The Chosen One: The Story of Hafsa Siraj

Every story begins with courage — a quiet decision to follow the heart, even when the path isn’t clear.
For Hafsa Siraj, that courage became the first brushstroke of a journey she never planned, yet was always meant to live.

An adventurous soul by nature, Hafsa has always been drawn to new ideas and challenges. Routine makes her restless.
“I tend to get bored doing the same thing over and over,” she says. “So I’m always seeking fresh experiences.”

That hunger to explore — to find beauty in newness — is what led her into the world of art.
But her story didn’t begin in a studio. It began in stillness, in the quiet of lockdown, when the world slowed down — and creativity found her.

 

The Beginning of Something Unplanned

What started as a small act of curiosity — making homemade stickers and sharing random IGTV videos — slowly became something more.

“I started posting just for fun,” Hafsa recalls. “But people began noticing my work. Within a few months, I started receiving commission requests.”

That was how Deenarthestics was born — not through business plans or resources, but through faith, timing, and the desire to create something meaningful.

“This journey of mine as a freelancer and a woman entrepreneur feels like it was all part of God’s plan. None of this was mapped out — it just unfolded naturally. It was meant to be.”

What began as a spark of curiosity soon grew into purpose — her art became her story, her business, and her identity.

 

Faith, Courage, and the First Steps

The early days were anything but easy. Hafsa faced challenges she never expected.
“When I first started, I didn’t even have my own bank card,” she says. “I hadn’t told my parents about the business I had started. Then, a friend who wanted to support my work offered to let me use her GPay account. That small gesture helped me take my first real step forward.”

It was a simple moment — but one that changed everything.
From that point on, there was no turning back.

 

Every Failure, a Step Forward

There were times when things slowed down, when sales dipped, when doubts crept in. But Hafsa never stopped.
“I believe every failure and disappointment is just a step closer to success,” she says. “There’s always a time to shine, and I’m holding on to that.”

Her resilience became her strength — and her story became her art.

 

The Turning Point

Before art took over her life, Hafsa had dreamed of becoming a vlogger. She loved capturing moments — the way light touches a surface, the small details of everyday life.

During the pandemic, that creative spark transformed into something deeper. Her Instagram became a space for expression, reflection, and connection.
“I didn’t have mentors or role models in the beginning,” she says. “But along the way, I came across random accounts that inspired me. That was enough.”

Her journey wasn’t guided — it was discovered.

 

What Art Means to Her

“In my world, art is many things,” Hafsa shares. “Some days it’s therapeutic, and other days it’s a creative venture. I truly believe that anyone can enjoy making art.”

Every creation carries a piece of her — her emotions, her growth, her story.
And over time, she learned one powerful truth:

“I used to believe that starting a business required capital, even for a small startup. But that wasn’t my story. I started with nothing — no funds, just creativity and a desire to do something unique.”

It wasn’t money that shaped her journey — it was courage, consistency, and connection.

 

The Battle Within

Self-doubt and comparison came knocking too.
“People compare your journey, your words, even your worth,” Hafsa says. “When those close to you don’t support you, it can be painful. But you can’t always change your surroundings — what you can do is stay focused, innovate, and keep growing.”

Her strength came from choosing herself — again and again.

 

Becoming Who She Was Meant to Be

Through every season — the highs, the quiet moments, the uncertainty — Hafsa kept creating.
She found a way to turn her art into income while keeping it meaningful and accessible for those who love it.

Today, she looks back and sees how every challenge became a chapter in her evolution. From a girl making homemade stickers to a woman running her own art business, Hafsa’s journey is a reflection of faith, resilience, and grace.

 

Wearing Her Story

When asked what “Wear Your Story” means to her, Hafsa smiles — because she’s living proof of it.

“I wear my story in every brushstroke, every post, every creation.
From homemade stickers in lockdown to commissioned art, my journey wasn’t planned — it was lived.
I didn’t need capital, just courage. I didn’t have mentors, just moments.
And through all the doubt, I chose to grow.
My art speaks for me — I wear it with pride.”

Her art isn’t just what she makes — it’s who she is. Every piece holds a part of her journey, a lesson, a moment of courage turned into color.

 

A Message from the Heart

To everyone chasing a dream, Hafsa leaves this reminder:

“Follow your passion. If you need rest, take a break, but never stop pursuing your dream. Whether it’s art or anything else, keep moving forward.”

Because in the end, it’s not about where you start — it’s about how you grow, what you create, and how proudly you choose to wear your story.

 

Written for Laira’s “Wear Your Story” Series — celebrating real journeys, raw courage, and the art of becoming.