APERITIF WITH YOMI: TARA GHAZANFAR
A former graphic and handbag designer, Founder & Creative Director of @tarazadeh.agency
interviews
27/10/24
What's your aperitif of choice, and why does it resonate with you?
My aperitif of choice is a good spicy margarita. Tequila is my go-to spirit, and I love the kick that a little bit of spice adds. It resonates with me because it perfectly balances boldness and flavor, just like how I approach life—embracing both excitement and a touch of adventure
What's your aperitif of choice, and why does it resonate with you?
My aperitif of choice is a good spicy margarita. Tequila is my go-to spirit, and I love the kick that a little bit of spice adds. It resonates with me because it perfectly balances boldness and flavor, just like how I approach life—embracing both excitement and a touch of adventure
How does slipping into a YOMI blazer make you feel?
Wearing a YOMI blazer instantly makes me feel empowered. It gives me a sense of strength, elegance, and confidence. Being petite, the shoulder pads add that perfect extra edge.
How does slipping into a YOMI blazer make you feel?
Wearing a YOMI blazer instantly makes me feel empowered. It gives me a sense of strength, elegance, and confidence. Being petite, the shoulder pads add that perfect extra edge.
What challenges have shaped your journey, both personally and/or professionally?
Being an entrepreneur can often feel quite isolating. When I launched my brand in 2016, I felt incredibly vulnerable, as I was sharing a personal part of myself with the world. I faced numerous challenges, as I was navigating unfamiliar territory. Although I thought I would learn as I went along, the rapid and unexpected success was difficult to sustain. The volume of production, combined with the need to continuously reinvent collections every season, quickly became overwhelming, especially without a clear strategy in place.
While I certainly learned valuable lessons from my mistakes, I eventually lost the passion. However, that experience allowed me to step into the fashion industry, where I connected with many inspiring people, ultimately leading me to where I am today—organizing and hosting events for brands.
I've also learned the importance of slowing down, especially after becoming a mother of two.
What challenges have shaped your journey, both personally and/or professionally?
Being an entrepreneur can often feel quite isolating. When I launched my brand in 2016, I felt incredibly vulnerable, as I was sharing a personal part of myself with the world. I faced numerous challenges, as I was navigating unfamiliar territory. Although I thought I would learn as I went along, the rapid and unexpected success was difficult to sustain. The volume of production, combined with the need to continuously reinvent collections every season, quickly became overwhelming, especially without a clear strategy in place.
While I certainly learned valuable lessons from my mistakes, I eventually lost the passion. However, that experience allowed me to step into the fashion industry, where I connected with many inspiring people, ultimately leading me to where I am today—organizing and hosting events for brands.
I've also learned the importance of slowing down, especially after becoming a mother of two.
"People! I get incredibly excited when I can bring together a vibrant crowd, especially a diverse group of women from various backgrounds. "
Tara Ghazanfar
Tell us about a woman who’s had a lasting influence on your life or whom you deeply admire.
I deeply admire Golshifteh Farahani, and I’m fortunate to know her personally as she’s a family friend. I first met her in Tehran at my uncle’s wedding when I was 13. At that time, she was one of Iran’s biggest actresses. However, she made the incredibly difficult decision to leave Iran and live in exile, sacrificing her home and proximity to her family for the freedom to pursue her craft without the constraints of censorship and oppression.
What I’ve always admired most about Golshifteh is her unwavering strength and courage. Today, she’s not only a celebrated international actress, starring in films that have crossed cultural and geographic boundaries, but also a powerful voice for change.
She’s become a symbol of resilience and freedom, using her platform to shed light on issues affecting Iran, particularly the fight for women’s rights. During the women’s protests in Iran two years ago, she was a fierce advocate, raising global awareness about the plight of women in her homeland. Golshifteh continues to be an outspoken and influential figure, not just in the entertainment industry but also in the fight for human rights and justice. Her strength, both as an artist and as a spokesperson for the Iranian cause, has left a lasting impact on me and countless others.
Tell us about a woman who’s had a lasting influence on your life or whom you deeply admire.
I deeply admire Golshifteh Farahani, and I’m fortunate to know her personally as she’s a family friend. I first met her in Tehran at my uncle’s wedding when I was 13. At that time, she was one of Iran’s biggest actresses. However, she made the incredibly difficult decision to leave Iran and live in exile, sacrificing her home and proximity to her family for the freedom to pursue her craft without the constraints of censorship and oppression.
What I’ve always admired most about Golshifteh is her unwavering strength and courage. Today, she’s not only a celebrated international actress, starring in films that have crossed cultural and geographic boundaries, but also a powerful voice for change.
She’s become a symbol of resilience and freedom, using her platform to shed light on issues affecting Iran, particularly the fight for women’s rights. During the women’s protests in Iran two years ago, she was a fierce advocate, raising global awareness about the plight of women in her homeland. Golshifteh continues to be an outspoken and influential figure, not just in the entertainment industry but also in the fight for human rights and justice. Her strength, both as an artist and as a spokesperson for the Iranian cause, has left a lasting impact on me and countless others.
What ignites your passion and makes you feel most alive in your work?
People! I get incredibly excited when I can bring together a vibrant crowd, especially a diverse group of women from various backgrounds. Whether it’s women in art and fashion, female founders, or influencers, the energy in the room when they connect is palpable.
Creating an environment where these incredible individuals can share their stories, collaborate, and inspire one another is what truly fuels my passion. Seeing the magic that happens when they interact and form new relationships reaffirms why I love what I do.
What ignites your passion and makes you feel most alive in your work?
People! I get incredibly excited when I can bring together a vibrant crowd, especially a diverse group of women from various backgrounds. Whether it’s women in art and fashion, female founders, or influencers, the energy in the room when they connect is palpable.
Creating an environment where these incredible individuals can share their stories, collaborate, and inspire one another is what truly fuels my passion. Seeing the magic that happens when they interact and form new relationships reaffirms why I love what I do.
What do you wear when you want to feel seductive, make a bold statement or send a ‘Don’t F… with me’ message?
I would wear one of my longer YOMI blazers styled as a mini dress, paired with some chic tights and bold, badass heels
What do you wear when you want to feel seductive, make a bold statement or send a ‘Don’t F… with me’ message?
I would wear one of my longer YOMI blazers styled as a mini dress, paired with some chic tights and bold, badass heels
What piece of advice would you give to a young girl on her journey to becoming a woman?
Always pursue your passions and don’t be afraid to take risks. It’s okay to fail; each experience is a stepping stone to growth and self-discovery. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and inspire you.
What piece of advice would you give to a young girl on her journey to becoming a woman?
Always pursue your passions and don’t be afraid to take risks. It’s okay to fail; each experience is a stepping stone to growth and self-discovery. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and inspire you.
Do you have any regrets?
I don’t believe in regrets :)
Do you have any regrets?
I don’t believe in regrets :)
