Today we’d like to introduce you to Asma Bibi.
Hi Asma, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story began as a young African American Muslim girl from the city of Philly. The city holds a lot of history, art, and a large Muslim population. I think that being the case allows me to embrace my identity without feeling so out of place. So being able to me myself as I determined who I was, wasn’t the issue; my problem was… how do I get my clothing to match my colorful personality while keeping it modest and cute? At about 15, the question became extremely important to learned the answer to. At a time before social media, before modest clothing became as accessible as it is now in the market, options were slim and provided no variety. My mother had the same selection that I did in the store that only imported garments from overseas. I knew even back then, that way of shopping wouldn’t work for me. I began sewing and making my own garments after that final trip to the last store that made me feel invisible.
In ways, some called me a rebel. I wanted the exact opposite of whatever everyone else had. If the color was simply black, I chose hot pink with chains. That’s just me. It’s always been. After I started my own wardrobe, friends and family and their friends began requesting clothing, which led to custom consultations, styling assistance, and custom garments for everyday and special events. I enjoyed offering others the option to customize their wardrobes to what they wanted to see in the store but something was still missing. In 2017, our affordable luxury modest wear clothing brand was named “Hijabi Pop,” which means the female who wears the hijab (headscarf) is popping. After I named what it was I had been working on for years, I finally felt the alignment for the direction in my life. I was able to clothe women looking for modest clothing with edge while creating designs that I wanted to see rather than what customers requested when I took custom orders, all while keeping them covered and confident. I still smile, thinking back to when I was a young teen and remembering then that I had to find a solution to the troublesome shopping experience for the covered girl. Not only did I find it, I can share it with the world, Hijabi Pop.
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?
The process to discovery was smooth: I didn’t know when I first started where the journey would lead me. Even while working towards my Psychology and Behavioral Science degree, I never stopped sewing. It was a passion and a side hustle and interestingly enough, it continued to place me in new opportunities each step of the way. Was the process of execution smooth, eh, not so much! Execution actually requires work, not just mindset or a plan. With that comes moments of inconveniences, sacrifice, lessons that you have to learn from, dedication, and time that you cant fast forward. You have to go through it all, and that’s the part most people won’t speak on because it’s the ickiness of entrepreneurship. I quit a good-paying corporate career after spending over four years in college. I cut every extra expense and moved back in with my family to save money that went right back into business. I gave up going out and making unnecessary purchases and literally made my business everything I did, thought, and took care of. It’s not easy but apart of the journey is discipline.
We’ve been impressed with Hijabi Pop, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Most modest wear is designed simplistic and minimal. For that reason, our brand purposely specializes in modest wear that is made for the maximal trendsetter in mind. As the designer and seamstress behind the brand, I was chosen as the modest wear designer on Project Runway: Season 18. Not only that, I am the 4th Muslim woman to be featured on the show. I considered this making history. Hijabi Pop is not just for covered women!
It’s for any woman seeking full-coverage clothing but that stands out for bringing more color, more out of the box designs, along with a vibe that is meant to empower and give confidence to the women who chooses to cover at a time in the world where most will choose to uncover. We pride ourselves in being a modest wear brand made in the USA. Shopping should be easy, relatable, and not require long extended wait times from country to country. We offer free shipping in the US, styling assistance, the first modest wear online styling guide, sizes from Small – 3X (additional sizes available upon request), garment lengths up to 62″ (additional lengths available upon request), free alterations to ensure your perfect fit when you order online with us, as well as wholesale options! Our mission is to make modesty modern, hassle-free, and fun!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the best lessons I ever learned: When you are creating, you always want perfection. However, perfection will cause you to not execute. I learned that executing and completing a task with imperfection is more beneficial for the overall goal, which also allows you to learn from what you did rather than planning for perfection and never getting completing anything. “JUST DO IT! THE REST WILL WORK ITSELF OUT AS YOU WORK THROUGH IT!”
Contact Info:
- Email: contactus@hijabipop.com
- Website: www.hijabipop.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hijabipop
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hijabipop
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/hijabipop
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-EbhCmPmZlzN7EkQ5u-2Wg
- Other: https://linktr.ee/hijabipop
