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

Hi Mahreen, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I brought up the idea to start a photography business with my sister in August 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. During a time of so much uncertainty, we wanted to start something that belonged to us and allowed us to spread love and joy with others in the form of documenting candid moments of laughter and happiness. Photography had always been an interesting subject for me, specifically; I had also taken college courses but didn’t really see it as something I’d pursue at the time. Five years later, I am now the sole business owner and lead photographer of Afreen Visions, and I’d say it’s a decision I am very proud to have taken.

What should our readers know about your business?
Afreen Visions was first founded by me and my sister in August 2020. Initially, we marketed ourselves as portrait photographers, specializing in couple sessions, family sessions, and senior sessions. In 2022, I married my husband and moved to Tampa, so my sister and I decided that I would take over all creative and business decisions for Afreen Visions and offer limited availability to clients in Dallas, our initial home base. My husband and I moved back to Dallas in 2024, where I had to basically pick up where I left off prior to moving to Tampa. It felt like starting over from scratch.

Much to my surprise, I started receiving event inquiries this January. I had received a few in the past but because I was still growing in this field, I never felt confident enough to capture events. In January, I felt motivated and inspired, so I went for it: my first wedding ceremony. I received my next wedding clients in February, which was a 3-day event. Throughout this year, I have worked graduation parties, birthday parties, anniversary parties, and also more wedding ceremonies, while also continuing working with clients for portrait sessions.

At times, it felt like I was all over the place: starting Afreen Visions in 2020, moving states between 2022 to 2024, and restarting in Dallas in 2024; however, I will say it’s been one heck of a ride that I’m proud to be on! This idea that I could freeze authentic moments between people for them to one day look back on; that was my “why”. That’s why I started this business and that’s what makes me want to continue.

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?
Ooh, I love this question!

I would start off our day with a walk/jog at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve or finding a free group workout class somewhere outdoors! After freshening up, we would find a halal brunch spot somewhere in Frisco because Frisco/Plano has SO much to offer especially for foodies like myself. Once we’ve filled our stomaches we could do some indoor mini golfing at Pottery at Grandscape at The Colony. Since there’s a whole lot to do in that area, I’d say we’d grab some ice cream at Kilwin’s or Baked Bear and hang out at the lawn nearby. Depending on the day, we would catch a free event taking place at the lawn. If there’s no event and we’ve had our time to catchup, we would go watch a Bollywood movie. Finally, after the movie we could grab dinner at Delucca Gaucho, because you could never go wrong with endless pizza options!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shoutout to the following people for encouraging and supporting me throughout this business venture:

1. My sister, Afsha’n. Her support in the early stages of our business has meant the world to me. From taking the lead on the backend — responding to inquiries, taking over social media and our website, and assisting me onsite, she’s played a vital role since the very beginning.
Fun fact: The word “Afreen” in our business name, Afreen Visions, was a name that was inspired by our names put together (AFsha’n and MahREEN), while also used as an Urdu term to express admiration and praise.

2. My parents, who have truly been such a force throughout the last five years. Their continuous support has given me such motivation to keep doing what I love.

3. My husband, Junaid. I like to call him the “manager of Afreen Visions” for good reason. He is always helping me with different marketing techniques, hypes up Afreen Visions to everyone he meets, and always offers to assist me onsite. One of these days, I may even convince him to second shoot for me! Let’s see!

4. Last, but certainly not the least, my clients. The ones who trusted me these last five years to create and document special moments for them and their loved ones. I will forever be grateful to them all!

Website: https://www.afreenvisions.com

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

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@afreenvisions

Image Credits
Mahreen Lakhani

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