Art is a universal language. And for Sarwat Najib, it’s a way to connect cultures and uplift women everywhere. As a fashion designer, graphic artist and advocate for women’s rights, Najib has made it her mission to blend her rich Afghan heritage with a message of empowerment.
Najib’s journey began in Kabul, Afghanistan, where she founded her own fashion brand, Shamla Atelier. She wanted to showcase her culture and traditions through her designs. But living in a war-torn country meant that many women around her faced significant challenges – especially when it came to education and work opportunities.
“Fifty years of war have affected us all,” Najib explains, highlighting that women’s struggles aren’t limited to one place; they’re a global issue.
During the pandemic, when women started coming to her for job opportunities, Najib saw a chance to make a difference.
“We were not allowed to work outside,” the women told Najib. Inspired by their courage, Najib pivoted her business model to create home-based embroidery projects, giving women the chance to work safely from home. “There’s always a way if you want to,” Najib says.
Nature and culture fuel Najib’s designs. One of her standout pieces, a fish mermaid dress with stunning hand embroidery, carries a message about ocean conservation. But just as Shamla Atelier was gaining momentum, Kabul fell to the Taliban.
“We never went back. Our team was scattered,” Najib recalls. Despite the loss, Najib’s spirit remained unbroken. “If a mountain can withstand 50 years of hits and still stand, then so can we,” she declares. Her story isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving and lifting others up along the way.
Moving to Stevens Point opened up new doors for Najib, but it also brought fresh challenges, especially for fellow refugees facing job issues.
“Here in America, many refugees struggle to find work,” Najib says. Recognizing this, she wanted to recreate the home-based work model she had in Afghanistan, offering opportunities for women to earn a living and feel valued.
“My business slogan was that I’m not running a brand, I’m running families,” she explains. By providing jobs, Najib is helping women regain their independence and find purpose in their lives.
Najib’s journey is all about transformation, resilience and hope. She aims to inspire younger generations to see challenges as temporary hurdles. “If you’re alive, you can always do more,” Najib says, embodying a spirit of perseverance that’s contagious.
Through her work in fashion and her advocacy for women’s empowerment, Najib is a true beacon of hope. She uses her platform to amplify the voices of Afghan women, proving that creativity and compassion can weave a powerful narrative of strength.
As she continues her journey, Najib inspires others to embrace our stories and empower others, showing that hope can be stitched into every fabric of our lives.
