Introducing the founder of The Soulfuls: Aram Ostadian-Binai
Aram Ostadian-Binai, Photo by Anett Moglich
For those who are new to The Soulfuls (hello!), you may not have met our founder, Aram, yet. Well, that’s about to change — keep reading. This is our founder’s story, told in her words.
Aram first came to Denmark with her family as a refugee when she was 14 years old, and later settled in a small city called Odder (Otter in English). When she graduated from high school, she moved to Copenhagen on her own to pursue her dreams in fashion and publishing.
Her ambition to be successful in her industry was as strong as her motivation to make the Danish fashion industry and media inclusive. In 2012 she moved to London to study Fashion and Media Production at the London College of Fashion. To her surprise, the city itself became her biggest inspiration. It was a city that somehow made room for people to feel at home, something Aram hadn’t felt for a long time.
After becoming a mother she felt the pull to return to her home in Copenhagen. Since then Aram has worked across a range of different creative teams, shaping their marketing, branding and communications strategies. And starting The Soulfuls of course.
Why did you start The Soulfuls?
“Two reasons. To allow women and girls to feel at home and to unapologetically be their true selves.
When I moved back here from London, I still struggled to feel like I belonged. I realised that being a woman and a woman of colour was holding me back. We are either not include or if/when included, through lenses of gender biases, institutional barriers and negative stereotypes women.
So in March 2018, I start The Soulfuls: a community platform to make room for everyone’s voices — unfiltered! I wanted to empower the next generation of women so they feel free to be who they are and to start a much-needed conversation about diversity, inclusion and equity in media, creative industries and beyond in the Nordics.
It’s only when we are united that real change can happen and we can make history. I know, my dream is big and my goal is bigger, but the time to take action is now.”
What is The Soulfuls’ mission?
“To create a supportive community of diverse women and girls that I wish I had when I was growing up and starting out in my career. A place where you can gain knowledge, share experiences and unlock your true potential.
At The Soulfuls we will achieve this through global events, mentorship program (launching later this year) and skills-based workshops.”
Who is The Soulfuls for?
“Anyone who identify as women or non-binary women. Also, if you decide this community is a fit for how you identify, you are welcome to join.
Our events and conversations will build, connect and grow our community. Our content is focussed on The Soulfuls 5 Cs - Care, Confidence, Career, Community, Creativity centred around diversity, equity and inclusion.
Whether you are studying, about to launch your career, or you're a changemaker, leader, entrepreneur, creative or innovator — you are welcome to join us.”
What does diversity mean to you and The Soulfuls?
“For us, diversity means making room for everyone – regardless of someone’s skin colour, gender, sexual orientation, age, beliefs, socio-economic background, abilities and disabilities. Everyone has the right to feel seen and heard.”
What are The Soulfuls’ values?
“We’re starting with the basics first: we value the feeling of belonging and nurturing our soul, body and mind.
Very early on, I started taking notes of the values I wanted across our team, content and our community. The initial draft is actually published on our website today. Here are a few from The Soulfuls values :
We uplift and amplify the work of diverse women and marginalised genders to break glass ceilings.
We centre diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do.
We embrace courageous conversations. To grow together, we must engage in open dialogue about experiences that aren’t often spoken about.
We want a future that is free and fair. Fair representation, fair chances and fair expectations for all women and girls.
We want to ensure that all women have the tools to grow both personally and professionally - alongside a supportive community. I hope you will join us on our mission and journey.”
Let’s end with a message from the founder - what would that be?
My message would be to encourage women:
If you’re asked to be a mentor, say yes.
If you’re asked to be interviewed, say yes.
If you’re asked to be on a panel, say yes (and invite another woman to join you!)
“It’s hard to imagine it if you can’t see it. Female role models matter. They can empower girls to think bigger.”
Aram
Hope to see you either as a member, speaker or mentor at The Soulfuls. You can always email me at aram@thesoulfuls.com
Written by Frankie Lister Fell, March 30, 2019
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