s founder of SabinaConnects, Sabina Pasha has dedicated her career to helping individuals reconnect with their true selves, transforming the perception of beauty through a unique lens. Influenced by a family legacy at Radio Pakistan, she embraced the fashion industry not just as a model but as an advocate for diversity and self-acceptance.

Her mission, deeply rooted in personal experiences and challenges, focuses on empowering women to recognise their self-worth and celebrate their distinctiveness. A recipient of the Women’s Empowerment Award by the Toronto Consulate Committee and the RBC Award for the most volunteer work encouraging young entrepreneurs to open their own successful businesses, Sabina is not only redefining beauty standards but also inspiring a new generation to believe in their own potential by fostering an inclusive community through mentorship and events.

Instep: Can you talk about your early days in the fashion scene in Pakistan? What inspired you to dive into the modelling world?

Sabina Pasha (SP): Born into a household that established Radio Pakistan and being surrounded by the melodies of legends like Noor Jehan, Nayyara Noor, and Mehdi Hassan, I always knew that the world of art, literature, and beauty was my true calling. Fashion came naturally to me and it was more than just clothing—I saw it as an art form, a way of expression and bringing the creations of designers to life. It led to my signing with L‘OREAL PARIS in my first year. Despite initial discouragement from some, I was driven to defy norms and inspire young girls to embrace diverse notions of beauty.

Instep: You’re passionate about authentic beauty. What does true beauty mean to you, and how does it stack up against the industry’s usual standards?

SP: True beauty is confidence, kindness, and love. It’s about embracing your unique self rather than fitting into industry standards. I encourage others to foster love and positivity instead of negativity.

Instep: You’ve represented some big-name brands like Nestlé, Sephora, and L’Oréal. How did those opportunities come your way, and what do they mean to you?

SP: Opportunities with major brands arose because they recognised my journey and work ethic. Over time, I established a reputation for connecting with others and advocating for inclusivity, reinforcing my belief that I am on the right path in my career.

Instep: What are some of your proudest flexes in your journey so far?

SP: I’m proud of embracing “faith it till you make it” instead of “fake it till you make it.” I focus on building a space through SabinaConnects for young women to acknowledge their value, emphasising that true beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

Instep: How did you make the leap from Pakistan to Canada and change the game for your career? Did you run into any issues?

SP: Moving to Canada was transformative yet challenging, as I navigated a new environment and beauty ideals. I began my career in retail, eventually rising through the ranks by embracing humility and hard work.

Instep: You’ve launched your own consultancy and fashion academy, SabinaConnects. What sparked this creative endeavour?

SP: Starting SabinaConnects stemmed from my own journey of fighting against certain expectations and wanting to be seen beyond branded beauty. The consultancy focuses on helping individuals reconnect with their spirit, enhancing their confidence, and facilitating networking opportunities in a safe space for growth.

Instep: If you had to sum up your career so far, how would you summarise it? What kind of legacy are you looking to leave in the fashion scene?

SP: My career has been about breaking barriers and redefining beauty on my terms. I want my legacy to show that success is unique to everyone and that nurturing self-belief is powerful. I hope to inspire others to chase their dreams authentically.

Instep: In what ways do you think you’ve made a real impact, especially for women in the fashion world?

SP: Winning Canada’s highest Women’s Empowerment Award has motivated me to help women recognise their inner beauty and strength.

I want them to know that they are more than enough to bring happiness and transformation into their lives by simply being themselves.

My personal journey with Alopecia inspires clients to prioritise self-care and trust that positive change is possible. It has shown them that all ailments can be healed, and the key lies in maintaining self-care along with loving others and surrendering control to the Divine, trusting that everything will work itself out in the end. This approach has brought about profound, positive changes in their lives.

Instep: What’s your vision for the future, both personally and in the professional arena?

SP: Personally, I aim to grow and balance my life. Professionally, I want to expand SabinaConnects and host global events in Canada, creating opportunities for emerging fashion enthusiasts who often feel overlooked.

Instep: Any advice for the young people trying to break into the modelling world while keeping it real?

SP: Stay true to yourself; authenticity is your power. Work hard, be patient, and surround yourself with supportive people. Confidence is key—believe in yourself because you are enough just as you are.