Rising Stars: Meet Fareeha Chaudhry of Northeast Metro Atlanta (Gwinnett)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fareeha Chaudhry.

Hi Fareeha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been drawn to anything creative for as long as I can remember, whether it’s painting, sketching, knitting, textile design, fashion design, or stitching. When I was just 10 years old, I made a little dress for my newborn sister completely from scratch. I didn’t know how to stitch or how to properly put fabric together, but I was so excited to create something for her that I figured it out! That’s one of my earliest and fondest memories, realizing how much joy I felt in making something beautiful with my own hands.

I got married young and became a stay-at-home mom to four wonderful daughters. Family has always been my first priority, but I never let go of that creative spark. Over the years, I’ve found different ways to channel it, from Arabic calligraphy and art to creating window drapery, creating modest Islamic clothing, designing clothing for my daughters and me, and even building DIY furniture and projects at home. I’ve always had this inner drive to create.

Event decor has always had a special pull for me, but I was hesitant to pursue it because it often means working weekends, and that’s family time. But eventually, my passion won and I was convinced I’ll be able to find a balance especially now that my daughters have grown up. I didn’t want to look back one day and regret not at least trying.
So I took a leap of faith. I made a small ad and shared it on WhatsApp with family and friends, and someone actually reached out! I went straight to Home Depot, bought my first jigsaw, plywood and materials, and created my very first wedding stage completely from scratch. That was the beginning of my business.

Since then I’ve been hands-on with every single detail, from designing and building to cutting wood, making floral arrangements, loading and driving the truck, and setting up events late into the night. It’s hard work, but it’s the kind of work that fills me with energy and purpose. Sometimes I’ll stay up all night creating a new decor piece, and I won’t even realize how much time has passed until I see the sun coming up. That’s how much I love what I do.

As my business grew these past few years, I had the opportunity to travel to Pakistan and bring back a full container of beautiful, handcrafted décor. That was a huge turning point in my business; it allowed me to expand my designs and take on larger, more elaborate projects.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. I wear many hats; I’m a wife, a mother of four daughters, and now a proud grandmother. I’m also very active in my local community and mosque. Balancing all of that with running a business and charity can be challenging at times. There are days when I go straight from community work to an event setup and then to my daughter’s house to help with my grandson and then back to the event for event breakdown.

On top of that, I was diagnosed with Lupus a few years ago, which can make things even more difficult. It causes weakness and fatigue, especially during physically demanding setups and long event days. I’ve had to learn how to listen to my body and be very intentional with how I plan and execute events, from how I lift and move materials to how I schedule my rest.

There have been times where I’ve felt completely exhausted, but my love for what I do keeps me going. I’ve learned to adapt, to ask for help when I need it, and to keep pushing forward with faith and gratitude.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a designer who specializes in event and wedding décor. I create custom stages, backdrops, floral arrangements, and full event setups that bring my clients’ wildest visions to life. I love taking an idea, no matter how big or small, and figuring out how to turn it into reality. And I’m especially committed to customizing designs for any kind of budget.

I truly believe I can create any kind of setup a client dreams of. If you show me a picture, I’ll find a way to make it come to life. I love the process: the building, the designing, the details. Sometimes I get so absorbed that I don’t even realize the night has turned into morning!

I’m especially proud of the fact that much of my work also supports causes I care about. As a Pakistani Muslim woman, my faith and culture have always been a huge source of inspiration and drive for me. A few years ago, I started the Bushra Manan Foundation, a charity that helps families in Pakistan start small businesses of their own. I donate a large portion of my proceeds to this charity because giving back has always been important to me. Growing up I always wanted to help others, and I’m so grateful that my business has empowered me to do that now.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I have a belief that nothing is impossible. I never think “no.” If there’s something I want to do, I’m convinced I can figure it out. Challenges excited me; the harder the vision the more excited I am to carry it out.

Over the years, I’ve learned that creativity alone isn’t enough to run an event decor business. I need to think quickly when things don’t go as planned and find smart, practical solutions on the spot. Events can be high-pressure, and staying calm while problem-solving is key. There have been many moments where I’ve had to make last-minute changes to a setup or build new props the night before an event. Those challenges have pushed me to grow, adapt, and become more resourceful.

Pricing:

• I specialize in customizing designs based on wide range of budgets

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/fareehaseventdesign
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/fareehaseventdesign
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@fareehaseventdesign

Image Credits
Aiza Shabbir