Maryam Shimra Yasir, a 25-year-old visionary from Gdh. Thinadhoo, the capital of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the southern Maldives, is crafting an extraordinary legacy as a photographer, painter, and co-owner of Devene Maldives alongside her husband, Yamin. Her journey is a rich tapestry of passion and perseverance, woven from a childhood where open-minded parents encouraged her to explore a diverse range of artistic mediums, such as watercolors, acrylics, oil pastels, ceramics, and clay, fostering a boundless creative spirit. This early nurturing sparked a lifelong love for creation, which she first shared publicly at 18 by posting her artwork on Instagram under the handle @art.fishh, unknowingly setting the stage for a professional career. A government job at 21, however, cast a shadow over her creative spirit, teaching her a valuable lesson: "I’ve learned that if I keep my ideas inside and don’t make time for creative expression, frustration builds up." This realization became the catalyst for change, leading her to partner with Yamin to launch a resort studio at Robinson Maldives. There, she immersed herself in photography and videography, learning through dedicated practice under his mentorship. A defining moment arrived when Andreas Styss, the General Manager of Robinson Maldives, recognized her talent and commissioned 200 acrylic paintings. "I spent a month experimenting with materials and styles," she recalls, a period of intense growth that propelled her into the professional art world. Now, at 25, she stands proud of her achievements yet remains keenly aware that her artistic and entrepreneurial journey is far from complete, a mindset that fuels her ongoing evolution.
Her creative process is a harmonious blend of photography and painting, each serving as a distinct yet interconnected form of storytelling. Photography allows her to capture the Maldives’ fleeting moments—perfect light illuminating the turquoise waters and emotional highs of her clients—freezing them in time with precision. "When photographing the Maldives, I’m looking for inspiring moments that I can freeze in perfect light, evoking a specific emotion," she explains. Painting, on the other hand, is a more fluid and uncertain endeavor, offering her the freedom to reinterpret those moments, blending ideas, materials, and emotions into something uniquely her own. "It’s a complex process, a blend of ideas, materials, and emotions," she notes, highlighting the depth this medium adds to her work. This duality shines brightest in her resort photography, where she tailors each shot to the diverse visions of her clients—honeymooners seeking romantic vistas, solo travelers craving introspective captures. "It’s about building trust and communicating with your clients," she says, emphasizing her commitment to understanding their desires. The satisfaction comes from seeing their delighted reactions to the finished images, a testament to her professional edge. Unlike the high-quality smartphone photos guests might snap, her work stands out through expert lighting, meticulous composition, and an ability to evoke genuine feeling, offering clients a relaxed experience where they can focus on living the moment rather than fumbling with remotes or camera settings.
The foundation of Devene Maldives, a creative studio born from her partnership with Yamin, reflects their shared ambition to create something lasting. "We wanted to build something together—a business that reflected our shared creativity and passion," she shares, a decision rooted in their refusal to settle for a comfortable existence. They sought to push beyond their limits, growing both as individuals and as a couple. Yamin brings over 13 years of experience in photography and the resort industry, anchoring the technical side with his expertise in exclusive photoshoots, drone piloting, cinematic storytelling through videos, graphic design, and his ongoing exploration of underwater photography. Shimra, initially tasked with administrative and financial duties while learning photography from him, has evolved into an equal partner, now focusing on expanding her art, developing innovative products, and enriching her photography portfolio. Running a creative business in the tourism sector presents its challenges, chief among them the fear of taking risks. "One of the biggest challenges is the fear of taking risks, but overcoming that fear can be incredibly rewarding," she admits, noting that even unsuccessful ventures yield valuable lessons. Another hurdle is finding other creatives willing to match their commitment and energy, a quest that requires patience and vision. Yet the rewards—successful projects, personal growth, and the fulfillment of their shared vision—make the journey worthwhile. Their partnership thrives on aligned goals and daily communication, a balance that keeps their personal and professional lives in sync amidst a demanding schedule. In the realm of Maldivian tourism, Shimra sees storytelling as the heartbeat that brings the islands’ essence to life, a tool to showcase not just their physical beauty but also their rich culture and spirit. Her deep connection to Huvadhoo Atoll, with its pristine reefs, diverse marine life, and vibrant local communities, fuels her inspiration, and she advocates for local artists to elevate resorts globally. For young Maldivians aspiring to pursue creative careers, her advice is heartfelt: "Never stop believing in yourself. Work hard, think outside the box, and always aim high." Her dream piece, "All Things Maldivian," a cultural tapestry at Oaga Art Resort’s Suvasthi Art Gallery, weaves childhood memories of madhoshi gondi, traditiWonal dress, and fishermen, reflecting her balance of ambition and mindfulness as she paints the Maldives’ future.