Meet Mariam Lakhani

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariam Lakhani.

Mariam, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my style and lifestyle blog 15 months ago. It began with a realization that I spent a significant amount of my time on social media, yet the experience was often a negative one. I found myself scrolling through my feed to get views or reactions on newsworthy social and political events, only to witness or engage in online discussions that often became angry and hostile. For me, social media seemed to exaggerate the polarization of our society, but it also made me question if my virtual world was an accurate reflection of reality – surely we have more in common than what came across my Facebook feed. Was there a way to make connections and therefore aid in the greater good of making social media engagement a more positive experience?

That question led me to explore my inner love for style/fashion and how I could use that to connect with a larger community. Fashion to me is a form of self-expression that allows one to choose how they want to present themselves to the world. I also view it as a means to build inner confidence. There is something about feeling “comfortable in your clothes” that has helped me feel empowered in both social and professional settings. My blog has taken that passion for style and created a platform where women of all backgrounds and demographics can connect.

I created my first post well over a year ago. Slowly and organically I have built my network. From connecting with other bloggers to building my brand through collaborations with local businesses, I have seen that network grow into relationships and partnerships that span across the country.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My biggest struggle has been in the area of time management. I am a full-time CPA working for the oil and gas industry, a devoted wife, and a mother of two elementary school children whose needs and well-being are my biggest priority. Blogging has been a part-time, creative endeavor for me. I have explained to many who have inquired about blogging that there is a direct correlation between time and energy put into the effort and what one gets out of it. Because my time is limited, I focus on quality over quantity of posts. I also carve out an allotted amount of time (generally early mornings when my household is asleep), when I create my content.

My biggest supporter has surprisingly been my 11 years old son. He loves taking my pictures and has developed a keen eye for quality pictures and photography. It has been fun to take him on my photo shoots and in turn spend quality one-on-one time with him. We are all granted 24 hours a day, generally busy with various responsibilities. The best way I have tackled the issues with time management is simply being present with heightened focus on whatever I am tackling. When I am not at my day job or being a mom, I am focused on creating relevant content and engaging with my community of followers in a meaningful way.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Although I have had the opportunity to work with various brands, I have been selective and thoughtful on whom I work with – only representing products I can authentically promote. I would call my style practical and timeless. I choose to showcase pieces that are affordable, can be worn in practical settings, but do not follow a trend that may be present today and gone the next.

I am also a strong believer in the power of positive energy and incorporate thoughts that transmit positive vibes to those who follow and engage with my posts. This will include providing ongoing motivation and perspective which I believe is necessary as one navigates through life’s ups and downs. I also believe that radiating positive energy often leads to it coming back to you. When it comes to my blog, I have seen that in the support I have received from my followers and the community-at-large. I find this especially important in time when studies have found correlations between social media use and poorer mental health, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. My goal is for blogs like mine to appear as a notable breath of fresh air when there can be so many negative elements to social media engagement.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I do not think there is a one size fits all answer to what success is. In the blogging world, success for some may be to achieve a certain number of followers or acquiring a collaboration with a big brand. My marker for success has been to achieve my objective of building a positive forum that allows me to develop comradery, friendship and most importantly, strength among women and my community. That objective is met in my day-to-day interactions with women in the form of offering support, sharing a positive message or offering advice on how to look and feel one’s personal best. I am fulfilled daily by those interactions. This venture has allowed me to cultivate a personal passion, give it my time, and use the experience to make meaningful connections. That is what makes me feel successful.

Contact Info:

• Email: mqlakhani4@gmail.com
• Instagram: @looksnlifebymars

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