Insight and Interviews - Jashn

Lately we had the HSS girls on the blog for a formal interview that gave us an inside look to what their created company 'Jashn-Event Management Solutions' is revolved around. After the head-start event that was organized by the entrepreneurs in collaboration with 'DHA Today' on the 31st of March, 2013 at the Royal Rodale Club, Jashn received outstanding remarks for the organization and structured planning.

1. Jashn – Event Management Solutions was started by the HSS Group. Could you explain the story behind the company’s name and the how did it all started?

The story is relatively simple. The three of us had worked together in the past at an international firm, and we wanted to do something together once again. The options were endless, but our focus was on doing something that would incorporate our individual interests under one banner.

2. For the three of you, is this a full time job or do you have any side gigs?

All three of us are individually involved in different projects besides Jashn.  It would be unfair to say that this is not a full time commitment as that purely depends on the project that we are working on under Jashn’s banner. 

3. Okay so tell us about your backgrounds? How did the three of you come up with something that is now considered to be a top-of-the-ladder management solutions company?
As mentioned earlier, we worked together at an international eLearning company. So our backgrounds are relatively similar. I, Saba Musharrif, come from a pure IT background, with years of eLearning and team management experience. I now run my own business, Favors & More, and also freelance eLearning services. Sara Altaf, has a business background with experience in working at a bank, and in eLearning. She too does freelance projects along with working on Jashn. Hifza Shah, has an IT background along with experience in eLearning, and Café management. She is helping with social welfare organizations.

Its too early to call it top- of- the-ladder, but its something we enjoy doing together.

4. What advice do you have for aspiring event planners and managers?

Event planning is not an easy task, but then nothing is. If you are decided that this is what you want to do, then by all means go for it. It always help to your homework, so be sure that you are well informed and before you start your own, its always a good idea to get some experience.

5. What are the hardest challenges that you face while running this business?

We have yet to come to that. Alhumdolillah, haven’t experienced any yet.

6. What more can we expect from ‘Jashn’ this year? Any upcoming events that you would like to announce?
Yes, inshallah we have an event planned for after Ramadan. It’s going to be a lot bigger than our first event, and very different in nature too. We cannot disclose details at the moment, but if things go as planned, then inshallah you should hear of it well in advance.

7. Jashn has been gaining attention rapidly due to its distinctive and systematic work that the community has seen. Where in the next 5 years are you planning to take it?

Five years is a long time, and inshallah we will make the most of it. Taking it internationally is something we have in mind. Hoping for the best.

Wrapping up, we are privileged to have the HSS group over the blog. Hope to see more events from you soon enough !

Link :
Jashn - Event Management Solution Facebook Page !

  

A blogger on the bench - Pink Clouds

Here we are again with an exciting interview from a blogger this time !
Then again I was surfing the web and crashed over a Facebook Page entitled 'Pink Clouds' ... so I sent the questionnaire and was lucky enough to get the reply back ! Here is what we talked about:

1.Tell us about the birth of 'Pink Clouds’... How and when did this all happen?
It was in June 2011...Pregnant and completely paranoid about getting stretch marks. I used to spend hours and hours on the internet trying to find out creams and massage oils to that might actually work. After reading loads of really helpful reviews and a couple of vague ones, I suddenly realized how much of time we girls spend online reading these blogs.… loving them… hating them… connecting with girls all over the world. Then i thought… OK so here I come. Pink Clouds was born just about instantly in maybe 5 minutes.  And yes! From that moment onwards… there was no looking back.

2.As a blogger what are the most important points that one should keep in view...Give out three reasons for all the bloggers out there.
Among the 100 guidelines which bloggers might have to look into, my top 3 would be:

a. Honesty: Always be honest about how you feel about the products you review. Doesn’t matter how other bloggers, YouTube gurus or celebrities feel about it. You Love it? Oh yes you do… You hate it? No need to compromise on your thoughts.

b. Try and develop a unique style. We all are inspired from other writers and blogs but don’t copy anyone else. You are a different person… so let your blog be who you are

c. Write as often as possible. At least 2 post a week. Because sometimes blogs get forgotten… you wouldn’t want yours to get lost right.

3.Pink Clouds is having this crazy fan following that I noticed earlier …How did that happen? Also what are a few tips to promote blogs?
Thank you! Well it’s a wonderful feeling when you wake up every morning and you see your blog has grown big. My blog did have a sudden boost this year because i have been quite active on it. I think one of the main reasons would be my giveaways. I have loads of them going on all the time. That’s the most easiest and healthy way of getting more followers.

4.To talk more about your blog, what s Pink -Cloud about? Do u stick to the usual reviews and give-away's or is there more in the package?
Pink Clouds is a girly blog. All about the pretty and pink stuff going on in my life. Well what’s different about her would be - I like to focus mainly on natural, cruelty free make up and skin care. I always try to bring out these really wonderful products that are chemical free and amazing but yet to be noticed in the blog world. If you do have a look at my reviews you will notice i don’t write about those 'Oh So Popular' brands which everyone is talking about all the time. I like to write about something different, interesting and also healthy. I am trying to introduce as many natural brands as possible for my readers. Just so we can all be pretty, pink and healthy!

Link:
Pink Clouds Facebook Page!

Sam Ovais - Synonym for Henna perfection

1. So let’s start by you telling a bit of how has henna designing influenced you and what is the history of you getting in this field?

I was inclined towards arts and crafts right from the beginning but coming from a family of doctors and engineers the artist in me was never really encouraged.  My paints etc. were taken away until I earned a BBA (Hons.) and MBA. The only thing allowed was a henna cone. So, my hands, arms, feet and sometimes legs were filled with Mehindi doodles almost all the time. After all, the entire artist in me needed to express. Back home, in Pakistan, I worked as Marketing Manager for a leading media group but the not-so-favorable-corporate-environment at KSA made me take this hobby seriously. Initially I did not expect the response that I enjoy today but Allah has been the kindest to me, I'd say.

2. How many years has it been you practicing this art?

The earliest memories are since I was 8 years old. I used to fill up my hands, arms, feet and even legs just to make patterns. I used to do henna on friends, relatives, friends of friends (brides especially), paper, glass, vases, mirror anything I could get hold of was filled with my Mehindi patterns. People used to relate Mehindi with me. I could never have enough of it.

3. Did you learn henna designing or this was merely passion and you started on your own?

 I have never ever had a formal training. It started as a passion turned into a hobby and practice polished it.

4. Over the years, how has the response related to fans?

People have always appreciated my work, ever since I started doodling with a henna cone, and that has always inspired and encouraged me to do better. It was only after I arrived at Saudi Arabia that I took this seriously and thought of taking it to another level. Allah has been kind.

5. I have seen you working and getting appreciated over the group and in person… How do you feel about that?

So far it hasn't got into my head. I still feel there's room for improvement. I feel humbled when people trust me to leave a pleasant stain that would last on their hands for days and memories for years to come. The real appreciation for my work is when the client leaves with a bright smile only to come back again.

6. Where would you like to see this designing talent of yours?

I never thought I would get such a warm response when I started it a year ago. As the logical next step, I'm already in collaboration with event management houses, wedding planning companies to present my art on a larger scale. Also, I plan to expand my portfolio to other cultural arts.

Further, I plan for Sam's to serve as an umbrella for other aspiring artists and thus I'm planning to conduct henna training classes in the near future. Art knows no boundaries; it should and would spread across continents, Inshallah.

Link:
Sam Ovais Facebook Group!

'15 Questions Unleashed' - Abdullah Qureshi

The first interview with Abdullah Qureshi was related to his signing and was on a more serious side. This one scoops out the top '15 things you need to know' about the upcoming celeb. So here we go !

1. Define yourself in three words.
Happy, Passionate, Reserved.

2. Money Fame Success .. What's your pick ?
With success comes money and fame so Success.

3. Something your fans dont know about you.
I'm a chuss machine. I come up with really lame stuff when I'm with friends.

4. Your Favorites .. Color, Place to Dine in, Band, Movie ?
Favorite Color: Black
Favorite Place to dine-in: Nandos
Favorite Band: Noori
Favorite Movie: Rockstar (Hollywood), the Indian Rockstar actually sucked!
5. If given a chance at this stage what would you be rather than a musician ?
A film actor maybe.

6. What is the place in the world that you are thrilled to experience ?
Vegas! 

7. How do you unwind .. As in you are probably giving most of your time to music and acedemics so what is the refresher in that case ?
I hang out with friends a little, we love FIFA on PS3. Apart from that I'm watching Entourage these days.

8. Tell us more about your typical day ?
Wake up, Eat, University, Eat, Come back, Eat, work on Music, Eat, Sleep.

9.Any words of wisdom for the fans out there ?
Be passionate! That's all what it takes.

10. What is the first thing you would do if today was your last day ? 
Pray for my forgiveness.

11. What are the three things you would take with you if you are left alone on an island ?
Guitar, Fishing Rod, Jenny McCarthy :p

12. Recently happiest and saddest moment ?
Happy moment: Tere Liye's release.
Sad moment: Result day, I got a 2.75 GPA -___-

13.What kind of a child were you ?
How would I know? Ask my mom.

14. Where do you see yourself in 10 years ?
World tour.

15.What is the one change that you would change about yourself ?
Nothing, God made everyone perfect.

Hope you enjoyed !