Meet Sakina Shariff | Brand & Web Designer

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

Hi Sakina, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Well, it all started when I was procrastinating at my 9-5 job and decided to start a business instead. Haha, just kidding… well, kind of? But there’s more to the story.

Growing up, I was always drawn to the creative side of things. Instead of playing with toys, I preferred spending hours DIY-ing with cardstock paper, glue, and my 48-piece Crayola art kit. I’d browse the internet for cool and unique ideas for handmade gifts for my family and then get to work recreating them at home. It was incredibly satisfying to see an idea turn into something real, and the best part was seeing the happiness on my family’s faces when they received my homemade gifts.

I always knew I belonged in a creative field, but when the time came to choose a college major, I felt the need to get a “practical” degree (it’s the desi immigrant in me, LOL). So, I found a way to do a little bit of both. I decided to major in Computer Information Systems in college, and for my electives, I took a few digital media courses. It was there that I was introduced to Adobe Illustrator, and I fell in LOVE. I remember one of my first projects was to create a cereal brand for a TV show character, and I chose Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones, naming my cereal Tyrios, haha.

When my professor saw my project, he laughed and told me that this is the best one he had seen so far, and that I had a real talent for it. We did a lot of logos, flyers, and other illustration projects in those classes, and I knew this was my passion. While I was doing my CIS degree, I learned a few different programming languages, learned how to make websites and web applications, and was able to mix my love for design with coding to create something that was not only visually appealing but also functioned well.

In sophomore year, a friend asked me to create a website for his manager’s small business. The positive feedback pushed me to take on more freelance projects in college. I enjoyed the fulfillment of helping small businesses with my skills and knew that I wanted to do this full-time one day. Then, in junior year, I landed a part-time gig at my family friend’s small business. Being there taught me the ins and outs of starting your own business and introduced me to the world of entrepreneurship.

After I graduated from college, I went to work in the oil and gas industry, working as an application developer. I worked there for a couple of years and I realized that it wasn’t for me. I didn’t feel a sense of fulfillment or felt that I was making any sort of difference.

Then, Covid hit in 2020. We started working from home, which gave me the opportunity to take on more freelance projects, and I started realizing how much I missed the creative aspect of my work. I remember I was talking to my husband in the summer of 2020, and I was just venting to him about how I wasn’t happy working in corporate, and that I wasn’t able to be creative in this field. We talked about how a lot of small businesses in the community were struggling because of the pandemic. The lockdown forced them to completely overhaul their traditional business models and adapt to the online world. We saw the need to assist small businesses and startups in establishing their online presence, and we knew we had the skills to help. And that’s when the idea of Metric Mane was born. From developing websites to crafting compelling branding and social media strategies, Metric Mane was created to lend a hand to those who need it most.

It’s an honor to bring people’s visions to life. Every project is a chance to infuse joy and create something truly special, just like those early days of DIY. I get to do what I love every day and help others at the same time. Alhamdulillah, it’s been an amazing journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Metric Mane is a branding and web design agency that works with small businesses and startups to help them build a strong and cohesive brand identity, create a professional online presence, and ultimately grow their business. I think what really sets us apart is the personal touch we bring to every project. We’re not just creating a website or designing a logo – we’re helping to bring businesses to life. We know that every business has its own unique story, and we’re passionate about telling that story to the world. We treat every project like it’s our own, and we’re always throwing out ideas and suggestions to help them thrive. Working with us is like having a creative and supportive family member on your side!

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?
Oh, I am the ultimate foodie! So, naturally when we have family or friends visiting, it’s an absolute must for us to explore the local food scene. Houston is such a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and there are so many amazing halal options in this city that it’s hard to pick just a few. But some of my top picks are:

– Tourao Brazilian Steakhouse
– Bonsai Fusion
– Kure Korean BBQ
– Aga’s Restaurant and Catering
– DDK Kabab & Grill
– Food Truck Park at Hwy 6@Voss

And let’s not forget about the best part – dessert! And lucky for me, some of my absolute favorite dessert places happen to be my amazing clients. Gotta love those sweet treats and supporting local businesses at the same time!

– The Bakes Motel for the most delicious, melt-in-your-mouth gourmet cookies.
– Festive Chocolate Treats for all your sweet cravings.
– Greisi’s Creations if you’re looking for some seriously flavorful chamoy candy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, definitely my husband and family! My husband has been my rock since day one. He’s always there to bounce ideas off of, help me make tough decisions, and even get me through tax season (which, let’s be real, is a struggle). And my family? They’ve always been the ones to push me to think outside the box and embrace my creative side. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support. Plus, my sisters have become such an important part of Metric Mane – they help me run the show, manage clients, and offer support whenever I need it. I’m so grateful to have such an amazing support system!

Website: https://metricmane.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metricmane

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metricmane

Image Credits
First picture was taken by Taha Hasan @photosbytaha