ON HONOURING GROWTH THROUGH LIFE LESSONS

“My crazy is that I am passionate when it comes to the things I love.”

Don’t be fooled by Lina’s fierce looks - while this incredibly talented woman is a force to be reckoned with, her soft side comes through in our conversations on growth, mental health and pursuing our passions. Lina’s story will remind you to unapologetically take pride in doing what you love and focus on your own journey. Learn more about how she turned her passion into a growing business and how she prioritises self-care and her mental health through the process.

MY STORY IS …

Back when I was in primary and secondary school, I wasn’t the brightest student with straight As in my report books. I’ve always loved art and all things creative since a young age. I think art ignited a passion in me which I never knew existed. I remember staying up close to 12 am (12 am is the 4 am back then haha) just to work on my art homework, which was sticking rice grains one by one on this wayang kulit silhouette on paper. When I was about 14, I also came up with an art installation based on the concept of the feelings you get when meeting someone for the first time but it seems like you’ve known them in a previous life. Looking back, it is quite a mature topic for a teen to come up with.

I struggled with my sciences and loved languages and art, which are also the subjects I excel in. Back then I felt like getting an A for Art wasn’t as well celebrated as getting an A for Biology. Subconsciously, there were times when I wished I was better at science and mathematics like my friends. Right after O levels, I took on an apparel design & merchandising diploma. I got into the Director’s List in my freshman year, was offered a Lee Foundation Scholarship in my second year and was on the Director’s List in my final year. I also graduated with a diploma in merit and was the top student of my graduating batch.

However, I wasn’t used to being awarded for doing something I love. The whole time I struggled with an inferiority complex. I remember feeling almost embarrassed about getting a scholarship, I even tried to keep it a secret from my schoolmates. I was happy for a second and then felt like I didn’t deserve the awards or titles the next second. On the night of my final year project showcase, I remembered telling my previous boss I interned with that I wasn’t happy with my works. He asked why but I couldn’t answer.

Even with the awards and recognition, there was a point of time right before graduating where I wanted to switch my career to psychology. That idea stemmed from learning someone I know was suffering from schizophrenia. I felt like helping people who are struggling with mental health issues is more fulfilling and meaningful than being a fashion designer. However, it took a while for me to realise that fulfilment should come from self-growth. It takes a lot of courage and positive self-talk to believe in yourself and your strengths, to choose what you truly want, especially if there are risks involved.

As of now, my label is a one-woman show. It keeps me going knowing that I have not reached my full potential as a person and a designer and that I can always grow from here.

Can you tell us more about your label?

LINAOTH is an occasion wear label that aims to capture subtle luxury. Our designs revolve around mature silhouettes paired with unexpected elements of youthfulness. While there are no traditionally loud details such as heavy hand-beaded work, each pattern is carefully drafted and no detail is too small. You can expect unique fabric pairings, modern cuts, clean lines as the base and just the right amount of everything. It is difficult to make something simple and ultimately, that is what LINAOTH is about.

You've achieved so many wonderful things in your life but there seems to be hesitance in owning your success - why do you think that is so? How do you manage your self-doubt?

I think for the longest time I thought I should only celebrate when I've achieved my dreams because that's what people consider "success stories" - when your sales hit the first million or when people pay $10k for a couture dress by your label, or even when your designs are showcased at major fashion cities and the list goes on. Not a lot of people talk about the process in between, like self-growth beyond materialistic values. I manage my self-doubt by trusting the process. I think I am at peace with the person I am now and the person I can/will be in the future. I am thankful for the smallest wins. I believe we should celebrate every step we take towards realising our dreams. The first step should start with having one (be it a career, lifestyle or anything really).

Embracing growth seems to be such a big part of your story - what would you tell other women who are struggling with doing this?

I think it should start with telling yourself that it is okay to not be perfect, to falter or fail. Growth in any way is like diving into unfamiliar territory. Sometimes you feel like you're a badass ready to take on the world, but other days you might feel vulnerable like the child you once were. That is totally okay! Allow yourself to feel, acknowledge the feelings, analyse the situation and move on. Different flowers bloom in different seasons and there are still flowers that grow in the harshest conditions. You can write your own story and bloom when it's your turn.

What is your approach when it comes to self-care and taking care of your mental health?

I hold the beliefs of Islam close to my heart - as long I try my best, whatever that is written for me will be mine in due time. At the same time, I think having the right mindset works. I don't excessively stress over a missed opportunity. I have big dreams but I don’t set unrealistic goals then beat myself up for not being able to achieve them within a short time frame.

I try to make it a priority to put aside one day (in a week) just for me to rest and catch up on my favourite Korean-variety shows. I am very conscious of the content I feed on/read before bed and when I wake up. I used to have troubles sleeping because I was too absorbed with work but I realised you have to train your mind to also sleep when it is time for bed. Being a workaholic is not a badge of honour - I’ve learnt it the hard way when I fell sick due to excessive stress. It is also very important to take a break from the constant rat race of social media. Turning off social media notifications helped me sleep at night.

Do you have any advice for women who want to take that leap to pursue something they're passionate about but are afraid to do so?

There is no "right time" to pursue something you're passionate about. Comparing your chapter 1 with someone else's chapter 100 will only cause unnecessary stress. You are never too young or too old to pursue your dreams. While it is not going to be easy, keep in mind that different people go through different challenges. If you are afraid of what people might say, then take a step back because people will talk all the time, the good and the bad.

If you’re doing this for yourself, nothing else should matter so go on and believe in yourself first.

These are the things I try to remind myself on a regular basis.

photography Zahwah Bagharib

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