Meet Almas Shewa | Founder | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Almas Shewa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Almas, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Inglewood, CA, but my family is from Surat, India. I was raised Gujarati, Muslim and speak the language fluently. Being a Gujarati, Muslim, woman, not only do I identify as a minority in India but also in America. We grew up in modest house in Inglewood within a predominantly black community near the forum. I grew up in the 80’s with Indian food, basketball, break dancing, the mosque and our halal poultry which shaped my outlook on life. I saw my parents work so hard for all six of my siblings and that shaped my work ethic. Being foreigners in this beautiful country, I always felt like we had to work a little extra harder to prove our worth to fit into society. Today, I realize that having all this cultural diversity has been a blessing, I am able to understand people from all walks of life, which helps me understand my clients deeper needs when I design for them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think the most interesting thing about my journey has been my transition from a shy introvert designer to business owner extrovert. I feel like I may share this with many other creatives because we work in different ways and are often reluctant to talk about our own art because we really don’t know how it will be perceived by others. While I was growing up, I was mocked at and made fun of for my design risks and that really affected my confidence. I think that that is still the case but it doesn’t affect me any longer. For me personally, I had to go back to school and get a masters degree which really helped me articulate myself and gain confidence in speaking about my designs. I don’t think everyone has to go to that extent but personally it really helped me get where I am today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I love visitors and I take pride in living in California, as it is one of the best places in the world. So when I have visitors I like to show off and take them the hottest spots. While in OC, I would definitely take them to Laguna Beach to the street shops and beaches. We would stop by Surf and Sand or Hotel Laguna to grab lunch. I’d take them to shop at Fashion Island. Everyone loves Javiers on the coast to dine! We would also take a trip to LA- go shop on Robertson/ Melrose and go to Soho house or Craigs or Catch LA for dinner. Of course, I’d plan the regular touristy things like the Hollywood sign, Rodeo etc, 3rd street as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I talked about my upbringing earlier, which shaped my work ethic but it wasn’t until I met my husband who really encouraged me to chase my dream. I met him in my late twenties and at that point I was still trying to figure things out. He supported me whole heartedly and guided me in my education and career path. If it weren’t for him, I would have never been where I am today. I was timid and even insecure to showcase my design work, but he had his way to bring out the best of me. When I quit my day job to start Makkan, I remember he was like the best cheerleader- he was more excited than I was. Maybe he saw something I didn’t at that time. This is pure love. I am blessed to have a loving husband and my dream career. He means the world to me.

Website: https://www.makkandesign.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makkandesigns/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28784510/admin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makkandesigns

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/makkan-design-irvine-2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKbHDG3jsbHT5I4tQEezumA

Image Credits
Jerry Rodriguez