Compiled by Pirah Aijaz
Ayesha Marfani is an internationally acclaimed children’s books author with 26 published books. Her books titled “In the Light of Seerah” and “Miss Never Pleased” became an instant hit and sensation all over Pakistan. Additionally, she creates lovely creative writing resources for kids in Urdu and English. Marfani is also an entrepreneur, managing her online writing school where she trains kids in the art of speaking and writing worldwide.
We are most inspired by how she has taken the initiative to develop and grow the minds of children by teaching them to speak and write English and Urdu in a creative way. It won’t be wrong to say here that as a writer and trainer, Ayesha Marfani has proven herself to be an expert at changing minds using words. And this is what makes her stand out!
The Fempreneur team is honored to feature her in the “Women Who Inspire” series.
Let’s discover more about this talented lady!
Hi Ayesha! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your academic background.
I have done my Masters in Commerce with a distinction. After that, I completed my B.Ed. Then I did my postgraduate diploma in Psychology and completed my Masters in Applied Psychology. Currently, I am doing M.Phil in Marketing.
How did you get started with your career?
I was at the lowest point in my life and was searching for meaning in life. I started writing small pieces and then I realized I could be a storyteller. Little did I know that one day I will become a sensational children’s author.
What inspired you to pursue writing as a career?
I always wanted to have a meaningful life and reach the highest level of the motivational hierarchy that is self-actualization. I was fond of teaching and education, since the longest time. Due to personal issues, I couldn’t carry on any on-site activity so I ended up being an author working from a small corner of my room.
You are managing your online writing school where you train kids in the art of speaking and writing all over the world. How did you come up with this idea?
I think learning needs to be imparted for it to grow for you and others. I was always an exceptional teacher. When people started to approach me, asking if I taught as well, I decided to give online classes, as more and more students enrolled, I ended up running it like a proper virtual school. Parents seeking help for their children’s writing and speaking skills, often come to us. Covid 19 introduced the masses to online education and since then the school flourished as people weren’t reluctant to go for online education.
What challenges did you face while establishing your career and how did you overcome them?
Pakistan is a country where reading culture is not celebrated and cherished very much. The biggest challenge for me was to motivate the parents to buy my books. Moreover, I also suffered from the broken promises and unprofessional attitude of people who I hired for various jobs. It was very tough to find the right people but now I have a lovely team.
You are an internationally acclaimed children’s book author. How does this make you feel?
The work I am doing has no ends or limits. I don’t usually think about my success or fame but I only think about what to achieve next. Yes, but when kids and mothers come to me and praise me and my efforts, I feel the struggle was worth it.
So far, what have been your biggest milestones?
I have achieved various things but the publication of my book “In the light of Seerah” was the greatest. The reason was that it was a religious book with a blend of daily life happenings meant for kids and was based on extensive research, publishing such a book felt like a great responsibility. I remember the anxiety I felt and the fear I experienced. It was one of the biggest milestones in my professional career.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is finding meaning in your life and achieving self-actualization. It means peace, calmness, and the confidence to lead a productive life.
Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
I don’t know what will happen to me in the next 3 years but I wish and pray and believe that I will continue creating Magic with my stories.
