“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” ~ Virginia Woolf. On this International Women’s Day, GlobalSpa recognizes and celebrates the women in the industry as we delve into their success mantra they follow, mistakes that have helped them grow, and of course, their WELLNESS philosophy.

Aatika Manzar, Founder Director at Aatika Manzar Designs, has a wealth of technical knowledge and a deeper comprehension of design.

What is your wellness philosophy?

I’m very passionate about the work I do, it is like therapy to me. I am very blessed that I don’t find the need to take a break from it. However, when I am back from work, I love to make a quick snack or bake sometimes as a stress buster. I also love dancing. It is my ‘go to thing’ to ease my mind. It helps concentrate better and I’m able to work much more efficiently. After all, we just don’t have to survive, we have to thrive and become better each day.

Your success mantra?

Do what you love and love what you do and it will never feel like work. This is the only mantra for happiness and being content. If you’re happy, you’re successful.

A lesson you learned from making a mistake?

Have some faith in yourself. If you’re not confident in what you say or do, you will ever be able to convince the client for the same. I am a woman surrounded by men in this construction field. Don’t let their judgements stop you from what you can do. Have a dream, believe in it…envision it and then manifest it!

Any piece of advice for all the women out there?

I have faced a lot of gender-based discrimination in my career as an architect. As a female-led firm, when I look back and reflect on the journey; it has been nothing but a roller coaster ride. But in these ups and downs, I have realised that it definitely gets easier with time. Once you start to take those condescending comments as a challenge and start to truly hone your skills, there is nothing that you cannot achieve.

What has been your biggest pride as a doyenne?

I have become a woman that a younger me had always admired and looked up to, and that is my greatest and most special achievement. I hope that more women enter the architecture and construction field in the coming years. I am leading an all-girls architecture firm and I could not be happier! Change should start now, our voices need to be heard on every platform- whether it is a board room meeting or a construction site. It is the spark that starts the flame.