Some stories are better stitched

A Little About Me

My name is Ahzeen. I moved from Iran to Australia in 2019, leaving behind a life filled with familiar places, people and memories.

Growing up, some of my happiest memories were the evenings I spent with my mother and sister, sitting together and making things. We each had our own little projects, and we would spend hours creating, talking and enjoying each other’s company. Those evenings are still among my most treasured memories.

Before moving to Australia, I loved working with my hands and making things. But starting a new life in a new country changed that. For a few years, I lost the confidence and the desire to create. It took time to find my feet, to feel that I belonged, and to begin calling this new place home.

Slowly, I found my way back to making things.

My background in architecture and heritage conservation has always drawn me to the small details, symbols and stories that connect us to the past. I began exploring ways to bring these into something personal and wearable, and that’s how my embroidered brooches came to life.

Today, every piece I make is a little connection to home. Through stitching, I revisit the stories and symbols I grew up with, but perhaps more importantly, I return to those evenings with my mother and sister. Even from thousands of kilometres away, working with my hands makes me feel as though we’re sitting together again.

And that, more than anything, is why I create.