Asiya Nazir
Srinagar: Hailing from Gojwara area of Srinagar, 23-year-old Maheen Shabir has blossomed into an exceptional talent in paper crafting, mesmerising audiences with her intricately delicate, handcrafted designs. But Maheen’s Journey is more than just artistic prowess -it’s also one of remarkable resilience.
Despite facing profound personal challenges, she has persevered, cultivating a multifaceted creative voice that extends beyond paper crafting to include stunning Henna designs, showcasing her versatility and skill.
Born with a hearing and speech impairment, Maheen faced seemingly insurmountable challenges. The recent loss of her mother at a young age added to her struggles.
In an exclusive interview with Asian Mail communications, she revealed, “Against all odds, I’ve carved out my own artistic journey, transforming my visions into intricate masterpieces.”
Currently pursuing her Master’s degree at Kashmir University, Maheen juggles her studies with her passion for crafting. Her intricate design reflects the patience, precision and dedication earning her recognition in a short time.
Maheen’s father played a pivotal role in her life, devising a unique method to help her learn speech patterns despite her impairment. This breakthrough built her confidence and opened new possibilities.
“My father taught me to speak by placing his finger inside my mouth, showing me how words are formed. That moment changed everything for me,” Maheen recalls.
Maheen’s art journey begins with a gift card for a friend, an intricate piece that left her friend circle and family in awe. This simple gesture blossomed into a full-fledged passion for paper crafting. She started creating various designs to adorn her home, and soon, she was urged to share her work with a broader audience.
“Encouraged by friends, I opened a social media account to showcase my creations, sparking immediate interest, ” she added.
“Orders and requests for custom-made designs began pouring in, and I was soon inundated with praise and admiration from admirers across social media,”
Maheen’s story embodies resilience, creativity and family support. Her journey serves as a reminder that determination can overcome even life’s most daunting challenges.
