Posted on 7th Aug 2011 @ 12:37 PM

A Business- Islamic Libas

Islamic Libas is a company that manufactures and wholesale and retails self designed modest Islamic clothing for the Modern Muslimahs mainly Abayaahs, Jilbaabs and fantastic array of Hijabs.

Tell us about your business (what product or service you provide and who your target audience is).
From timeless classics to new emerging trends, Islamic Libas -a leading House of Hijab - encompasses it all. We offer exclusive stylish designs for the modern Muslim woman demonstrating that conformity to Islamic guidelines, need not compromise on elegance and style.

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
I actually graduated with BA hons in Business Enterprise Degree; my husband really supported me throughout this time and it just seem the natural progressive step to go into business with my husband. Particularly as we both realised that there was a massive gap and demand for abayaahs that suited this climate and Western tastes and values. I like being my own boss and managing my own time and have worked for the Civil Service and part time posts as a sales assistant from a young age and from my experience; I wanted to be my own boss as simple as that. Apart from being your own boss you can manage your business and choose the people you wish to work with, work very long hours and earn a short break. I always wished to set up my own business and relating to the clothing industry. As it happened I struggled to find a suitable abayaah and hijab that would protect me from the elements and be modest enough. We ended up creating  my own and then for a friend then another friend and that’s how we started our own manufacturing business back in 1994.

I am very passionate about my work; I handle the retail side whilst my husband handles the manufacturing side. There is so many perks of having your own business and be your own boss or two. Creating something with your own hands is definitely very satisfying. One of the best perks is meeting sisters who end up falling in love with our products; by selecting something they end up loving and purchasing. I love working with materials especially shopping for fabrics (any excuse to shop). The best thing is seeing the end results a beautiful abayaah or beautiful hijab and then it ends up as a new addition to a Muslimahs wardrobe.

Fabrics Warehouses my favourite haunts.... Our Stock Room. We are husband and wife team and both come from families of great creativity; graphic designers, graduate in fashion and design and established interior designer. My daughter now shows the same creative passion and distinct flair. I love her opinions and found we have very similar tastes. She often models our latest collection and helps with the retail side of the business and the marketing. So it’s a joint family effort and we spend a lot of time together and fun.  It is sheer hardwork but I never change what I do.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
My  big sister has been a strong influence she practically raised us so we perceive her as our second mum Masha’Allah. She always encouraged us to strive hard be our best whether in  our studies, workplace and improving  ourselves and relationships with others. “Give your best and receive the best she would say and strive hard and be happy.” (We have often speak about launching our own fashion label for modest clothes). She is a successful business woman and accomplished interior designer. Masha’Allah. Also my Brother whose built his business very successfully from virtually nothing proving you can accomplish anything if you set your mind and heart to it.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
islamiclibas.com our  online store has been on the cards for a very long time and only recently was launched successfully.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
Don’t go into business if you are only half serious and half committed and don’t truly believe in the product. As you won’t succeed....as you soon run out of willpower...

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
islamiclibas.com supplies many well known stockists of islamic books and wares around the UK that has helped promote and establish us in the market. Islamic Libas is one of the leading Islamic Libas is one of the leading Islamic Fashion Houses in the UK with 20 years of experience in the Fashion and Garment Industry... We have become a recognisable brand from word of mouth advertising and hosting a large exhibition over a long weekend at the annual JIMAS conference for the last decade almost.  Also by hosting other well known and popular events in the UK. Recently we launched a campaign with SISTERS magazine in August issue so coming soon. We are also looking to sponsor and  support a relatively new but strong worthy organisation or cause insha’Allah. More developments will pursue insha’Allah. Distributing thousands of fliers that exhibit our website and  all our designs of Abayaahs effectively. (As business cards only provide a tiny part of the picture).

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Perservere and all the hardwork will pay off.  Work, rest and play... achieve a balance in life. Make time for the family, ibadaah  etc.,the most important things in your life. These are the resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that we recommend there is alot more help out there.

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home

http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/need_help/enterprise_programme.aspx

Basically make sure you are equipped with good business sense and business skills such as:

• Good Book Keeping
• Great selling/Marketing techniques
• Communication skills Outgoing Personality helps
• Organisational Skills
• Time management skills
• Employee Skills

Do you have any new projects coming up (or have you just completed a big project ~ reached a milestone, etc.)? If so, please tell us about it.
I think again making islamic libas available online feels like we reached a milestone.

What do you do for fun/relaxation?
Fun with my children is going to the park kicking a ball.  Or going for long walks or bike rides, touring the UK in our campervan, travelling  to Muslim countries. Or even curling up on the sofa with home made popcorn and a good dvd next to the logfire.

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
To make the online a store a running success and improve it continuously with more designs and unique products. Be bigger and better insha’Allah

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Remember that Allah is THE GIVER AND THE TAKER and that seek the blessings of a good business always remain within the halal realms of Islam. Whether conducting a private transaction or by investing in your business.

What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you (feel free to include the links to your social networks and websites)?
Website http://islamiclibas.com/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Islamic-Libas/147721281911734?sk=app_2309869772
Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/islamiclibas/status/68452700475506688

Written by Tasnim Nazeer, Jazakum Allah khair from the Working Muslim team