Today we’d like to introduce you to Azi Raza.
Hi Azi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Since my childhood, I have always been very passionate about nature and the environment. I created a big pond where I collected and bred varieties of fish.
I had an aviary for a variety of birds. I saved lizards and reptiles but I had to keep those hidden because my family was so afraid of them. I even created landscaping plans and cared for a variety of plants. All of this before I was a teenager!
As I grew into this passion, I realized that my mission truly is to protect the ecosystem of animals. I am fortunate to have converted my childhood passion into my long-term future. This is not a business for me rather a medium to educate children and our communities about these delicate species and their importance in our lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not! In the beginning, I struggled with my family’s acceptance of this passion that they called a hobby and a waste of time. I always looked for a local store to either help them or later on in life to work for them. As I set out to work on my life-long plan to have my own place, I ran into challenges after challenges.
I looked for guidance in terms of business management, proper licenses to stay compliant with all the local and State laws, running out of funding due to Covid delays, and on and on. I was determined and even now, I am staying strong regardless of a new set of challenges.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have always been a creative soul. Animal care and collection have been part of my DNA since day 1. Due to this passion, I got into nature and animal photography. I managed the local photography club. I moved to Pakistan to photograph the rich culture and nature.
I moved to Dubai to try my hands on food and fashion photography. I have partnered and taught photography at various Colleges and Universities. I was awarded the best picture of the year award by National Photography Magazine.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Please reach out to Floating Sea Aquatics to visit our beautiful animals and learn about them. We have bi-weekly classes to show and tell about aquatics life, corals, and reptiles for free.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website:www.floatingseaaquatics.com (currently under construction)
- Instagram: @floatingseaaquatics
- Facebook: @floatingseaaquatics
- Twitter: @FSA_Jax
