As we face a new Covid variant, women reflect on what the pandemic has meant to their families, their colleagues, their customers and their communities. Sima Azadegan thought the pandemic was a time to follow her dreams.

"As the first cry of the pandemic hit us last march, I had two choices! One was to listen to the news and be overwhelmed by horrifying reports of what was happening around the world, or I could for the first time step into my own shoes and follow my own dream and passion that I had ever since I was a young girl. I decided to listen to my own voices and chose the latter option. I can say with much confidence now that following my dreams and passion has truly paid off for me.

The pandemic gave me an opportunity to have an introspective look inside and decide how I was going to live the rest of my life. Oftentimes, in life we are faced with challenges and experience dark days but it is up to us how we want to live. Do we succumb to the negativity which weighs us down or do we want to rise above it all and stand as a soldier of light? It's pertinent that we act as warriors. With perseverance, faith and hope it is possible to overcome difficulties and reach our highest potential. Following our dreams and passion is not a cliche but a responsibility that we have while living here on planet earth.

In a little over a year, ever since the pandemic, I created my company, Sima Collezione. It is a fashion line with heart and soul. It comprises 50 designs of high style, exclusive, one of a kind evening dresses. I have brought back elegance, glamour, integrity, beauty and refinement. Moreover, I have incorporated the positive forces of nature through my fashion line. Each dress encompasses a theme, a story, a value from nature and the divinity. These designs have come from my higher consciousness and I truly believe that I have a responsibility to share them with the world.

My company’s mission is to empower women by creating bold and vibrant dresses and at the same time helping charity. Since helping charity is an integral part of my character, I have made this an important mission for my company. I would like Sima Collezione to be a worldwide phenomenon whereby ladies can tap into their inner beauty and allow their inner light to shine while at the same time knowing that they are helping another individual in need. I would like Sima Collezione to help build positive consciousness for all the women in the world.

I am truly grateful for the pandemic as it gave me the opportunity to follow my dream and my passion. So far, it has taken me to feature my collection at the New York Fashion Week this September, being an executive contributor for the brainz magazine and having my own podcast series at the Podcast Business News Group! All of this, because I decided not to listen to other people, media, friends and family who were petrified of Covid but on the other hand, I decided to listen to myself.

Be true to yourself and stand up for what you believe in no matter how dark the outside world is or how big the pandemic is."

This is a time of virtual community and sharing. We’re asking women how the pandemic has impacted their personal and/or professional lives. Please send an e-mail to esherberg@bizjournals.com if you would like to contribute to this continuing narrative.