Off Stage

You would hardly think it, but Nazia says that she used to be a “total nerd” in secondary school. “I was a science geek, actually,” she says. “I was quite silent, and wouldn’t talk to my classmates, but now I’m the complete opposite and my classmates don’t even recognise me anymore!” She’s referring to the fact that she’s now an active dancer, and counts hip hop, R&B, and Bollywood dance as some of her favourite genres. “My whole family dances, and I’ve been dancing since I was 8,” she says. “But my interest in hip hop grew when I was in polytechnic. I would love to be a professional dancer, save up, and open a dance studio and teach classes.” For now, however, Nazia is happy with her second love: interior design. She’s new at the job, having only been working for about two months, but she’s coming to learn more and more about her chosen field. “I love designing spaces, and coming up with concepts for spaces,” she says. But like every creative soul, she struggles a little when faced with limitations, such as building regulations. Still, she’s willing to work hard and to continue to grow. “To make your dreams come true, you’ve got to work hard,” she says. “Wishing for it won’t lead you anywhere.”