Interview With Muslimah Entrepreneur Of Hip Hijab

There are increasing numbers of muslim women entrepreneurs visible in the Islamic community today and a 2009 study from the Center for Women’s Business Research estimates that women-owned firms in the U.S. have a total economic impact of nearly 3 trillion dollars annually. Muslim business women are part of a long standing tradition that began in the seventh century with the first wife of the beloved Prophet of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him, the Lady Khadija Khuwaylid, may Allah be pleased with her.

Lady Khadija Khuwaylid, may Allah be pleased with her, a wealthy merchant-woman of a prominent tribe, conducted trade by caravan and she has set a beautiful example that flourishes to this day among Muslim women around the world.

In the tradition of Muslim women business owners, Fatimah Ashaela Moore Ibrahim is the owner of an online modest clothing boutique called Hip Hijab.  At Hip Hijab, Sister Fatimah offers scarves, caftans, tunics and jilbaabs that are designed for women who desire to dress modestly, but who also like to add a flare of personal style to their attire. Each garment is crafted to be modest, comfortable, and to make women feel wonderful.

Hip Hijab Skirt n Colors

I had the opportunity to ask Sister Fatimah some questions about her company and here is what she had to say.

Interview Questions:

1. When did you start Hip Hijab and what inspired you?

I started Hip Hijab a few years ago because I was inspired with a really cool idea to hand dye hijab scarves and clothing items. I am addicted to tie dye- and when a piece I made turned out really well, I thought other sisters would like it as well. 

2. What types of clothing do you primarily offer?

Right now, I offer custom hand dyed items, specifically the Khadijah Kaftan, the Khadijah Butterfly Skirt, and the matching head wraps. 

3. How many years has Hip Hijab been in operation and have you reached any important milestones?

Hip Hijab has been in operation for about three years now. It really began when I was asked to be a designer in a Muslimah Fashion Show. That, for me, was a really important milestone. After that, I created the Hip Hijab Facebook page, and to this day, it continues to gain likes daily- even when I am not actively advertising! I think the name is really catchy and many people love the designs. The most recent milestone is my purchase of the HipHijab domain name! 

4. What makes Hip Hijab different from other online modest clothing boutiques?

I love creating pieces that I haven’t seen anywhere else and so our items are very unique. I also love clothes that are elegant, and most importantly, affordable so our items will always meet those criteria, inshaa’Allah.

5. Have you encountered any difficulties as a Muslim woman when running your business? If yes, can you describe for providing advice to other Muslimahs considering starting a business? If no, can you describe some of your successes?

Balancing work and family has been my biggest challenge. The two most important pieces of advice that I would offer are to always make dua and to create a schedule! 

6. What does Hijab mean to you and what advice would you give to sisters who do not wear the headscarf?

The Holy Quran recommends that Muslimahs wear the hijab so that we are known as Muslims and so that we are protected. So being recognized as a Muslim is important, and being protected is also important. I think that it is important to be recognized as a Muslim. With so many negative things going on in the world, it is a beautiful thing to walk around and to see that there are believers everywhere. I think that it is also very important to protect ourselves from the wrong kinds of attention. Of course you can still be a believer and not wear the scarf, and Allah knows best, but I do believe that the recommendation is a calling of sorts for women (and men) to wear a uniform so that people know what you stand for, in very much the same way that nurses, policemen, firemen, etc. wear uniforms. For me, any sister who chooses not to wear it would never receive any judgement from me. The best thing for every Muslimah to do is to go to Allah (SWT) in prayer and to ask that He move their heart in the direction that He wants them to go. And for any Muslimah who wears it, our job is to pray the same for our sisters. 

7. How can sisters contact you to place orders for your items?

Sisters who would like to order can visit www.hiphijab.com! I thank you in advance for your orders and can’t wait to custom sew your items!

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