“I am a strategist and enthusiast, constantly thrive to find perfection and new dimension. I live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment of it.”
Fareen has mastered the balancing act. Even her businesses are entirely different- management consulting and fashion! She can close deals with large and small-sized businesses, non-profit organisations and entrepreneurs. At the same time, she conceptualises spectacular looks for her celebrity clients and customers. Fareen’s passion for globetrotting or pursuit of her dreams of running her businesses never took a back seat, even as she took care of her family. It’s this balancing act that has become Fareen’s way of life now!
Business Coursing Through Her Veins
Having graduated with an MBA in Human Resource Management from D.Y. Patil University and a certified SAP Solution Consultant in Human Capital Management, Fareen’s venture into the field of business definitely came as a surprise.
She comes from a prominent Kutchi family who migrated from Kutch to Kochi at the beginning of the 19th century and have been in Kerala for more than 4 generations now. Maybe, this career change came as not so much of a surprise to people who knew her well. Fareen has the tendency to look at everything from two different perspectives- a detailed and a big picture. This ability makes her unique and allows her to expand horizons with ease, according to her husband.
A Business Partner (And A Life Partner)
Fareen and her husband Aadi Becker Arshad, an Oxford Management graduate, run the contrasting and interesting portfolio of GBM Consulting and Pratna Design Studio between them. GBM Consulting in the UK is at the forefront of what they do- they work with multinational clients. Pratna Design Studio, on the other hand, is more of a passion project for the couple- it was a culmination of their shared love for design, colour and travel.
The advisory services under the umbrella of GBM Consulting bring insights, ideas, methods and experience to help clients craft winning strategies for growth and improved efficiency. They also overlook transformation programmes and projects- building sustainable futures and providing business services. Consulting services from GBM include strategy and operations, cost consulting and performance improvement advice. They also look into mergers, acquisitions and global expansions.
Having lived and worked in over 13 countries across 3 continents, the couple garnered a sense of colour and a perception into the dressing style of people. In 2011, Pratna Design Studio was opened in the converted garage of their estate close to a lake and things took off from there. In an effort to optimise their supply chain, they opened up a workshop and sales unit for Pratna Design Studio in Kochi with artisans and craftsmen to make bespoke designs for both countries. They create custom-made couture for their female clients and jewellery created in their workshops.
In her effort to give back to the community, especially with Pratna Design Studio, value is given to the artisans and craftsmen instead of a middleman sitting in an air-conditioned office mooching off their efforts. This is why Fareen personally travels across the world and within India to fit the puzzle pieces together.
Aadi has put it quite simply as he says, “At the end of the day, the balance sheet does not come from one business.” Often described as patient and clearly passionate about what she does, it is safe to say that her entrepreneurial journey is only getting started. The couple has a bright path forged ahead of them- in business and in life.
This article has been written by Neha Nambiar.
