About Me + FAQ

Hi, welcome to my little corner on this vast internet! So glad that you have chosen to stop by. 🙂

I am a big four consultant in the financial services by day and a hobby lifestyle blogger by weeknights and weekends. Originally from Pakistan, I moved to the United States for school as a teenager. Ever since, I have moved many homes from Minneapolis to Boston and New York City to my current home in Amsterdam.

This blog came about in 2017 after I realized that brown women with regular nine to five jobs were under-represented on social media. On my blog, I share my favorite workwear, lifestyle inspo, and career experiences and tips relevant to the 9 to 5 woman. My lifestyle philosophy leans toward less is more, and that is also reflected in my content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will you consider blogging full-time?

I love my career as a consultant in the financial services. Blogging will most certainly always remain a hobby. At most, a side hustle. You can read more about my career in an interview published here.

Do you use affiliate links?

My blog was recently accepted into the rewardStyle influencer program, so some links I use are affiliate links. This means if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Please be aware that I only share links to things that I personally use and love and do not purchase any items for solely sharing on the blog and earning commission. I also have not yet earned any commission as part of the rewardStyle influencer program.

What is your hair care routine?

I have my full hair care routine in a blog post here.

How do you shop for pre-loved workwear?

I have my tips for shopping secondhand in a blog post here.

What did you study in college?

I double majored in International Relations and Law and Public Policy at Mount Holyoke College in MA, USA.

How did you afford private education in the USA?

I get this question a lot from my followers in India and Pakistan and the answer is not straightforward. My high school year in the states was fully covered by this scholarship. For undergrad, Mount Holyoke provided me a combination of scholarship and need-based financial aid to cover tuition, room and board. My parents also contributed and I took out a student loan. For the everyday expenses, I worked two campus jobs alongside my studies.

Do you speak Dutch and how did you learn? 

My Dutch fluency is at an intermediate level. I took a course with Marijke at this institute and highly recommend her classes whether you are looking to learn for day to day or to the pass the Netherlands integration exams.

How can I get in touch?

If you would like to reach out with questions, feedback, or business inquiries, send me an email at consciousbykomal@gmail.com.