Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Shabbir Chowdhury who left his job two years ago to follow his dream. And now, after a lot of hard work and determination, he’s a successful branding manager for all types of industries, helping to make “the world beautiful one project at a time”…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
Branding Manager for all types for industries; specializing in visual arts / graphic design.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I decided to become a designer simply because I loved drawing and painting as a kid and I love anything techy! I was stuck between choosing a career in Computer Science or an Arts program. PDM at Champlain was a perfect mix of both!
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best and the most challenging part would be coming up with a brand new concept for each new project. It’s at times frustrating, stressful… lengthy… but at the same time it’s exciting!! It’s like going to a math exam and not being able to figure the solution, then suddenly it hits you and you solve the problem! And that’s an exciting feeling! The feeling of accomplishment after a great challenge!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years… not sure, but surely know I’ll be doing what I love to do… designing, branding, and making the world beautiful one project at a time!
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is what I was talking about earlier… the feeling of accomplishment. After working really hard, solving a problem. Success to me is being happy with what I do and waking up every morning excited about what I do.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I have to say it was the moment when I decided to leave my previous job and took a step all on my own. And two years later here I am…my words printed on Notable.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
My advice would be to never give up and do what your gut tells you to do. And, as selfish as I might sound, to always put yourself first when it comes to business. It’s a dog eat dog world!
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Now that’s a really tough question…I mean, I live in Montreal…and it’s a city full of places to wine and dine, and not to mention I’m a hardcore foodie! I love to eat!!! There are so many options…this interview will never end if I start naming them all! But in Montreal, I definitely am a big fan of Grinder, Joe Beef, and Leméac…and in Toronto MomoFuku-Shoto…OK I’ll stop now!
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
COOKING!!! I LOVE TO COOK!! My “Me” time is making dishes that are inspired by my favourite dining spots.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I have to say countries in South East Asia. So far my favourite is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I mean, you have to just see how beautiful the city is! It’s my dream home away from home!
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Welcome to the good life by Kanye West (Not to mention the music video is a visual delight!)
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes, I definitely do. I work closely with an organization named W.O.W (World Of Wonder). It’s an organization that produces events to raise funds for children in undeveloped countries and for Women’s Rights.
Describe your ideal retirement: how old will you be and how do you plan on spending your retirement years?
My ideal retirement would be in a tropical island with a small beach house and a boat. I love to work, so I really can’t tell when I’d be retired. I’ll pull a Michael Jordan…I’ll retire and then go back to work…then retire again.
What to you is notable?
Notable to me is attention. Attention for what I do, for living my dreams in the true sense, and for being given recognition by anyone who feels I’m worthy of it.
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