Maham

5
‘I always had a passion for art and architecture as a child, as I loved painting’ 48

Transcript of Maham

Page 1: Maham

‘I always had a passion for art and architecture as a child, as I loved

painting’

48

Page 2: Maham

THE MULTI-FACETED CEO OF BAROQUE INC.

MAHAM MIRZA MALIK

Maham wearing a lace laser cut white blouse with a delicate chain necklace and a statement gold

ring

Maham in three words? D e t a i l e d , p a s s i o n a t e ,

hardworkingWhat got you interested in moving from the corporate sector to starting your own business?

I always had a passion for art and architecture as a child, as I loved painting. However, I graduated in economics from McGill University, as my father persuaded me (rightly so) that th i s wou ld be a s t ronger foundation to help me in any career I would pursue. I joined the corporate wor ld a f ter graduation with Caltex Oil where I spent five years and loved every minute. I gained tremendously valuable tools to start my own business. While I was at Caltex, my first home became my first renovation project. Here, I fell in love with the whole creative process and realised this was my calling. I changed careers by joining Naheed Mashooqullah’s firm, simultaneously studied for a three-year interior design diploma from the UK and have never looked back since. Interior designers/business owners you draw inspiration from?

I draw inspirat ion from everyone around me, even from my children, my neighbours, drycleaner; there is learning from everyone.You worked as an interior designer for a few years. What drove you to start your own business?

I started my interior design c a r e e r w i t h N a h e e d Mashooqullah’s firm in 1998, where I worked for three years. T h e n , i n 2 0 0 2 , I s t a r t e d freelancing on my own. As I worked on my own, I realised the dire need for good quality product, design and lack of it in our market. This thought

49

Page 3: Maham

gave birth to the idea of starting my own furniture manufacturing facility to control quality, delays and for being responsible for one’s own product. We opened in 2002 and today we have over 200 employees with state-of-the-art facilities and technology. Every item is made in-house where my sister Farah and I both manage our own projects. Now Baroque Inc. has three showrooms in three cities - Karachi, Toronto and Dubai.Which do you think are the elements that set your brand apart from other interior/décor brands in the country?

Baroque Inc.’s matchless extensive products, being the only firm with exclusive foreign partnerships, global reach in three cities worldwide, and over sixteen years of experience makes us one-of-a-kind. Our design studio in Toronto is in the heart of new trends and design. This enables us to regularly attend international shows and seminars bringing the best products to our clients. We’re pioneers in bringing grasscloth wallcoverings, leather flooring and

50

Page 4: Maham

‘Baroque has been fortunate and proud to be able to stand side by side with the biggest players in the world’

(Opposite page, above) A vision in black, Maham wears a black blouse with shoulder cut outs and gold chain neck detailing, black pants, a gold watch, cocktail rings and chic diamond studs; (below) Maham in

her office; (Below) In her showroom in Karachi

10,000 fabrics to the Pakistani market. Baroque is happy to be the first to always provide the best of design to our clients. You collaborate with various big international names. Tell us more about that.

Baroque has been fortunate and proud to be able to stand side by side with the biggest players in the world by having exclusive alliances with them. These include market leaders like Philip Jeffries, Thibaut, and our recent collaboration with JF Fabrics, i n c l u d i n g 1 0 , 0 0 0 f a b r i c s showroom to the Pakistani market. A lot of the pieces in your store are handcrafted. Do you have all that done in Pakistan or abroad?

▲ 51

Page 5: Maham

‘Stop worrying about things beyond your

control’

We have our own furniture-manufacturing facility in Karachi with over 200 employees. All our furniture is manufactured in-h o u s e a n d e x p o r t e d t o international clients and markets as well as to our other two showrooms in Toronto and Dubai.What would you say is Baroque’s signature?

We believe there is beauty in every style and most of all in creating harmony. Baroque’s signature would be a fusion of east and west of mixing the old with the new - comfortable luxury.How do you juggle between raising kids and running a business?

There was a time when I was studying, working and had children. I have learnt that it is truly about time management, discipline and organisation. Not to say it hasn’t been extremely hard; it takes a lot of dedication to both family and work. I wanted to make sure I had my own business so I could be flexible to manage the time necessary and vital for my family. My husband and kids have always been extremely supportive and understanding; it would never have been possible without them.What do you think are the greatest milestones you have achieved so far?

My sons What is on the agenda for 2015 for Baroque?

The best is yet to comeTell us about your beauty and fitness regime.

Stop worrying about things beyond your controlFavourite designers?

Too many fabulous designers Three beauty products you rely on?

Blush-on, mascara, eyelinerHow would you define your personal style?

Neutral colours, simple and understatedOne or more celebrities whose home you would like to decorate?

I just like to design; it doesn’t have to be for a celebrity

INTERVIEW: SHEHAB FARRUKH NIAZI PHOTOGRAPHY: DANISH RASHEED AT

BINA KHAN’S STUDIO COORDINATION: SIDRA KHAN

Maham seated in a living room of her own design in a Missoni scarf,

jeans and espadrille wedges52