Meet Zahra Sayeed | Co-Founder and CEO of HZN , Creative Artist, and Women’s Rights Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zahra Sayeed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zahra, what’s your definition for success?
Success, to me, has never been a one-size-fits-all idea. It is deeply personal, constantly evolving, and impossible to measure by a single standard.

I don’t believe success is simply reaching a destination. After all, what if you gain everything you once dreamed of but lose yourself and everything along the way? At that point, achievement can begin to resemble loss. Nor do I believe success is determined by how the world sees us. Someone may be admired by millions, yet quietly carry an emptiness that no title, award, or wealth can fill. Likewise, where someone stands in life isn’t always a reflection of success. Some are born into opportunities others spend a lifetime striving to reach. That doesn’t diminish anyone’s journey, it simply reminds us that success cannot be measured by comparison.

For me, success begins within.

It is the quiet peace of knowing my life is in harmony with my values and standards. It is feeling deeply connected to the universe, having meaningful connections with those around me, loving and being loved. It is choosing to take every step I can toward contributing to making this world a better place. It is continuously becoming a better version of myself and not rebelling against the quiet voice inside me that tells me what I was designed for.

To me, success isn’t a finish line. It’s a lifelong practice. And along the way, I choose to celebrate every small victory, because each one is a reminder of how far I’ve come.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
While many artists explore different styles until they find one they adopt as their signature, I’ve always had a different perspective. To me, exploring isn’t a sign of being a beginner, as it’s often perceived. It’s a lifelong part of being an artist. Constantly learning, experimenting, and trying new things keeps art exciting, and it’s something that happens naturally throughout the creative process.

That mindset has allowed me to embrace many different styles instead of limiting myself to one. I don’t define myself by a single style, I am all that I’m capable of creating. I love both realism and abstract art across different mediums, including oil painting, watercolor, pencil, digital art, and even 3D work, whether through traditional sculpting or digital modeling. Each serves a different purpose in my creative journey.

Challenges, of course, never truly leave us, but they shape who we become. The greatest challenge was simply being a girl – a group of girls. My sisters and I were not only artists, but also entrepreneurs and advocates for women’s rights. Growing up in Dubai, we encountered many patriarchal attitudes that tried to discourage us. After moving to our home country of Afghanistan, where we opened our workshop, gallery, art classes, and coffee shop, those challenges grew significantly. Everything we built was against the country’s deeply rooted patriarchal norms. We had to fight for HZN to survive at every little step. Many people tried to stop us, but we kept moving forward.

Then, in August 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan. We were forced to shut everything down and go into hiding, leaving behind our artwork, and the creative space we had built with all our hearts and souls. In 2022, in search for safety, I was able to relocate to the United States, while my sisters ended up in different countries. This distraction has been one of our greatest ongoing challenges. Starting over from nothing while building new lives has left very little room for art.

Even so, I’m incredibly proud that we never gave up. While many Afghan women and girls are banned from nearly every aspect of life, their lives turned into a prison and a slow sentence to their death, I feel both deeply privileged and deeply responsible. My work and my voice represent those who may never have the chance to be seen or heard, the countless talents hidden behind the veil and the endless potential that may never be given the opportunity to flourish. Carrying their stories is both an honor and a responsibility I hold close to my heart.

Today, HZN continues to create and grow. We offer fine art prints, original artwork, custom commissions, and apparel featuring our designs. While our website is currently in the works, we’d love to connect with you in the meantime. If you’re interested in a commission or any of our work, feel free to visit our Instagram page to explore our portfolio, send us a direct message, or reach us through the contact information provided there.

Finally, another shoutout to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey. Your encouragement truly means the world to us!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It’s been two years since I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, and I absolutely love it here. If I were hosting my best friends, there are a few places I wouldn’t let them miss!

Since I adore beaches and nature, Santa Cruz is at the top of my list. You can enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride with breathtaking coastal views, have fresh seafood and cocktails at one of the waterfront restaurants, then switch to a more lively atmosphere where you’ll find sandy beaches, people playing volleyball, swimming, surfing, and enjoying the sunshine. You can also ride the boardwalk attractions, grab some ice cream, or listen to local musicians jamming nearby. If you’re in the area, I also wouldn’t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the stunning coastal cliffs around Monterey but for a separate day!

San Francisco itself is a beautiful city that deserves more than a day to explore. I love its downtown architecture, cozy rooftop restaurants and bars, and the city’s unique energy. The Palace of Fine Arts and the areas around the Golden Gate Bridge are some of my favorite peaceful places to unwind. If you’re looking for a livelier experience, Pier 39 is always fun for watching the sea lions, and the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is a wonderful place to stroll, enjoy fresh local produce, and experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, walking along the waterfront while taking in the city lights reflecting on the bay is one of my favorite experiences. San Francisco also offers excellent golf courses, incredible art museums, and plenty of indoor activities to enjoy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
While I wouldn’t be who I am today without the many people whose influence, encouragement, and sincerity have shaped my life, if I had to choose one, it would be my sisters. I was incredibly blessed to grow up with four sisters, all goddesses in my eyes. Together, we built a bond so strong that no thunderstorm could break it and no wave could pull us apart.

My shoutout goes to those four angels: Homaira, Nilofar, Arya, and Mina, who showed me so much of life’s true meaning. We dreamed together, and we found ways to bring those dreams to life. We always put one another first, and our unconditional love meant we always had each other’s backs. Because of them, giving up never felt like an option. Whenever I felt weak, I saw my reflection in them, and seeing how strong and remarkable they are reminded me of my own strength.

Life may not have always given me the best circumstances, but my sisters have always been the very best part of it.

Instagram: https://hzn.arts

Other: Personal Artist’s Instagram Page: @zahra_sayeedi