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

Hi Dana, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

To me, this quote means that true success and fulfillment in our careers and lives can only come from doing work that we truly love and are passionate about. It’s not enough to simply go through the motions or do something just for the sake of earning a paycheck. I truly find work that brings me joy and a sense of purpose very fulfilling.
this Quote is a continues reminder that encourages me to pursue my passions and to not settle for anything less than work that truly excites and motivates my soul. We humans ,spend a significant portion of our lives working, so it’s important to make that time as fulfilling and meaningful as possible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey towards becoming an artist has been an extraordinary one, defying all odds and embracing the essence of unconditional passion. In a place ravaged by war, where opportunities for pursuing dreams seemed non-existent, my heart was set on becoming a fashion designer. Despite the adversities, I refused to let circumstances define my path. With unwavering determination, I made the courageous decision to flee my country in search of a better future. As fate would have it, destiny led me towards an unexpected turn, and I found myself pursuing a degree in science and techonolgy. Although it seemed like a detour, this path taught me resilience, discipline, and the power of knowledge. With every scientific experiment, I discovered a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the world and the interconnectedness of art and science. Today, armed with my scientific background and an unwavering belief in my artistic abilities, I stand proudly as an artist, combining the realms of fashion and scientific inspiration to create unique women wear. I am very grateful for the journey, it is a true testament to the boundless possibilities that unfold when one follows their dreams unconditionally, regardless of the obstacles encountered along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
hmmm, I love this question! Welcome to Chicago! Here’s a fun itinerary that will make you fall in love with this beautiful city as much as I do!

Mornings Options!
you cant go wrong with some of the best middle eastern savory breakfast spots in the city ! you can start your day with delicious fresh to order cheese and spinach pies from Libaneh on Devon Ave. or you can enjoy a variety of Turkish and middle eastern breakfast at Antepli on Kedzie Ave. Lastly, a bit outside of the city but definitely worth the drive is Um Karam restaurant , beautiful ambience , the service is great and their home made apricot jam is to die for ! Remember to order their tea service during breakfast and always finish your meal with Arabic coffee.

Afternoon:
Chicago is an all day activity city! specially in the summer. ,My favorite midday activity is the Art institute of Chicago , it has so much to offer for art lovers with great pieces from Manet ,Picasso and so many more. Iyou might be luck and I can show you my favorite art piece of all time , Renaissance wing, second floor 😉
Did you know that you can go and dance your heart off every Wednesday at 12pm to some amazing house music at the cultural center for free! it’s a great sight to witness Chicago melting-pot showing their best move on the dance floor.
Feeling a bit adventures? take the water taxi from Ogilvie station all the way for China town and see why Chicago is the architectural Mecca it is.

Evening,
A night in Chicago will not be complete without some music! Kingston mines is a must if you love Blues. Also, you can skip to Boys town and have a magical night at Kitkat where you can enjoy a nice dinner with a lively performance from Tina Turner or Cher!
Lastly, take a leisurely stroll through the historic neighborhood of Uptown and make your way to the iconic Green Mill Tavern. This legendary establishment has been a hub for jazz and entertainment since the 1900s. Step back in time as you enter the vintage-style bar and enjoy live jazz music, accompanied by a drink from their extensive selection.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
to my dear friends,

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and encouragement in my artistic endeavors. Your belief in my abilities has fueled my creative fire and pushed me to explore uncharted territories. Through every twist and turn, you’ve been there to lift me up, offering a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on.

In a world that often undermines the power of art, you’ve been the champions of my creativity. Your genuine enthusiasm, constructive feedback, and endless encouragement have given me the confidence to pursue my passions wholeheartedly. Your presence in my life has been a constant reminder that I am never alone in this journey.

to my mother
your unwavering strength and tireless efforts have taught me the value of hard work. I’ve witnessed you juggling multiple responsibilities, always putting our family’s well-being above everything else. Your selflessness and ability to persevere through challenges have shaped me into the person I am today. You’ve taught me that no goal is too big, and with unwavering determination, I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

to My Aunt,
your fierce independence have shown me that boundaries are meant to be challenged. You’ve demonstrated the power of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and embracing new challenges to turn them into opportunities. Your determination to forge your own path during rough times, even in the face of adversity, has been a constant reminder that we have the power to shape our own destinies. May you rest in peace.

Website: www.danaasady.com

Instagram: @dana.asady

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asady/

Facebook: @asadyfashion

Image Credits
Stylist: @flaricent_style Photographer & DA: @joycevisuals @lianagrigoryanphoto @flxashstudios

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