been so amazing to see, especially one who didn’t have the ‘typical’ family set-up. I was raised by a single mother and went on to be the breadwinner in our household for a long period of time, which can definitely be seen as unusual for a young Asian woman - seeing those stereotypes being smashed and Asian women represented in those ways is important to me, as someone who’s had quite an unusual life, with nothing typical about it!
What inspires your work?
Design-wise, I’m inspired by all sorts—from colour to culture, from words to shapes. Content-wise, I'm inspired by my struggles and the things that have helped me on my journey. I share what I learn with my followers as I’m learning it in hopes of helping them along on their journeys. The struggles other women and people of colour face also constantly inspire my work!
What can we expect from you in the coming months?
I’ve just completed renovating my office, and I’m feeling so inspired and excited to get really creative again and create things that really make my eyes happy and bring joy to others, too! I’m excited to be working on some one-of-a-kind collage and junk-art-inspired pieces. I’m also working on getting my new book written and finished, which has been a process over the past couple of years!
What is your favourite quote that sums up your philosophy on life?
‘Trust the timing of your life’ is one of my favourites!
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Honest, reliable, fierce.
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You can find Zara on her website - www.keepitbright.co.uk or on Instagram @keepitbright
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Do you know someone we should feature or want us to shout about your work? If you're a minority-owned brand, business, creative, thought leader, etc - contact us and tell us what you've got going on 🙌🏾
