Tell us about your foray into the field of modeling. How did it all begin for you? I started my modeling career when I was just 16 years old. It was for a hair commercial. I needed work to support my family so I didn’t think twice. From that commercial, I was offered my first modeling job and the rest is pretty much history. Modeling has not only given me respect but it also gave me the opportunity to look after my family. It is now my mission in life to help other girls who are struggling as I once was. You are a versatile person who wears many hats, that of a model, an actress, an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. Which of these do you feel the most passionate about? My passion at this point in my career is actually helping women and girls become financially independent so that they can look after themselves and their families. The organisation that I am running which is really close to my heart in which I am pouring my soul into is iCare and its mission is to help underprivileged women and assist them in standing on their own feet for a better future not only for themselves but for their family as well. But needless to say, I love my other endeavours too! ‘It is important to work for a healthy mind’ How much has the field of modelling transitioned from the time you started out up until now? In what ways is it better and in what ways the yesteryears were better? The modeling industry is growing day by day and I am very happy to see new people taking interest and taking part in the field. Now more people are aware of it and are trained the right way in good institutions. It is developing into an actual viable profession. From being regarded as the leading top model of Pakistan, to collaborating with the Punjab Skills Development Fund, and then making miracle platforms like iCare and IFAP happen, what according to you has been your biggest achievement so far? Achievement for me until now has been the fruition of my efforts in establishing iCare and collaborating with L’Oreal Paris France and Punjab Skill Development Fund (PSDF). With the support and encouragement of both these platforms, I am able to empower underprivileged women of our country. I am thankful for the opportunity PSDF has given me by providing these girls with the best education and L’Oreal Paris for giving them quality products and training so that they can improve their hands on skills. Just seeing where they are in life at the moment and how hard they are working to support their families is the biggest achievement for me right now. Over 500 girls have graduated and more are in line which means 500 more families will be supported and that makes me happy. You are a working mother who has to travel and spend long hours away from home. How do you balance your home life with work? What advice would you give to working mothers who sometimes find it hard to juggle both their roles? It’s actually not difficult! After my marriage, my priority has become my family and before that I was solely dedicated to my work. I personally believe that after marriage, it is very important to give your time to your family especially your children. I do not work long hours as I work very selectively and with that being said, it is easy for me to manage my work load. You took a brief sabbatical after the birth of your child where many would’ve simply bid adieu to professional life, you came back with a big bang and full throttle, this time unleashing more from your genius mind than ever, what motivates you to excel no matter what? I have always loved my work and there was never a doubt that I will not just leave it all behind. I believe that it is important to work for a healthy mind. However, like I mentioned earlier, my family comes first, so it’s important that I work to have a balanced work-life. My motivation may sound clichéd but it is very true and that is, to give back to my country and to the industry that gave me so much and came to my rescue when I needed it the most. I have been working since a very young age and I understand its value and importance, so the energy comes from within. What are you currently working on? Currently, through my non-governmental organisation, I am working on three projects in collaboration with L’Oreal Foundation France, the US Consulate and PSDF to empower underprivileged girls and we are teaching them different skill development programmes in which they are able to generate a sustained income for their families which will allow them to create a better future. These trainings are given at the International Fashion Academy Pakistan (IFAP). We are also creating a newer platform for young makeup artists in Pakistan where they display their work at IFAP which will allow newer job opportunities for them. You have represented Pakistan on many prestigious platforms abroad. What is your vision for Pakistan and what does it mean to be Pakistani for you? My vision and work for Pakistan is to make it grow and prosper and become an example to the world for its achievements and its beautiful people. For me being Pakistani means being resilient, humble, hospitable and proud of my multicultural heritage. I am a proud Pakistani and I would not want to live anywhere else. I love my country. We at Daily Times, consider you one of our national heroes. Who are some of yours? To put it simply, my national heroes are all the men and women who are contributing to the growth and well-being of Pakistan. Achievements QUEEN OF VERSATILITY Mehreen Syed is not just a leading model who has done the country proud in Pakistan and abroad but is also a recognised entrepreneur who heads the International Fashion Academy of Pakistan along with being a philanthropist, heading iCare on collaboration with L’Oreal Paris France and the Punjab Skill Development Fund. She is also a talented actress who won critical acclaim for her debut film ‘Chambeli’. THE COVER GIRL Mehreen Syed is the only fashion model in Pakistan who has been on the cover of countless leading fashion magazines of not just her home country but international ones too. THE PERFECT BRAND AMBASSADOR Mehreen is the spokesperson for L’Oreal Paris and a plethora of renowned beauty and fashion brands. Despite the market being saturated with models as of now, Mehreen remains the favourite of all leading fashion designers, showstopping in all the ramp shows she’s a part of. RAKING IN THE AWARDS Mehreen is the proud recipient of many awards for her work and philanthropy including Lux Style Awards and Hum Style Awards. Published in Daily Times, August 7th 2018.