Fareezeh Zubair

Fareezeh Zubair

(SISS)  Hi Fareezeh, where are you from and where are you currently spending your time? (Fareezeh) I am from Chicago, IL, originally from the suburbs, but currently residing in the city. (SISS)  What was one of the hardest things that you had to go through? What advice would you give someone going through the same struggle? (Fareezeh) I had terrible self-esteem and confidence issues when I was a young girl in the 5th grade. This stuck with me all throughout middle school, high school, and even college. It lead to my depression, but I learned how to change my mindset to live a happier life. I finally understood that only I could control my happiness, and that was a huge turning point in my life. I saw more opportunities that were open to me and reaching my goals in life no longer seemed far fetched. I have learnt to stop comparing myself to others and stop putting myself down. Instead, I have made an effort to point out the features that I like about myself, and make an effort to do something that makes me feel good about myself. A simple way to keep myself feeling good is by doing my makeup. Doing my makeup is so therapeutic and it allows me to have some me-time everyday.  (SISS)  What are you most grateful for? (Fareezeh) Aside from my family and friends--I am most grateful for my ambition and confidence, without it I would have never gotten this far.  (SISS)  Why are you so dedicated to fitness?  What is your fitness goal?  On your body, what is your favorite body part and what is your least favorite? (Fareezeh) I used to be very skinny with absolutely no curves when I was a freshman in high school. My self-esteem issues were at an all time low at this point, and this is when I realized that in order for me to be happy I need to take matters into my own hands and make myself feel good. I did this through exercising regularly--almost 5-6 days a week. I made great progress and gained confidence along the way. It taught me a lot about myself and what I am capable of in terms of commitment and how far I can push myself. This went on all throughout high school until the first year of college when I took a break from the gym because I met someone new (big mistake). I finally made the decision of getting back into the gym at the beginning of my fourth year of college in hopes that it would help me keep my sanity during such a busy school year, and keep my self focused, less stressed, and happier with myself. My current fitness goals are to be healthy and maintain my current weight, and perhaps become a bit leaner--but overall, stay healthy. My favorite body part is my butt, hands down. In high school I had the boniest butt that I was so ashamed of. My best friend had a big butt and I always compared myself to her. My hard work at the gym paid off and I truly earned my booty, which I'm very proud of. (SISS)  Tell us more about www.gwlfitness.com ? Girls Who Lift, that’s an awesome brand! (Fareezeh) GIRLS WHO LIFT Fitness is a progressive and sexy female fitness apparel brand that I currently work for. Their mission is to spread awareness to women everywhere that lifting is not just meant for men. They are empowering and encouraging women to lift so that they can reap the benefits that come with it. Lifting does not make women bulky, it simply helps them earn their curves and makes them the best version of themselves. GWL Fitness provides women with the ultimate resource they need for lifting--top-quality, squat proof leggings. With vivid colors, unique risque designs, and ultimate durability--GWL leggings help you lift with confidence knowing that the fabric is not see-through, but you also look sexy in the gym. We highly encourage all women to help break the stereotype with GWL! (SISS)  What’s your favorite quote? (Fareezeh) My favorite quote was said to me by my late father (I know it is not his original quote): " Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the present so enjoy the gift." This quote has always resonated with me because as a perfectionist/overthinker, I often find myself dwelling in the past wishing I could change certain things, or I worry myself about the uncertainties of the future. I when I find myself trailing off like this I remember this quote and remind myself to take a step back and just enjoy the present and find the positive in everything today. By doing this, I am able to live a happier life without constantly worrying.  (SISS)  At Smart is so sexy we love to see women who are thriving in their career or business.  What are you most passionate about? (Fareezeh) I am most passionate about Marketing. As a person who loves business and creativity, Marketing was the perfect balance between both. I love how Marketing goes beyond just selling a person a product. It has taught me a lot about the way society functions, why people buy, why people act the way they do, and why they think of certain things. The subconscious controls our actions and choices more than we even know and Marketing helps us understand that. Aside from that, I am also very passionate about makeup, and am working toward a Marketing career in the cosmetics industry.  (SISS)  Who was the most influential person in your life? (Fareezeh) Both my mom and dad influenced me greatly. My dad taught me everything I need to know about business and how to be professional. After watching his run his own business for 20 years, I will always strive to go above and beyond. My mom is an amazing businesswoman who managed to make a successful career for herself all on her own. Women in business have to face 10 times more obstacles to get ahead in business, but my mom has managed to make it so far and it inspires me to do the same.  (SISS)  Where were you five years ago? What advice would you tell your five years younger self? (Fareezeh) Five years ago was 2012, and I was 16 at the time, starting my junior year in high school. If I could go back and give myself advice it would be to know my self-worth and never sell myself short to anyone. If a guy actually wants to be with me he will make an effort to do so, and he won't allow anything to get in the way of being with you. If you don't feel like you are being treated properly, NEVER settle. There are too many hot guys in this world to be stuck crying over a mediocre guy that doesn't care about you. (SISS)  Can you take us through a typical day? From Waking up to going to bed, Can you give us a play by play of a typical day for you? (Fareezeh) Wake up, wash my face, moisturize w/ coconut oil, do my makeup (I always try to go for a natural look but glittery shadow and eye liner is too tempting). Then I rush through makeup because I normally take too long with my makeup, go to work, come back and do my same skin routine. Do homework till 2:00a and then scroll through Instagram while That 70s Show plays in the background, and then fall asleep at 4a. It's not a very healthy habit to be sleeping late and it is actually a new habit I have developed recently unfortunately, but I'm working on sleeping earlier.  (SISS)  What are you most proud of? (Fareezeh) I am so proud of how far I have gotten in life. Dealing with low self-esteem, my parents divorce, the loss of my father, and abusive relationships--I would have never been able to make it through if it weren't for my positive mindset and confidence. Best part--I did it all on my own.  (SISS)  What is your favorite Food? What is your favorite book?  When do you feel the sexiest? (Fareezeh) My favorite food is steak--hands down. Call me weird, I don't care, but I literally spend so much time on Instagram looking at makeup tutorials, cat videos, and cooking videos of chefs making steak. I don't read as much as I should so I don't have a favorite book, but my favorite show is That 70s Show. I feel the sexiest when I am confident in myself.  (SISS)  A social media question, Facebook, twitter, Instagram or snapchat? Which one do you use the most to best market yourself or brand? (Fareezeh) Instagram is a powerful weapon. If you are looking to spread the word about anything or gain a following for your business or yourself, Instagram is the best resource to use. Along with that, Instagram is a place where people can unleash their creative side and express themselves through visuals rather than words.  (SISS)  Is there someone on social media that inspires you and is a great follow? (Fareezeh) Huda Kattan from Huda Beauty is a great follow if you are into business or makeup. She is a successful businesswoman who has managed to generate millions of dollars in revenue through her top-quality cosmetics. I relate to her due to the both of us being middle eastern and businesswomen.  (SISS)  What does Smart is so Sexy mean to you? (Fareezeh) SISS means confidence, self-respect, and self-worth. I take it in two ways: 1. Being an educated woman is sexy--men find intelligence "wifey" material, but most importantly, it sets yourself apart from others, 2. Self-respect and awareness of self-worth in women who know when to leave are also smart. Smart is so Sexy is a movement helping women progress in life and I am 100% behind it. (SISS) Thank you so much Fareezeh for sharing with us, please visit her on Instagram @Ef_Zee