We’re looking forward to introducing you to Norah Shazad. Check out our conversation below.
Norah, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that’s been bringing me joy lately is my niece. She’s seriously the sweetest little soul..just being around her shifts everything. Her laughs, her tiny conversations, even the chaos, it’s like a reminder of what really matters.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey! My name is Norah Shazad. I’m a writer, creative, and the founder of A3 Central and Spoken Soul, a brand and series that hold a deep part of my heart and story. A3 started from my love for poetry and design, and also as a tribute to my late father whose legacy inspires everything I do. I’ve published four poetry books so far, each a reflection of healing, identity, and navigating life with intention.
Through A3 Central, I focus on storytelling, content creation, and building spaces, both online and in-personthat feel honest and soul-centered. We also host community events like our monthly poetry night, Spoken Soul, and I’m currently working on expanding our creative team to bring more ideas to life, including our modestwear line through A3 Central.
Everything I do is rooted in meaning. Whether it’s a design, a poem, or a project, it’s always about connection, reflection, and purpose. That’s the heart of it all.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful was when I used to make art as a kid, and my dad would hang it up in his office, even if it was honestly the worst art. It made me feel like what I created mattered. My parents always supported me, no matter what it looked like, and that kind of love and belief gave me confidence before I even knew what confidence was.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most has definitely been the fear of failure, especially when it’s tied to perfectionism and OCD. Sometimes it feels like if it’s not perfect, it’s not worth doing at all. That mindset has made me second-guess myself more than I’d like to admit. I’ve had to unlearn the idea that failure defines me and instead try to see it as part of the process. Still working on it.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Smart people are getting it wrong by thinking they have to succeed on the first try. Growth takes time, trial, and a lot of error. I learned this the hard way. Another big one is not putting a face to their brand. People connect with people. Your story, your presence, and your “why” matter just as much as the product or service. Without that human element, even the smartest ideas can feel distant.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
What I’m doing today that probably won’t fully pay off for 7 to 10 years is taking care of me, my health, my body, and my mind. I go to the gym five times a week, stay active on rest days, and go to therapy to heal and regulate myself. I work full time in an office outside of my brand, and still pour into my creative work, designing for other businesses and helping them grow. I stay rooted in my community, showing up at my mosque, volunteering, and being present where I’m needed. It’s a lot. It’s busy. But I know all of this, this consistency and this intention, is an investment in the version of me I want to become.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://a3central.com
- Instagram: a3.central
- Other: spoken soul linktree: https://linktr.ee/spokensoul
Image Credits
Marwa Taha
