Ruzwana Bashir

The Peek founder has an optimistic view of heartbreak and, understandably, a motto defined by where she’s traveling next. 

WHAT DO YOU WEAR THAT MAKES YOU FEEL STRONG?

Colorful dresses- when I worked finance I didn’t think I could show my femininity. Now, as my own boss, I embrace it.

WHAT IS YOUR BAD DAY BACKUP PLAN?

A pizza from my favorite neighborhood spot and a great night’s sleep.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WITH A BROKEN HEART?

A broken heart shows your capacity to truly love others. Cherish that- even though this relationship didn’t work, you’ll bring that beautiful quality to the next. And don’t forget about the good that a beach vacation or a massage can do!

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.

FAVORITE WORK OF ART? WHY?

I love Boetti’s embroidered maps of the world. They were woven by women artisans in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and they showcase the changing geopolitical world over a couple of decades (including the fall of the Soviet Union). My favorite quirk about them is that the artisans were given the choice of colors for the embroidery, so sometimes the oceans were represented in pink or yellow instead of blue.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST PET PEEVE?

Being disrespected or seeing that happen to others.

WHAT GIVES YOU GOOSEBUMPS?

Ruins of ancient cities, like Bagan and Palmyra.

FAVORITE BOOK?

Wild Swans by Jung Chang. It tells the extraordinary stories of three generations of women in 20th century China, from Chang’s grandmother who was a warlord’s concubine to her mother who served in the Communist party and then her own experiences as a young Red Guard who eventually fled China.

WHAT MAKES YOU FORGET TO EAT?

Never happens; I fear being hangry too much.

FAVORITE WORD?

Ubiquitous- I just like the way it rolls off your tongue.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?

Having a positive impact in the world.

BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?

Nothing that’s worth doing is ever easy.

WHAT THREE THINGS WOULD YOU GRAB IN A FIRE?

My laptop, passport and credit card.

 

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