Juggling her roles as a wife and mother at a very young age was Shaeen Khan’s biggest challenge.
A medical mishap involving her father led to her giving up on pursuing a childhood dream of becoming a nurse.
When her marriage did not work out, Ms Khan decided to find her true calling in life. And amidst the personal and financial challenges, she developed her passion for taking pictures and turned it into a business.
Today, she is the director of Alweera Photography and Cinematography and manages three businesses. She does all this while rearing her five-year-old daughter.
Originally from Savusavu, Ms Khan came to Suva bright-eyed and hopeful of a good future after her father landed a decent job.
“My dad was here in Suva, while my mum and I were in Savusavu and when he got a good job we came to Suva,” she said. Unfortunately her father fell ill.
“After my father had a heart attack, we really hit hard times because my mum was not working and there was five of us to feed. ‘So I and my brother decided to quit school and find a way to support our family, but our school helped us and we studied under a charity fund.”
When she turned 18, Ms Khan got engaged and she accepted that meant the end of her dream of becoming a nurse.
She said she made the decision for her father’s sake.
“I wore the engagement ring while doing my Fiji School Leaving Certificate Mathematics examination paper and the teacher said “this was not your future”.
“I had no words for that and just took some satisfaction from the fact I was doing it for dad’s happiness.”
Shortly after, she gave birth to a baby girl and began working as a cashier.
All the while, however, she harboured an interest in henna design, make-up and photography.
“During the day I used to work and in the afternoon I had to attend events so I didn’t get time to spend with my family and daughter. So I thought of starting up something of my own to give me that opportunity.
“Sadly, my marriage did not work out, but I was blessed with a beautiful daughter and that kept me going.”
In 2016 Ms Khan registered her photography and videography business and the move attracted a lot of criticism from family.
“Ninety per cent said I wouldn’t be able to do it, but the 10 per cent who motivated me made me who I am today.”
“Many people criticised me and discouraged me from achieving my dream, but I just kept focused and knew that God would bless me with success.”
Today, the 24-year-old manages Alweera Photography and Cinematography, Alweera Boutique and Bridal and India Travel Diaries-Shaenidhi Travel and Tours.
Ms Khan also represented Fiji at the Miss India Worldwide pageant held in Mumbai in 2019 where she won the Miss Talent title. “I would encourage every woman with dreams to go for it. “I never thought I would get to live my dream, but I got the opportunity and I took it. That’s the example I want to set for my daughter, to never give up on dreams no matter how hard things may be.”
