Check Out Haidar Alkaftani’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haidar Alkaftani.

Hi Haidar, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Journey From Nothing To Something By Haidar Al-kaftani I’m Haidar Al-Kaftani, a regular 22-year-old with a not-so-regular story. Born in Homs, Syria, however, my journey truly began when my family moved to Bridgeport, CT when I was just 8 months old. From there, my formative years. I’ve seen a bit of everything. The journey from a toddler born in a low-income Arab American household to a tech-savvy college student in the U.S. state of Michigan has been nothing short of extraordinary. As a young boy in Bridgeport, my playground was a parking lot with a downhill slope, perfect for racing my plastic toy car. It was there that I discovered my love for speed and the thrill of mechanics. This childhood fascination developed into a lifelong pursuit, leading me to dismantle and reassemble anything I could lay my hands on. By the age of 13, under my father’s guidance, I was already diving into major engine overhauls, marking the beginning of a profound journey in automotive mechanics. I did not know It would be like this now. However, my academic path wasn’t always smooth. School was a challenge, not for lack of intellect, but because my heart always raced towards practical work. Despite this, I maintained good grades, though my attendance was not the best at times, pulled away by the call of having to work. Friendships for me were few but meaningful. My connection with cars didn’t just build machines; it built friendships, relationships. Managing Michigan’s Honda car community club on Instagram [MIXGENCLUB] and supporting automotive meets, I found a family in fellow enthusiasts. But my skills are not limited to the garage. I discovered hobbies that are similar. I gained passion in photography, an art form that allows me to freeze moments in time, capturing memories otherwise lost in the hurry of life. This love for capturing life’s most beautiful moments led to the establishment of H&H Studio in Livonia, co-founded with my best friend, Hyder Alfalih. College has been a gateway to a different dimension of my skills: web development. Here, I unravel the complexities of code, finding joy in the challenges it presents. My philosophy is simple and straightforward, a day without a challenge is a day wasted. This thirst for constant growth and productivity drives me to balance life as a full-time automotive technician, a growing photographer, and a diligent student. My journey is not just about personal growth but also about giving back. From track running to robotics, from volunteering at the Islamic Center of America to assisting at Detroit Leadership Academy, each experience has been a step towards becoming a more rounded individual. My language fluency in Arabic and English bridges cultures, while my soft skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving complement my technical expertise in automotive mechanics, sales, software development, and photography. As I stand at this crossroad of life, my eyes are set on a future where I can control my different skills in a position that demands the best of my technical and personal abilities and also with being able to work for myself and not others one day… The road ahead is long, but I’m patient. Ready to accelerate towards the “that’s impossible,” fueled by passion and driven by success. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road??? Far from it. Like any journey worth taking, mine has been filled with its share of bumps and detours. One of the earliest struggles was adapting to life in the United States after my family moved from Homs, Syria. As I grew older, my passion for mechanics and speed often put me at odds with the traditional academic environment. School, with its structured curriculum, sometimes felt restrictive compared to the freedom and immediate satisfaction I found in working with cars. Working from a young age, I learned the value of hard work and determination. But this also meant that my focus was often split between earning a living and pursuing my educational goals. In my teenage years, as I increased my involvement with cars and later photography. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my professional life the one I’m living now, 7 days a week, I wear multiple hats go through multiple personalities to adjust accordingly to every person I encounter or meet. In the world of automotive mechanics, I’m not just a technician; I’m a craftsman. Specializing in bringing high-performance vehicles to life, I’m known in the community for my work with Honda cars. My expertise lies in transforming standard models into machines that embody speed and efficiency. What I’m most proud of isn’t just the engines I’ve rebuilt or the races I’ve won. It’s the sense of community I’ve built around this passion. Running and operating Michigan’s Honda car community club on Instagram. I’ve been a figure in my local community, I bring people together that have the same love for things in life. At H&H Studio, which I co-founded with my best friend Hyder Alfalih, I specialize in capturing those passing moments that, once passed, are gone forever. I’m known for my ability to see beyond the surface, to find the story that lies beneath, and bring it to light. What sets me apart is not just the quality of the photographs but the experience I create for each subject. What sets me apart in both these fields is my approach. I see mechanics and photography not just as trades but as forms of expression. In every engine I rebuild or photo I capture, there’s a piece of me. It’s like a Starbucks signature blend of precision, passion, and creativity. It’s my own unique perspectives in life that defines my career and sets the work I do apart from others. 

What are your plans for the future?
I constantly love to plan. Ahead of time. As I think ahead for the future, my plans are secured in growth, innovation, and community engagement. I’m not just looking forward to what’s next; I’m actively shaping it with my ambitions and dreams. Photography will continue to be a significant part of my life. The dream is to grow H&H Studio into a well-known media production brand, my goal is to not just capture moments but to tell stories that resonate and connect with people on a deeper level. A major change I hope to see in the future is the continuous drive I have now for the pursuit of entrepreneurship. I envision myself working on my own terms. This shift will be a big step, requiring not only technical expertise but also skills in business management and leadership. It’s a challenge I’m eager to embrace. 

Pricing:

• 15 Min Professional Headshots – $50

Contact Info:

• Website: https://haidarpng.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haidar_png/ —– https://www.instagram.com/h.n.hstudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haidar-alkaftani-232014272/