Kolhapur, MAHARASHTRA / Dubai, U.A.E :
Juweriya Patwegar, Interior designer
Juweriya Patwegar from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is now designing interiors for a major project in Dubai, UAE. Her journey is a testament to how hard work, perseverance and self-belief can help a woman overcome social stereotypes and financial hardships to realise her dreams.
She shared her inspiring story with Awaz-The Voice.
Juweriya’s father, Sajid, is a driver, while her mother, Tasmiya, is a homemaker. A meritorious student throughout her school years, Juweriya grew up in a family with limited financial resources but parents who placed great emphasis on education. She was enrolled in an English-medium school.
Life took an unexpected turn after she completed her schooling.
Juweriya Patwegar as a bride
“My maternal uncle advised me to pursue interior designing. Back then, I used to think that designing meant drawing, and I didn’t know how to draw at all. But on my uncle’s advice, I took admission at Cyber Girls College, and from right there, my life found its true direction.”
After enrolling in the interior designing course, Juweriya often wondered why she was pursuing it when, according to her family’s tradition, she would soon be married off. She would frequently discuss these doubts with her teachers.
Two of her teachers, Priya Madam and Shambhavi Madam, offered her invaluable guidance. “Priya Madam always used to explain the importance of education to me. She would say, ‘You might leave your studies and get married, but tomorrow if your husband feels you should build a career, you will have nothing in your hands.’ These words of Madam changed my mindset, and I started taking my education and designing seriously.”
Juweriya Patwegar with her son
In her third year, Juweriya began working at an office after college hours. During this period, her family shifted from Kolhapur to Sangli, but she chose to remain in Kolhapur to continue her studies and work. Her determination paid off when she graduated as a university rank holder.
Soon after, she got married. However, marriage did not put an end to her ambitions. She remained determined to build the life and career she had dreamed of.
Speaking about women’s financial independence, Juweriya says, “Whether she is a homemaker or a working professional, every woman is equal. However, our society gives more value to an earning woman. And I never wanted to make any kind of compromise in my life, which is why I decided to stand on my own feet.”
Initially, she took up small interior design assignments, sometimes working on individual walls. On occasion, she even offered her services for free to gain experience and establish herself. During her pregnancy, she began learning design software through classes from home. Within three months of giving birth to a baby boy, she resumed work.
Juweriya Patwegar receiving award
The arrival of her son proved to be a turning point in her professional journey. One project led to another, and her growing body of work transformed her career. Eventually, she established her own independent office.
Of all the projects she has undertaken, Juweriya considers designing her own house the biggest challenge. Having worked hard to earn her money, she was particularly conscious of how she spent it.
But an international assignment would test her confidence and professional abilities even further. When a major project in Dubai came her way, she initially wondered whether she would be able to handle it. However, she decided to trust her abilities and take the plunge.
Sharing her experience, Juweriya says, “For the Dubai project, I used to conduct online meetings from here. I found the carpenters and painters there by searching on Google and executed the project with complete success. Until a person explores, ‘the sky is the limit’ feels just like a saying.”
Her achievements have also brought recognition. In September, she was honoured with the ‘Maharashtra Udyog Gaurav Award’ in the ‘Best Emerging Interior Design Brand’ category. The recognition is expected to help her expand her work and take on bigger projects in the future.
Juweriya also spoke candidly about the misconceptions surrounding the freedom and opportunities available to Muslim women. She emphasised that Islam does not teach women to remain confined to their homes; rather, it accords them dignity and respect.
Juweriya Patwegar
Explaining her views, Juweriya says, “People have a misconception that Muslim women are not allowed to step out of the house. But Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Khadija, was the biggest businesswoman in Mecca. During wars, women provided medical services and financial aid. The practice of purdah is for the safety and respect of women, not to hold them back.”
She also has a message for young people, particularly aspiring designers: “Do not do anything for others; do it for yourself. Never forget the parents who made sacrifices to bring you to this position. A person who understands the value of parents never falls.”
Looking ahead, Juweriya dreams of learning about modern technologies from different countries and bringing that knowledge to India to contribute to the country’s progress.
From a young student in Kolhapur who once doubted her ability to pursue interior designing to a professional handling luxury home projects in Dubai, Juweriya Patwegar’s journey is an inspiring example of ambition, resilience and self-belief. Her story offers encouragement to young women who aspire to carve out independent identities and build careers on their own terms.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Bhakti Chalak / November 11th, 2026