Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayah Muhammad.
Born in New Orleans, Ayah Hadiyah Muhammad was born to beat the odds. On August 25, 2005, she was miraculously born days before Hurricane Katrina destroyed her family’s home and the city. Her family evacuated from New Orleans to Houston, Texas, the day that she was released from the hospital at just three days old. As a homeschooled student, Ayah excelled academically and demonstrated exceptional work ethic and desire to excel. She showed interest very early in entrepreneurship and started her first business, a designer headband line called Ayah Bands, at just nine years old.
An accomplished, professionally trained dancer, Ayah managed her business ventures, school work, and rigorous training schedule throughout adolescence. At 14, she began the arduous goal of attending college and high school simultaneously while she worked her second business, Ayah’s Sweet Treats, which specialized in homemade baked goods. One thing has remained constant, her love of fashion and all things “luxurious.” A big dreamer, Ayah maintained her desires for travel and high style through her entrepreneurial endeavors saving and investing in the things that mattered the most to her.
After being selected to participate in the Beverly Bond’s Black Girls Rock Leadership Program, Ayah returned from New York with a heightened desire to go after her dreams. She began her lifestyle blog, YaYa Styles to share her unique perspective on art, life, and style. Readers began to frequently compliment her bold fashion combinations and eye for trends. During the Pandemic and the uprising after the death of George Floyd, Ayah decided to channel her frustration into a creative outlet. In an effort to become an advocate of equality and highlight black excellence, she began her company Namebrand Holdings LLC, which houses Namebrand The Label fashion line and Namebrand Beauty.
Namebrand the Label is what she calls “Couture For Da Culture,” providing Black and Brown people with a luxury brand of their own. Her designs are her marked by her signature price tag and combines functionality with trendy colors and pieces. At only 15 years old, Ayah Hadiya is making a Name and Brand of her own.
Great, 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 most difficult challenge has been to promote a new business as a teen. Many people may not take you seriously because you are so young. I’ve been blessed to have great supporters who encourage me to keep going.
Namebrand the Label – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My fashion line is called Namebrand the Label and we are known as high-end streetwear. Trendy and functional pieces that represent high quality and excellence. I’m most proud of creating an avenue for myself, my peers, and my community that symbolizes Black excellence. What separates me from others is our mission. This company is not about me but empowerment of a community.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment thus far was shipping my first order! It was amazing to see the vision being executed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yayastyles.com
- Email: 4thperiodcompany@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Namebrandthelabel
- Twitter: @Namebrandthelabel
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