The Heroine’s Journey of Simin Parsa

What is the best thing that I love about my work?

What I love most about my work is that it allows me to transform emotions into tangible creations. I once worked as an accountant—structured, predictable, confined within spreadsheets—but entering the world of fashion and storytelling gave me freedom. Designing clothes is not just fabric and needlework for me; it is identity, movement, desire, and character.

And writing my screenplay, Villa No. 9, showed me the power of shaping a psychological world from imagination into reality.

What I love is that my work gives me a voice—visual, emotional, intellectual—and the ability to create something that lives beyond me. When a design is worn, or when a story is read, someone connects with my inner world without needing to know me personally. That level of impact is the most rewarding part.

What is my idea of happiness?

Happiness for me is freedom—freedom of creativity, freedom to build my life without compromise, freedom to choose my path. It is waking up knowing that the work I create carries my name, my truth, my fingerprint. Happiness is a kind of alignment—where what I do, who I am, and what I dream of are no longer separate. It is also the quiet joy of watching my son grow, and knowing that someday he will see that his mother chose courage over safety. Happiness is when my ideas move from imagination into form—whether through a clothing collection, a script being developed into a film, or simply someone recognizing my work. When life becomes a space where vision becomes physical reality, that is happiness.

What is my greatest fear?

My greatest fear is not failure ; My fear is that one day I will stand somewhere and see that I have held myself back from becoming the person I could have been. There were years when I worked, yet my voice was unheard—my creativity had no space to be seen. That long silence left a wound: the fear that one day I might return to a place where my presence is only about performance, not creation. I fear missing the opportunities I deserved—not because of a lack of ability, but because I believed too late that I could. I fear the day my son grows up and looks at me, seeing that his mother had talent, had dreams, yet compromised with herself. I never want to be an example of “I wish.” I want to be an example of “I did,” “It happened,” “I built it.”

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

Sometimes, in the early stages of work, I am too hard on myself—on myself, on the outcome, on the need for perfection. This “silent perfectionism” has caused me to postpone work many times, Because I felt everything must meet the highest standard. Sometimes I judge myself before others have a chance to see my work. I dislike this trait in myself, Even though I know that the same high standard, sensitivity, precision, and desire for quality is what makes my work stand out. Yet sometimes I am so hard on myself that I forget the journey itself must be enjoyed, not just the result.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

In the field of fashion design, I greatly admire the masters who have transformed creativity into wearable art, blending elegance, innovation, and storytelling. Their ability to communicate emotion and narrative through garments inspires me deeply. Their dedication, attention to detail, and vision set a standard I strive to reach in my own work . As for screenwriting, I haven’t had mentors or role models in the professional sense. My journey in writing Villa No.9 has been largely self-taught, exploring storytelling and craft independently, with guidance and collaboration from AI tools. This self-directed path has made every achievement deeply personal and rewarding.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

The aspect I struggle with most is the isolation and difficulty in connecting with others professionally. Living and working in Iran, I often face challenges reaching the right collaborators, agents, and industry professionals. Opportunities sometimes depend more on chance or personal networks than merit, which can be frustrating. I dislike feeling that potential doors remain closed not because of skill, but because of circumstance. Despite these challenges, I remain determined to pursue my work with dedication and creativity, building every step of my path independently .

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

The happiest moments in my work began when I started designing my first collection. It was the moment I broke free from the monotony and sense of worthlessness I had felt for years. I realized I could create something valuable for myself, something that had meaning beyond daily routines. Seeing my ideas take shape visually, and discovering that I had even a small talent to bring concepts to life, filled me with joy and motivation. When I understood that one of my ideas could evolve into a full story and potentially a film, I felt a surge of excitement. Registering my screenplay with the WGA was another pinnacle— knowing that an original work was officially under my name made me profoundly happy. Each step of creation, from sketches to storytelling, gave me a sense of accomplishment and pride. The journey from initial inspiration to tangible output was deeply fulfilling. Every challenge overcame reinforced my confidence. Those moments reminded me why I pursue creativity: the joy of bringing something new into the world .

If I could, what would I change about myself?

If I could change something about myself, it would be my consistency and persistence from the very beginning. I would have pursued fashion design with unwavering focus instead of spending eleven years in accounting, a path I never truly wanted. I would have trusted my creativity sooner and allowed myself to develop my skills without hesitation. I sometimes doubt my abilities and delay projects because I want them to be perfect. If I could change that, I would embrace challenges earlier and trust the process more fully. I would combine discipline with the courage to experiment and take risks. I would balance ambition with patience, allowing myself to grow steadily. Learning from challenges is essential, but I wish I had applied this mindset sooner. Ultimately, every step I took, even the detours, taught me valuable lessons that shaped who I am today.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

My greatest achievement is completing and registering my screenplay Villa No. 9 with the WGA. It represents the culmination of years of balancing multiple roles—accountant, mother, designer—and pushing myself creatively despite language barriers and lack of prior experience in screenwriting. Transforming an idea from sketches and stories into a full, Hollywood-ready script that is recognized by an official institution feels like a personal milestone that validates my journey and determination .

Where would I most like to live?

I would most like to live in a place where creativity, nature, and calm coexist—somewhere I can be inspired daily, have space for my son to grow happily, and continue my creative pursuits uninterrupted. A serene environment that allows me to reflect, write, and design, yet still stay connected to the cultural and artistic world, would be ideal .

What is my most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is my inner drive and determination. It’s the relentless curiosity and persistence that pushes me to learn new tools, software, and skills on my own, whether it’s accounting, screenwriting, fashion design, editing, making reels with various gadgets, or even home DIY projects. This inner resourcefulness has allowed me to overcome countless limitations and keep creating, growing, and mastering what I set my mind to.

What is my most marked characteristic?

The most marked characteristic about me is my unwavering commitment to learning. No matter the obstacles—technical, financial, or otherwise—I find a way to gain the knowledge or skill I need. I never allow myself to be restricted by circumstances; instead, I embrace challenges and discover innovative solutions to continue moving forward.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

My most inspirational location is Isfahan – Iran , my hometown. Its rich culture, stunning architecture, and the artistic spirit that flows through every alley, square, and historical monument have deeply influenced me. From the intricate designs of its mosques to the vibrant colors of its traditional bazaars, Isfahan constantly reminds me of the beauty of craftsmanship and the power of imagination. Even while living in Tehran, the memory and inspiration of Isfahan guide my creativity and my work, reminding me of my roots and the artistry in my veins .

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

My favorite places to eat and drink in Tehran are the small, cozy cafes and boutique restaurants where I can enjoy both good food and a creative atmosphere. I love spots that feel personal, where attention to detail mirrors the artistic approach I take in my work, whether it’s the presentation of a dish, the ambiance, or the blend of modern and traditional design .

What books influenced my life and how?

Books that have influenced my life include The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, Paulo Coelho’s books—especially The Alchemist—and The Four Spiritual Laws of Success by Florence Scovel Shinn. These books have provided me with perspective, inspiration, and motivation to pursue my life path and creativity with awareness and confidence . Additionally, books on spiritual life and energy healing, such as Reiki, have been part of my personal growth journey, and I am a Reiki Woman myself.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

If I were to spend my last day alive, I would love to listen to Italian and French music, and particularly the voice of Frank Sinatra, which conveys nostalgia, peace, and the beauty of life .

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

The heroine I admire most in fiction is a woman who builds her life with her own hands. She faces rejection, loneliness, and emotional wounds, yet never abandons her sense of self- worth. She is ambitious, talented, and fights for her peace—even when love turns its back on her. What inspires me about her is not perfection, but resilience: the ability to fall, stand again, and still believe she deserves a beautiful life. Her journey reflects strength without hardness, softness without fragility. She embodies the quiet courage of a woman who chooses to grow, rather than surrender—and that, to me, is the essence

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

In real life, the person I admire the most is my husband. He came from a place without family support or safety nets, yet built everything from the ground up with determination and integrity. He is a man who has consistently chosen responsibility over excuses, effort over complaint, and vision over limitation. Today he is recognized as one of the best HR executives in Iran, not because something was given to him—but because he earned every step. His dedication to creating a peaceful life for me and our child is a kind of heroism that doesn’t need applause. It is quiet, steady, real—and deeply meaningful .

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?

If I had to choose only one film, I would recommend Interstellar. Not just for its cinematic beauty, but for the courage of its narrative—how love and purpose can transcend time, fear, and limits. It is a film about devotion, sacrifice, and believing in something bigger than yourself . On the other hand, The Devil Wears Prada reflects a different journey—the perseverance of a woman entering a demanding world, learning discipline, building standards, and finally recognizing what deserves her energy. For anyone navigating ambition and identity, it is an important film to watch.

What role play stories in my life and work?

Stories are not entertainment for me; they are a way to give meaning to moments. Whenever I create a character, I reveal something about myself—my strength, my fears, my desires. Writing is my way of understanding myself and healing parts that life has bruised . Stories shape my identity: I write to make sense of what I have lived, and to create a future that feels like mine. When I design a journey for my characters, I simultaneously walk through my own.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

“You are the storyteller of your own life” means that no one else defines my trajectory, my failures, or my victories. I choose what matters, I choose how a painful chapter transforms into growth, and I decide when my new beginning starts. It means that instead of living inside someone else’s narrative, I write my own—with choices, resilience, and belief in what I can become .

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My strongest supporter is the person who has stood beside me with unwavering belief in my abilities. Someone who has worked for our family’s peace, built life through resilience, and proved that support is action, not just encouragement. He is the person who has shared struggles, taken responsibility, and made me feel that I never have to fight alone .

Which people or companies would I like to work with ?

These names represent the world I know my work belongs to — a space where storytelling, psychology, aesthetics and emotion meet . People / Companies I would love to collaborate with:

A24 Studios
Netflix Originals Film Division
Luca Guadagnino (Director)
Annapurna Pictures – Megan Ellison
Patricia Field or her styling team
Gucci Creative Studio / Alessandro Michele Team
Focus Features

UTA (United Talent Agency)
Michele Morrone team
Eiza González management

What project am I looking forward to work on?

I’m currently looking forward to developing two major creative projects :

– “Villa No. 9” (feature film production phase) Now that the screenplay is registered with WGA and festival-ready, the exciting part is moving into packaging and production. Seeing this story transform from script to screen— casting, visuals, atmosphere—is something I deeply look forward to.

– “Midnight Silk” (new psychological romance thriller) A fresh world I’m building—a contemporary story about identity, desire, and the intersection of reality and technology. It is currently in development, and I’m very excited to evolve this concept into a complete screenplay and cross-medium experience.

Both projects represent the next big milestones in my creative journey.

Where can you see me or my work?

My work, ongoing updates, visual concepts, and links to my professional portfolio are available here : linktr.ee/siminparsaa

It includes: – creative portfolio
– Storytelling concepts
– Film-related updates
– Brand and design direction

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

“Passion Never Retires” means that the love, energy, and excitement for what you truly care about never ages or fades. It transcends any limitations of time or place, and one should never stop pursuing it. Even when the path is challenging, obstacles arise, and life brings many responsibilities, genuine passion fuels, motivates, and enables creation. For me, this phrase signifies that I can always learn, build, create, and fully pursue what I love—whether in fashion design, screenwriting, or exploring new artistic and life experiences. True passion never retires; it flows continuously, like an inner spark that drives me forward.

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?

I don’t have specific names at the moment. I’m still discovering and connecting with creative professionals, and when I find inspiring voices whose stories I believe could empower others, I would be happy to share their names .

How can you contact me?

You can contact me through my Linktree page, which includes all my professional links, portfolio access, and social channels : linktr.ee/siminparsaa. I am available for inquiries, collaborations, or creative discussions through the platforms listed there.

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