Anglo-American University in Prague Shirin Rahman
Shirin Rahman’s journey from Anglo-American University (AAU) graduate to co-founder of the unique Czech design store Artisème is an inspiring testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and global ambition. Located in the historic Grand Priory Palace near the John Lennon Wall, Artisème has become a hub for young artists and designers in Prague, offering them a platform to showcase their creations to a wider audience. Shirin’s story, much like her business, is about building connections, embracing creativity, and fostering a supportive community.
Discovering AAU and the Magic of Prague
Shirin’s path to AAU began with a desire for change. Originally studying in London, she was searching for a smaller, more personal academic environment and was captivated by Prague’s stunning architecture and charm.
“I was tired of long commutes between campuses in London and wanted a city that felt more accessible,” Shirin recalls.
A search for Anglo-American style universities in Europe led her to AAU, where she transferred and graduated with a degree in Marketing & Communications in 2016. For Shirin, the intimate class sizes and close-knit community at AAU stood out.
“I liked that it was a small university with 20 to 30 people in a class and that it was located in this magical city with all its breath-taking architecture,” she says. “[And,] aside from a degree, I left AAU with some amazing friends and connections.”
While Shirin admits that she’s not particularly fond of numbers, her most influential course was Financial Accounting, taught by Roger Kachlik. It was these moments of stepping outside her comfort zone that contributed to her growth, both personally and professionally.
Building Connections and a Career in Prague
After graduating, Shirin chose to stay in Prague, where she has now lived for over a decade. In that time, Shirin has formed lasting friendships and built strong professional connections, many of which have played a pivotal role in her career.
One of the most significant turning points came when a fellow AAU alumnus approached her with an exciting idea: he envisioned a space in Prague where foreigners could immerse themselves in the world of Czech artisan craft—without it being a typical “shop” or “gallery.”
“He asked me if I was up for an adventure and, at that point, I was already in love with the vision and couldn’t imagine saying no,” remembered Shirin.
Shirin and fellow alumnus co-founded Artisème in 2018, with the goal of blending art, design, and a sense of community. The business quickly gained a reputation for supporting emerging artists and offering visitors a unique experience that celebrates Czech craftsmanship.
The Adventure of Entrepreneurship
For Shirin, every step of building Artisème has been a learning curve. Whether managing herself and others or the store itself, everything she’s done in starting a business has been a learning experience. And the adventure of entrepreneurship has continued, despite the occasional challenge, such as accidentally setting the store on fire just days before their first Christmas season.
“[It was] definitely an unforgettable experience…and not just for me! I do believe I’ve had many turning points, whether it’s something that was in my control or not,” Shirin recalls. “Sometimes it was due to a good decision, sometimes not so good, but at the end of the day, all those decisions led me to where I am today and I am happy to say that I am in a good place in life.
What she finds most rewarding and what’s she remains most proud of is not only the success of the business but the strong community she and her co-founders have cultivated around Artisème, and getting the opportunity to build a brand and a community in Prague.
Looking to the Future
Shirin’s vision for the future is clear: global expansion. With a deep passion for supporting young artists and elevating local craftsmanship to an international stage, she is committed to ensuring that Artisème continues to thrive both in Prague and beyond, giving Czech design the recognition it deserves.