Blog

As an Iranian American fashion designer, the events unfolding in the country of my birth have moved me in ways I never anticipated. In 2022, I published my memoir, Monavar’s Journey: Bridge to Hope—a project that took nearly a decade to bring to life. Seven of those years were spent writing while simultaneously running my business, Aqua Modesta, and, Baruch Hashem, marrying off two of my children and welcoming several grandchildren along the way. An additional three years were devoted to working with multiple editors to ensure the story was told with honesty, depth, and care.

It has now been forty-seven years since my family and I emigrated to the United States, arriving during the height of the American hostage crisis. As Jews fleeing Iran, we were often grouped together with other Iranians and viewed as unwelcome intruders, despite the fact that we were genuinely seeking refuge on American shores. We were thoroughly vetted, required to demonstrate financial stability through U.S. bank accounts, and sponsored by an American citizen. In many ways, we were blessed to enter the United States as non-refugees—yet our journey was still marked by scrutiny, resilience, and profound gratitude for the opportunity to rebuild our lives.

I pray for brighter days ahead for all Iranians. May the long suffering and oppression of the Shia Islam regime finally lift, and may peace, dignity, and freedom-Azadi prevail in Iran—and, in turn, bring healing and stability to the world at large.