Atoms founder Sidra Qasim is the latest subject to be profiled by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York photo series.
Qasim, who founded the sneaker brand with her husband, Waqas Ali, opened up about her experience growing up in a small town in Pakistan. The 11 part interview traces Sidra’s journey of living under a conservative Pakastani household to launching a footwear brand in New York City. The founders have received such an overwhelming response from the coverage, the brand has decided to give $30 off to Humans of New York readers on their signature sneaker.
“Thank you for taking the time to read my story in Humans of New York. Although it was difficult to share so many intimate details of my private life, I hope that my story serves as an inspiration to young women around the world,” wrote Qasim on the brand’s website.
The co-founder continued to explain that her family constantly pressured her to find a husband after high school. However, Qasim had bigger dreams. She met her husband, Waqas, at her aunt’s house. He was one of her aunt’s students.
“We’d discuss life, and society, and human emotions. It became the only chance I had to exchange my ideas with anyone. And Waqas took my opinions seriously,” the Atoms founder said.
When Qasim enrolled in college, she was one of the only 15 female students. After graduating, her now-husband asked her to move to the city of Lahore to study further and become his business partner.