Today we’d like to introduce you to Sakina Shariff.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Absolutely! My journey with Metric Mane began with a deep passion for graphic design that I’ve had since college. During those years, I started freelancing, helping out family and friends in the community with flyers and logos. However, after graduation, I took a detour into the Oil and Gas industry as an application developer, hoping to find my calling there. But Corporate America didn’t quite click for me. I realized I needed something where I could make one-on-one connections and feel like I’m making a difference.
Then, in 2020, the pandemic hit, and while we were all adjusting to remote work, I found myself with some extra time. I couldn’t help but take on a few freelance clients here and there. Those projects reminded me just how much I missed design, and that’s when the idea of Metric Mane came to be. I decided to turn my side project into a full-time business, and here we are today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well, you know, no journey is entirely smooth, right? One of the biggest challenges I faced was dealing with my own insecurities and that ever-persistent imposter syndrome. It’s a hurdle that I think many entrepreneurs encounter. You wonder if you’re good enough if you can really do it. But, Alhamdulillah, I’ve been fortunate to have the unwavering support of my husband and family, who’ve been my biggest cheerleaders. They keep me going, even when self-doubt creeps in.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
At Metric Mane, we’re all about creativity and design, and we truly believe that a strong brand and web presence are vital for any business or organization in today’s digital age. Your brand is like your company’s personality; it’s what sets you apart and helps you connect with your target audience. Whether you’re a small business just starting out or a nonprofit looking to make a difference, having a unique and compelling brand identity is key.
We specialize in crafting logos, branding, print design, marketing materials, and web design and development. What really sets us apart is our dedication to truly understanding our clients’ needs and finding tailored solutions. We’re a small business ourselves, so we get what it’s like to be in their shoes. We know that every project is unique, and we take the time to personalize our approach to fit our client’s vision and goals.
What makes me particularly proud of our brand is our commitment to giving back. We love working with nonprofits and even aim to do one free nonprofit project every year. It’s our way of making a positive impact in our community, and it’s something that truly sets us apart. So, whether you’re looking to revamp your brand or create a stunning website, Metric Mane is here to help you make your vision a reality.
I also have some exciting news to share with y’all – Metric Mane has just opened its very own office in Sugar Land! It’s a big milestone for us, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it. Having our own space is going to allow us to serve our clients even better and provide a comfortable, creative environment for our team to work their magic.
But that’s not all! We’re also looking to expand our team next year, inshaAllah (God willing)! This means we’ll have even more talented individuals joining us to bring fresh ideas and creativity to our projects. We can’t wait to see what the future holds and to continue helping businesses and organizations thrive with our design and branding expertise.
So, whether you’re a client excited to visit our new office or someone looking for a fantastic opportunity to join our growing team, there’s a lot to look forward to at Metric Mane!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Houston is home, and it holds a special place in my heart. I moved here from Karachi, Pakistan, when I was 11, and it was quite a transition. But what made it easier, and what I absolutely cherish about Houston, is the incredible diversity. There are people from all over the world here, each with their own unique stories. It’s a place where you can always find a piece of your own heritage and connect with others who’ve gone through similar experiences. That’s what I love most about Houston – the sense of belonging and the rich tapestry of cultures that make it feel like a true home away from home.
Now, if I had to pick something I don’t like about Houston, it would have to be the rush hour traffic. It can be a bit of a challenge, but considering all the wonderful things this city offers, it’s a small price to pay. 😄
Contact Info:
- Website: metricmane.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/metricmane
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metricmane/
Image Credits
Fatima Shariff
