Shazray Rana: From Corporate Life to the Glamor of Fashion
Shazray Rana never planned on becoming a model or lifestyle influencer. In fact, she envisioned herself working in the corporate sector long-term, and for two years, she did just that. Shazray worked for Nestlé after graduating, following the traditional path that many young professionals take. However, deep down, she knew something was missing.
A New Path Sparked by the Pandemic
Like so many, the global pandemic forced Shazray to reevaluate her career and life choices. Working from home during COVID-19 gave her the chance to slow down and reflect on what truly made her happy. “Corporate life helped me understand that this is not what I see myself doing for the rest of my life,” she says. “Instagram became my stage.”
During those challenging lockdown days, Shazray began to explore her love for fashion. What started as a personal project of getting dressed, styling outfits, and sharing her looks on Instagram quickly turned into something more. Her followers responded positively, fueling her newfound passion.
“I knew it was the right choice because I enjoyed getting dressed and being photographed—even if it meant standing in the heat for hours. I loved putting my fashion sense across to help others evolve theirs,” she recalls. Her natural flair for fashion, combined with her growing social media presence, opened the doors to unexpected opportunities in modeling and influencing. Before she knew it, her career had taken off, and there was no looking back.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
Despite the rewards of her new career, Shazray admits that modeling isn’t without its difficulties. From braving extreme weather conditions to navigating long working hours, her journey has been anything but easy. “The only thing that matters to this day is that I still enjoy doing what I do, no matter how tough it gets,” she says.
For many brown girls like Shazray, pursuing a career in fashion isn’t always seen as ideal, particularly in Pakistan. However, she’s proud of how the industry has evolved, becoming more inclusive and accepting of diverse beauty standards.
Shazray’s perspective on success is refreshingly down-to-earth. Instead of focusing on one big achievement, she finds motivation in the small victories that happen along the way. “I don’t believe in having one big achievement in life,” she explains. “It could be as small as making it through a tough shoot day or hitting the gym when I’m not feeling up to it. These small achievements mean everything to me because they help me put myself together for the coming day.”
She credits her determined and dedicated personality for her ability to push through challenges. “I have it in me to conquer whatever comes ahead if I want to.”
Staying Grounded and Finding Strength
When asked what keeps her grounded amidst the pressures of the fashion industry, Shazray points to her spiritual practices. “Meditation and praying help me a lot. A lot of times when I’m feeling down, I get up and talk to Allah. There is no feeling more powerful than pouring your heart out in front of God,” she says. This sense of connection gives her strength to face whatever comes her way.
Besides prayer, Shazray also finds comfort in talking to close family members or friends. “It’s okay to feel demotivated for a day, just try not to let that negativity carry forward to the next day,” she advises.
Learning to Stand Up for Herself
One of the most valuable lessons Shazray has learned in the fashion industry is the importance of standing up for herself. “The industry can get very unfair at times, and it’s very important to raise your voice. If you don’t, people will misuse your silence,” she says.
Shazray recounts moments when she arrived first on set but ended up being the last to leave because she did not raised her voice. Learning to assert herself has helped her avoid being taken advantage of and ensured she gets the respect she deserves.
Lessons in Responsiveness
Shazray’s journey hasn’t been without mistakes, but she views them as learning opportunities. One key lesson she’s picked up along the way is the importance of being responsive to work queries. “I lost a lot of work because I was not very responsive,” she admits. However, she’s since made the necessary changes to improve her communication skills and keep her career moving forward.
A Bright Future in Fashion
Despite the challenges and lessons learned, Shazray Rana remains deeply passionate about what she does. She continues to enjoy every moment of her work, from standing in front of the camera to styling her latest looks. For her, the key to long-term success is simple: “If you love your career, there is no turning back or regrets.”
Shazray’s story is one of transformation and self-discovery, illustrating how unexpected detours can lead to fulfilling careers. Her journey from corporate life to fashion modeling may have been unplanned, but it has allowed her to tap into a passion she never knew existed. And as long as she continues to enjoy the work she does, there’s no limit to what she can achieve.
Conclusion
Shazray Rana’s journey is a testament to the power of following your passion, even if it takes you on an unexpected path. From the corporate world to the runway, she has embraced every step of her career with grace, determination, and a love for what she does.
Click here to check her Instagram.
