Today we’d like to introduce you to Halima Abdul-Jaleel.
Halima, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The journey to what is now known as; Muslimah Stylz has been and still is a continuous process of growth and create awareness. Initially, my business brand,”Creative Designs by Halima.” which was suggested to me by a friend. However a year later I changed the name to Beyond Boxed Boutique. Having graduated with B.A. in Art I had a dreamed of selling my work professionally but I soon realized that I needed more than just paintings and photography if I wanted to be financially successful. Therefore, an array of handmade items were added to my product lists like soy candles, bath bombs, body scrubs, soap and greeting cards.
Eventually, in the summer of 2015, unable to paint while on summer vacation at my mom’s house, I started experimenting with jewelry design. The first item that I crafted was a pair of earrings than a necklace until my designs became more controlled and complex. Today, I use both number and color theory in the design I craft, so each piece has a specific meaning. Similarly, gemstones are used in my designs according to their healing properties.
I believe the lack of formal training in the areas of soap and jewelry making has made the creative journey both challenging and fun. I am thoroughly enjoying every experience in this creative process.
In April 2018, I opened my online store, Muslimah Stylz, which features modest fashions, natural health and beauty products, electronics. and housewares. We have an informational newsletter, started in January 2018, that gives readers an in-depth profile of one essential oil and one crystal gem and also recipes that utilize them, “essential oil of the month.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This journey has been challenging at times financially, mentally and physically. I have a really good friend of mine that runs a nonprofit business and she gave me three pieces of advice. 1. Always stick to your budget; 2. Look at the successful people in your field, their success always leaves clues and 3. Stay Focused.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Muslimah Stylz – what should we know?
The proudest of our commitment to the advocacy of girls and women’s we are committed to donating 10% of our annual earnings to; The Girl Project. What sets Muslimah Stylz apart from others is that even though we sell products we mainly want to be a platform were women can share their stories and inspire each other on their life journey. So beginning late August we will begin or first installments of blogs that feature inspiring interviews with local and global fashion designers.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
There was some traumatic and dysfunctional situation that occurred in my life that forever changed me. These experiences gave me a sense of responsibility to be and do more than the average person so that I could show others who went through similar circumstances that success is possible for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: muslimahstylz.com
- Phone: (386) 320-3039
- Email: beyondboxed@gmail.com
- Instagram: @beyond_boxed_boutique
- Facebook: Facebook.com/beyondboxedboutique
Image Credit:
<214, “God is with You” is a dedication to the Nigerian girls who were kidnapped by Boku Haram in 2014 the 214 represents that ayat in the Quran
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