“Pursuing Mechanical Engineering after high school was an obvious option for me, given my inclination towards Technical/Engineering studies. During the last year at college, my beloved father passed away. I completely lost myself, it was the hardest thing I ever faced in my life.
It took everything I had to carry on after him and while going through his possessions, I came across some papers, sketches, contact numbers, and all his carefully collected, wood working tools. Along with these material items, his wisdom and life lessons kept coming back to me. This brought me closer to my father’s legacy – Wood Work.
By turning criticism into growth opportunities, constant struggle and perseverance, I have enabled myself to overcome the hardships of a cultural Pakistani Life. And I’d like to advice all the new and striving entrepreneurs out there, to stay positive and focused on their passion, in the end, this is all that really matters.
After completing my education in Mechanical Engineering, I started working as an Asst. Design (Mech.) Engineer in the RND Department of a Manufacturing Company in Pakistan. It was a great opportunity for me and helped me learn and grow as an individual. Having said that, I have a creative side and I’m always willing to explore new options. I didn’t only want to design, I wanted to create art. Later this idea became the moto of my life; “Don’t just design. CREATE!”
After 2 years, I quit my job and started SWARF – Wood Work Evolved in 2009. When I decided to resign, I was constantly reminding myself of this one verse in the Quran;
“And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” (Quran 3:159)
SWARF officially came into existence in 2010. Along with my brother and wife, I started working full time to pursue my passion. This journey came with a lot of ups and downs but all praise to ALLAH, today SWARF is a global entity.
Most of the wood work industry in Pakistan, now a days, is focused on household furniture, which has very little to do with actual wood work, materials like MDF and chipboards are widely being sold in the name of quality furnishings.
Contrary to these norms, I have a vision for SWARF – to provide better and cost effective options for people with taste. SWARF offers various products in fields like gardening, decor, kitchen, jewelry, home appliances, gadgets and so much more.
We learn something new each day, however, a few guiding principles shape our lives. I guess the biggest lesson I have learnt so far, is whenever you decide to do something good and beneficial, put your trust in ALLAH and do it with all your heart.” – Nizam, Founder at SWARF