On December 27, 2019, HijabThrone and HijabGlamour merged their common interest in providing stylish modestwear to today’s covered woman in an incredible collaboration. The two brands opened the doors to their first joint brick-and-mortar location in a beautiful show of unity and sisterhood. While the launch itself was complete with beautiful decor, stunning modest clothing, lovely accessories, and overall warm celebration of growth in business, that journey would not be complete without understanding where it began. What inspired me the most about this launch party was the emotional story that HijabGlamour owner, Nousaiba Haroun, shared in an empowering moment wherein she revealed the discrimination she faced as a hijabi high school student at the hands of her own school principal for three years. She explains that was bullied and harassed, not only because she was covered, but also particularly because she is Black. She describes being singled out as a Black Muslim woman amongst covered girls from other ethnic and racial backgrounds who were not harassed for their modest dress. “It was very hard to overcome that, you know? I always think about it every morning, every day. It is very hard.” She goes on to explain that she launched HijabGlamour as a means of creating a safe space for herself as well as a diverse community of women to celebrate their hijab, encourage adherence to their faith-based values, and surround each other with positivity. She explains that HijabGlamour helped her to overcome and heal the trauma of her experience by spreading love of hijab.

While Nousaiba’s story is disheartening, it is unfortunately not rare. Nousaiba’s is the story of so many first generation Muslim women, holding onto their religion in a society that wants to strip them of their identity. I myself was singled out by a group of three teachers in 5th grade for wearing hijab. They asked me ignorant questions as a group of adults, hovering over me and the collectively laughing at my responses. We as Muslim women are carrying trauma in our souls, but triumphing over them every day, and Nousaiba is a beaming example. The important message we can learn from Nousaiba is growth - hold on tighter to Islam in spite of it, empower our communities through it, and then teach others to prevent it. Nousaiba credits her incredible mother for helping her during that time, and for continuing to be her support as she continues her successful entrepreneurial journey. “This brand has become my refuge and safe zone,” she explains, and I am so proud of her journey of empowerment through overcoming adversity. Her story is a reminder that how we treat people, especially children, has an ever-lasting impact that matters more than we can imagine.

Nousaiba concludes her speech by reminding us that as we embark on the new year, “2020 is the year of perfect vision”. This year, let’s make clear intentions to uphold and support our sisters who are on a journey in this space we call modest fashion with pure love and sisterhood.

Be sure to visit the new HijabGlamour/HijabThrone store here

Love,

HakeemahCMB