What’s my Story?
Hey ya’ll , so this is going to be a casual space where I share blog posts with everyone. But FIRST, do any of you remember my old blog, the Haute Muslimah? I was one of the first hijabi fashion bloggers in the US wayyy back in 2009. We were called bloggers back then, not influencer. I’ve always been an informal writer, writing just like I speak, and I’m hoping it still works to write this way.
My real story is that I went to school and became a certified high school English and Psychology teacher. But when my son was born, I wanted to stay home with him. In doing so, I got super bored and felt lonely as well. That’s when I started my blog. I would write about fashion, baby stuff, and anything that I felt like. Soon after, I decided to just focus on style and fashion, including runway trends which is what brought me the most joy.
I decided that I wanted to make it more of a business, so the first brand I reached out to was Haute Hijab. I didn’t know Melanie personally at that time, but a lot of my friends did, we both grew up in Michigan around a lot of the same people, and I loved that she was sourcing vintage scarves at the time so that’s where I started. Haute Hijab was the first brand to “collaborate” with me and purchase advertising space on my blog. I remember charging something like $30/month. They also gave me some tips on how to clean up the blog space so it looked less cluttered and more readable.
From there, I continued to grow in my readership with women who were interested in the many iterations of modest dressing. I’ve always been non- judgmental so I’d show readers how to wear a mini skirt as is, if they wanted, with leggings, with pants etc, depending on their level of modesty. My intention was to never leave anyone out and to be an inclusive space and that’s pretty much what I did.
An excerpt from this article titled: HOW BLOGGERS MADE THE FASHION INDUSTRY PAY MORE ATTENTION TO MINORITIES
During my blogging years, I stayed anonymous, out of the spotlight and never showed my face online. That didn’t mean I wasn’t successful (more on that later). Well, almost 14 years later, things have changed. When I stepped away from blogging, I was a little lost. I missed the partnerships I used to have, I missed the TONS of free stuff I’d get (I mean, it’s WILD), I missed my community but I was ready to move on…
Ok, I feel like that’s a lot for the first post but I’m so glad you’re here. If you remember me or the blog, shoot me a DM on Instagram, I’d love to hear from you!
Your Stylist Bestie,
(still working on a sign-off, I’ll get there eventually:)
Asma