The SOHA Story

From First Paintings to a Shared Vision for the Future

The Beginning of My Artistic Journey:

My artistic journey began with painting at the age of nine. With my family’s support, I continued to nurture this interest and gradually discovered new ways to express my ideas and tell stories through art. Later, I joined a collective of women artists, an experience that broadened my artistic horizons and connected my work with international exhibitions.

 Exhibiting Beyond Border:

Later, I joined a collective of women artists supported by FIDA, whose work was presented through international exhibitions organised under the Hope in Darkness initiative. My artworks were among those exhibited, and my participation as a volunteer was recognised with certificates. These experiences gave my work an international platform and became a meaningful part of my artistic journey. Further documentation of the exhibitions, including artworks and related media coverage, can be found on the Hope in Darkness website⁠.

From an Entrepreneurial Idea to SOHA:

, my team and I took part in the AELSO Youth Entrepreneurship Camp⁠, a nationwide initiative designed to help young people develop and implement entrepreneurial ideas. The competition included two online stages open to participants across Afghanistan, followed by an in-person stage in Kabul. Due to restrictions on women’s participation in public life, I presented my proposal for the SOHA training and production workshop online, while my brother represented our team in Kabul. Our team earned a top placement in the competition, and with support from the Afghanistan Economic and Legal Studies Organization (AELSO)⁠, we were able to establish the SOHA workshop.

 competition result; it was the beginning of a practical initiative that brought artistic production, hands-on learning and opportunities for women to develop their skills together. Alongside creating handmade decorative products, we organised free seminars and practical training sessions, seeking to build a space where women could learn, explore their creativity and grow through art.

Where Art Forms Meet:

As my artistic practice evolved, painting led me to explore vase-making, where I discovered resin as a versatile material for creating decorative objects. Experimenting with pearls, crystals and gemstones in resin art gradually introduced me to jewellery-making. When I began incorporating these embellishments into garments, I discovered a new way to bring my artistic interests together, and my curiosity about fashion grew. Each art form led me to another, allowing my experiences with colour, form, texture, materials and ornamentation to come together naturally in fashion design.

Teaching also became a meaningful part of this journey. Sharing my knowledge and practical skills reminded me that creativity grows not only through making, but also through learning and working together. Although the SOHA workshop is no longer active in its original form, the experience we shared and the values behind it continue to inspire my work today.

Fashion Rooted in Cultural Heritage:

 cultural heritage of Afghanistan, particularly its traditional textiles, intricate patterns and ornamental details. Through a series of looks, I have begun translating these cultural influences into my own visual language, bringing together the sensibilities I have developed through painting, decorative arts and jewellery-making. For me, clothing is more than a form of adornment; it is a medium through which identity, memory and craftsmanship find expression. Looking to the future, I hope to expand this dialogue beyond borders, weaving Afghan heritage together with diverse cultural narratives through contemporary fashion.

The Future of SOHA;

 venture; it carries the spirit of a journey shaped by art, perseverance and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to discover their potential. Although the workshop no longer operates in its original form, the values that brought it to life remain central to my vision. I hope to grow SOHA into an internationally recognised creative brand while creating new opportunities for artistic learning, collaboration and growth. Above all, I want SOHA to remain true to the meaning behind its name: Shine On, Hopeful Artist—an invitation to nurture creativity, hold on to hope and make space for others to shine.