Life and Work with Ameena Abdul-Hakeem

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ameena Abdul-Hakeem.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since childhood, I was very creative. Both my mother and grandmother enjoyed art as a hobby and instilled the love and value of art in me. Our family didn’t have much and struggled financially. My parents required academic excellence, in hopes that my siblings and I could live better lives with higher education. In high school, while art was something I love to do, I focused more on learning about career possibilities in business and science because I thought those areas were more likely to yield financial success.

My first college experience was at Georgia State University where I studied biology. While I experienced academic success, I found no happiness in that environment. I took a few years off, spending time in Los Angeles and working a number of different jobs. During this time of exploration and a little confusion, I found enjoyment in fashion. Working in retail, I imagined myself as a designer with my own brand, sharing my style with the world. I would go home, read fashion blogs, sketch, and sew garments until I built a portfolio.

This portfolio helped me earn a partial scholarship to attend Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta, where I began my on-going journey.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This journey has not been easy. Working multiple jobs as a full-time student, competing for scholarships (earning some, losing many), overcoming discrimination, and being apart of an industry home to the most obnoxious personalities and the worst egos were some the challenges. However, my faith and spirit are equipped to combat all obstacles. My advice to other women is to know who you are and remain firm. Don’t get distracted from your own path, because you are too focused on looking at someone else’s.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am passionate about making women feel more confident. I do this through fashion design. My brand, Ameena Abdul, offers luxury chic and tailored garments for professional women. I am unique in my standing as a designer, who is an image of her customer (success-driven women) and I provide solutions to workwear issues where options are extremely limited. As a result of wearing an Ameena Abdul Design, women feel empowered and ready to step through the next door of opportunity. I am most proud when my customer steps into my design and says “I feel like a BOSS!”

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I believe one of the biggest barriers to female leadership is self-confidence. Not in the sense of thinking “I know I look good” but that ” I know I can, and I can be amazing at it!” Many women are conditioned to be modest about their abilities and therefore, downplay their success, remain in stagnant jobs, or accept lower pay.

Contact Info:

• Website: ameenaabdul.com
• Instagram: @ameenaabduldesign

Image Credit:
Jaylon Smith

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