Sadaf Syed is a dynamic entrepreneur who has donned many hats. Based out of Srinagar and New Delhi, Ms Sayed started her first job with PR agency Ad Factors. Armed with a Master’s Programme in Management Studies from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, she plunged into the world of entrepreneurship. After trying her hand at training in soft skills, Ms Sayed found her calling with popularising Kashmiri crafts. In 2015, she set up Hands of Gold, which seeks to empower the highly-talented artisans of Kashmir and bring true value to their craft. In an engaging chat with Sharmila Chand, Ms Sayed provides a peek into her personal life, interests, inspiration and ambitions.   

How do you define yourself?

Mother, entrepreneur, craft lover and cultural entrepreneur, who wants to make the world see the beauty that Kashmir is

What is your philosophy of life?

I believe in Karma very strongly. I always say that what you put out in the universe will be returned to you.

What is your passion in life?

Learning about different cultures and art

What is your management mantra? 

Including all my team members in everything; this way, everyone knows what’s happening with the brand, and they give their valuable inputs.

Business leaders you admire the most...

Ratan Tata and Indra Nooyi

Your source of inspiration...

The artisan, who never went to a design school, and the gift of creating magic with his hands inspire me.

You are a tough, serious boss or…

I am an easy-going person, who leaves a lot of decisions on my team and seek their input on almost all matters.

What do you enjoy the most in life, generally?

Travelling and spending time with friends and family

How do your de-stress?

Listening to music

What is your fitness regime?

Intermittent fasting, religiously crossing a 10k-step count every day and being very mindful of what I eat

Your mantra for success...

Without doubt, hard work and discipline

Ten years from now, where do we see you?

Hopefully, alive and kicking with my karigars (artisans); I hope to make the Hands of Gold brand synonymous with Kashmir.