When you’re in the public eye, you share things with your audience and followers; most often we focus on curating and sharing the good. People see the best pictures we select and the most flattering aspects of our lives when we are happiest and most productive. These positive depictions of ourselves and our lives may be authentic, but what about the painful side of who we are and our experiences? How quickly are we to share them with the world; and, should we?

Even when we do share difficult and vulnerable things with our friends and communities to be honest about ourselves, are we revealing everything? Should we? Is that even possible? If we have a public face or some aspect of ourselves that is public, how much do we owe of ourselves to our communities?

I explored these questions with Haute Hijab’s own Melanie Elturk, asking her about how she managed her social media presence during a difficult time in her life – her divorce.

Melanie says that public-facing pain can be difficult, and each influencer, celebrity, activist or notable figure must determine what and how much they share with their audience.

“It’s going to depend on how open or not open they are as people,” Melanie explains. “Some people are very private [even if they have a social media presence]. I'm a very public person, a public figure, public marriage, public everything. I put my whole life out there. So, it was expected that once it was clear that something was going on, people would ask, what's up? I invited that in, right? So, fair game.

“I was going through a myriad of emotions [throughout the divorce]. I wasn't ready [to fully share] because there was no finality. I wasn't comfortable talking about even the word divorce until it was final. Once we were Islamically divorced, I went public, putting out a formal announcement. Most people won't have to do something that drastic, but we had to because we ran [the company] together.”

Healing from the emotional turmoil of life experiences and events is a non-linear process with peaks of feeling better and valleys of pain that seem like they may never end. It takes a lot of focus and inner reflection to heal, which can be difficult when one’s pain is public-facing. Many in your audience will want to share in your tragedy as they did in your triumph, making it hard to concentrate on the mountainous task of healing.

Public figures must assess and decide how public they want to process their personal pain. Some may want to let their audience have a full glimpse of their thoughts and emotions while others will want to reserve them for family and friends or just themselves. And, these decisions can shift depending on so many factors. Determining what to share on one’s social media platforms can be a delicate balancing act that offers concerned fans/followers some information while protecting one’s private pain to allow healing.

“As I went through my healing,” Melanie explains, “I was comfortable sharing small nuggets, and it built [up] as I felt [more up for it]. In those moments last year, it was like, 

hey guys, I'm going through it. I appreciate your thoughts or here's what I've learned – healing is a rollercoaster.

 Some days you're great and then other days you're back on the bathroom floor in the fetal position. So these little nuggets that I felt comfortable sharing, I would put them out [there].

“But, I'm still not even talking about my story, the divorce, nothing; because I had to heal. I was grieving me, my future self that I had planned, the future life. I had to grieve that girl who doesn't exist anymore. There was so much I had to grieve and put behind me, heal from, and still take pretty pictures [for the sake of Haute Hijab]. But it was like I was really in a lot of pain, and you [could] see it in my face, you [could] see it in my eyes.”

Melanie says she had to consider balancing her social media obligations and deciding what to share while prioritizing her healing. She says once she was in a better place, she could share more of her experiences.

“Now – where I feel like I finally got my smile back, I got my joy back – I can talk about it,” Melanie says, explaining how she did it.

“It's a personal journey for me, and when I speak about it, I share my wisdom. I'm not sharing my woe. I do this selfishly. It's for me. My intent is not to inspire others, truly. I need to speak my truth to the world. I have to be in my power. If that happens to help other people, beautiful.”

Melanie advises people to think carefully about what they want to put out there.

“It's difficult when you think about how much it is you're going to share. We shouldn't be sharing stuff just for the sake of sharing. There should be meaning behind everything we do. Is this going to be productive? Will it make me feel better? If the answer is no, don't do it.”

In addition to social media posts and comments, many influencers/celebrities may find people attempting to connect with them through direct messages (DMs) on their accounts, which is less public than leaving a comment. DMs offer a way for people to get closer to a personality and try to dig deeper into their tragedy.

Melanie describes how she managed the deluge of DMs after she announced her divorce and offers some advice.

“It was like a flood in my DMs,” she explains. “I was like, oh my God, I don't know how to respond. I'm not some spokeswoman on divorce, I can't tell you what to do. Many people were venting, asking for advice and giving me advice. So, you're bombarded with so much, and when you're still healing.

“I was just [hit] with every angle when I was still going through depression; This is not what I need right now. So, I had to put a stop to it. I didn't open my DMs. I didn't read the comments. I couldn't. I was not in the space [to do so], and I needed to focus on myself and my healing,” she says.

“When I was in a better position to respond and engage, I would go slowly, and then I'd get overwhelmed again and [go back to silence]. We have to be our own guidance system at all times. My only responsibility is to Allah (S) and myself, period.”

She adds, “In the place I'm in now, I can respond to DMs and offer whatever little insight I have.”

Melanie also cautions against allowing a sense of obligation to cause you to be overwhelmed in answering DMs.

“I felt I had to respond to everyone,” she says. “It was my duty, it was my responsibility. I learned how to break free from that. I will respond whenever I choose, and I know I'm sincere. I love building this community, but I will not sacrifice myself,” she firmly says.

“It may hinder my healing process; you must think about that. There’s a lot of heartbreak, and then [responding to DMs may] just remind you of your own heartbreak and you're like, 

As per Melanie’s advice, the intimate layer of DMs requires a lot of thought on how you will interact with the people sending them to you. Remember to focus on yourself and your healing, which may mean not responding to the DMs or taking a break from social media. Your mental health is to be protected, and you don’t owe it to anyone.

Maintaining a social media presence requires a ton of energy, which may be in short supply during difficult times. A break from social media may be warranted, but it can be a difficult choice, especially if one has a brand that depends on social media platforms.

Even with that in mind, Melanie advises influencers and entrepreneurs to put themselves first and focus on their healing so they can then be there for their businesses and causes.

“There comes a time when they must prioritize themselves over their brand and their money, potentially taking that hit and that loss. Because [not tending to our mental health] is not worth it,” she says.

“There were times when I was like, I don't care what this does to the company,” she says. “I'm more important. Me as a human. I had to make that decision because it was my inner peace, and my mental health at stake. I can’t run this company successfully if I’m not healing. This is the work I need to do right now – not trying to white-knuckle my way through it and get content out there because I'm worried about money.

“I'm of no use to anybody in this world, let alone a company that I lead, the products that I helped create, or all these customers we serve [if I don’t take care of myself],” she says.

“So I had to tell my [HH] team, and then have you know our team – they're the best, and they're so understanding and compassionate, and they're so empathetic, and they were like, 

Melanie warns against trying to forge ahead and hide the pain. “It's not worth it because your content will suffer anyway. People can see you’re not well and trying to push these products. We think we’re going to lose something. 

comes from Allah (S). [But] we are so afraid.

“Let's say [you’re] an influencer. I don't know where my next brand deal will come from. I'm saying no to any and all deals for the next six months. I don't know how I'm going to pay the rent. 

 He will pay your rent. He'll take it up, and He'll do it for you. But people don't have that kind of trust in Allah (S),” Melanie explains. “They think their hands have to [do it], so they don’t say no to the sponsorships to take that time and heal. And then they never heal.”

Taking a break from social media may have a monetary impact, but it can be a personal lifesaver, says Melanie. Using that time for inner reflection and developing a support system of family friends and professionals allow you to heal, transform and return better than before.

After a social media hiatus, one will return and re-engage with their audience. How that re-engagement occurs may be different than before taking a break. Melanie describes how her healing journey influenced her return to social media.

“Something funny about coming back, with the healing I've done – a lot of things are not as important to me now. I used to care so much [about] the [social media] numbers, the engagement and the metrics. [But now], I get on there, post and express myself, and I’m done,” she says.

“I may read comments, but they don’t sit with me. I don’t absorb them. I hope the reception is good. I know it's going to reach [who and what] it’s going to reach, and that's God's work. 

. It's Allah's (S) job at that point. My job is just to get out the content, the creativity, the words.

. You don't have to have a plan about how much you're going to post, how you're going to do it or what it's going to look like. She adds, “I can't live that life anymore.

“I got to a point where I am allowing Allah (S) to guide my actions, my thoughts, my feelings, what I say, what I do, what I see, what I hear, what I smell – God just flows through me. So I don't know what I have to do tomorrow. I'll know in the moment.”

Managing a Public Face with Private Pain = Trusting Allah (S) and Loving Thyself

It’s been a week since I’ve been back from my whirlwind tour of the United Kingdom, and I’m still on cloud nine! I had the most incredible time meeting so many of you. Your warmth, kindness, and most importantly, thirst for sisterhood left me energized and excited about the future. I wanted to share a quick recap of my trip + a special gift to say thank you for all the love and support you showed me.

Everyone who attended an HH event received an exclusive discount code – for those who couldn’t make it out, don’t fret, because I have a special code for you too! 

For the next week, take 20% off your entire order with code:UK2022

My first stop was a trip to our UK fulfillment center. For anyone who doesn’t know, we now fulfill directly out of the UK, with guaranteed 2-3 day shipping! 

On Friday, I had dinner with some amazing content creators, got to meet some new ladies and finally connected IRL with some I’ve been in contact with over social media. Spoiler alert: they’re even better in person! [heart emoji]

Dinner with some of our UK Ambassadors and content creators.

On Saturday, I finally got to start meeting my UK HH Fam! I headed over to Maidenhead and spoke at the At-Tawheed Islamic Center, then spent some quality time with my girl Sebina. Special shoutout to 

 for helping us coordinate the day there! [heart or hug emoji]

On Sunday, I got to meet some incredible ladies in Birmingham. This day really showed me the power of the HH Fam! When one of our London hosts wasn’t able to host anymore because of Covid, we put out a call, and were blown away by the responses! I wanted to give a special thank you to 

 for graciously offering to host an HH Changemakers event there. If you ever find yourself in Birmingham or live near there, do pay them a visit! You can thank me later. ;)

On Monday, I spoke at the London School of Economics. Speaking to students at uni holds a very special place in my heart. The energy is electric, and the air is abuzz with hope, aspirations, and so much hope for the future. It’s contagious. After the event, I had dinner with some of the ladies in attendance and had an incredible night!

Made it to the London School of Economics.

’s Faith X Fashion event in London. I loved the discussion we had there about the synergies between faith and fashion, and how beauty and ihsaan is something all Muslims should embrace in everything we do.

I also had an impromptu meet up at a local café in Kensington with some lovely HH Fam ladies. Loved meeting you all!

Speaking at Emerald Network's Faith X Fashion event.

Wednesday was my last day in the UK, and what better way to end the tour than with another HH Changemakers event – this time, in Canary Wharf! Hosted by the ever gracious 

 (who I met in a Changemakers event in Chicago by the way!!), we had a fabulous meeting full of girl talk and making connections that will hopefully last a lifetime!

Ending my time in the UK at a Changemakers event in Canary Wharf!

I’m already looking forward to the next time I’m back in the UK, and hoping to meet even more of you inshallah!! Sending you love all the way from NYC!

Changemakers, London School of Economics, HH Community & More – Recapping My UK Trip!

Salam Haute Hijab Fam,

I hope you are doing well! I'm reaching out to let you know about a small (but important) change we're making to our packaging. Starting this week, we will no longer pack our 

 in gift boxes. This decision was driven by an effort to streamline packaging and reduce waste.

In our 

 to bring you more sustainably-produced hijabs and products, we know that the journey not only involves partnering with vendors and manufacturers invested in sustainability efforts and investing in more eco-friendly fabrics and materials, but also finding closed-loop solutions in manufacturing processes and reducing the waste we put into our landfills (like our 

40 percent of all solid waste in municipal waste streams

, according to the EPA, with about 37 million tons of packaging waste finding its way into landfills every year. Too many cardboard boxes end up in landfills, and we need to do our part to reduce waste.

If you'd still like a gift box, don't worry — they will be available for purchase when you order a hijab set. To add a box to your order, just select the gift wrapping option when you finalize your cart and you'll see it appear as an additional item at checkout.

We are super excited about this latest step in streamlining our hijab production from where they begin to how they end up in your hands and are worn by you!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out any time to 

A Message from Melanie About a Small But Important Change at Haute Hijab

Dear new hijabi … this letter is for you.

Welcome to the beautiful world of hijab, and congratulations! As you begin this new journey, take a moment to center yourself and set your intentions. Why are you wearing it? And most importantly, 

Our prayer for you is that you always, always center your intention around Allah (S). Wear hijab for Him, because He asked you to – not to please a family member or placate your community. Not to make a political statement, but because Allah (S) asked you to wear it to represent Islam and to be protected.

As you start the new school (or work) year, you may find yourself the only (or one of a few) hijabis in your school. Depending on the community you live in, the support you may (or may not) have around you, and your own state of mind, it may be fairly easy to continue on as you were – or you may face some hardships in your new journey.

My advice to you: Do not shrink yourself to make others around you feel more comfortable with your hijab. Wear it proudly and step into your power as a servant of God. He created you with your own talents and personality for a reason. Find your purpose and be tenacious in its pursuit.

Know your priorities and act accordingly. Do the inner work so that your soul is stable and unwavering no matter what’s thrown your way. Remember, despite what anyone may say, you are worthy because Allah (S) said so. Do not associate your strength and self worth with anything or anyone other than Him.

. Seek out good friends who will remind you of Him, or at the very least do not pull you away from Him. When your understanding of Allah (S) grows, so will your trust and eventually, your love for Him and His commandments. I pray that this leads you to wear your hijab with so much pride to be a visible Muslim woman.

Beyond being a symbol of your faith, your hijab is also something you physically wear, so have some fun with it! Experiment with 

 until you arrive on ones that you love. A great hijab can make all the difference when you step out – it can elevate your outfit, make you feel beautiful and confident, and be a form of self expression. Feeling bold? A lively print or bright color might be the one! Feeling cool and casual? Try a comfy jersey. Feeling smart and in charge? A power print or elevated neutral can help you assert your presence in the room.

If our hijab is harming or hurting us or is uncomfortable in any way, that simply means we’re doing it wrong. Allah (S) would never harm us and there is always a solution. Having the right 

 can make all the difference. At Haute Hijab, we work hard to create the best fabrics and hijab accessories for every occasion – so you don’t have to worry about anything! Just focus on yourself and your mission and let us do the rest.

Lastly, remember that you are human. Wearing hijab does not put you on a pedestal nor does it require you to be 

. Hijab is one of your stepping stones on your path to Allah (S). There will be amazing days, good days and some harder days, but you’ll always have Allah (S) to lean on, and you have 

an entire army of Muslim women here to support you

We could not be prouder of you. Your hijab is your crown, and there is nothing you can’t do!

A Letter for New Hijabis From Melanie & Your Supporters at Haute Hijab Academy

Going after anything in life requires a lot of things, inspiration often being one of them. And it can come from a number of sources – family, historical figures, friends, icons of different industries, religious figures, Allah (S) or even ourselves. It infuses us with energy and excitement for the possibilities of bringing our ideas to fruition and our capability to accomplish what we want.

You may have noticed in our articles here at The Haute Take that when we write about Muslim women doing all sorts of interesting things, we often ask them what motivates them. Who inspires them? We ask ourselves that all the time here at HH. Why do we do what we do? Who (or what) fires us up? It’s something I’ve wanted to explore with Haute Hijab’s CEO Melanie Elturk for a long time.

As Muslims, Allah (S) blessed us with spiritual and emotional motivation in the Quran and sunnah to motivate us. For example, stories about Muslim women like 

 (ra) has inspired women for centuries, and we also have modern women to encourage us.

But as important as it is to find inspiration in others, it is equally crucial to motivate and believe in yourself. We 

 our own source of inspiration. Self-motivation involves an inner ambition to achieve an internal or external goal. Whether personal or professional, inspiring one’s self with encouraging inner dialogue can make a huge difference, especially when people around you may not be supportive.

Melanie cites self-motivation as a major influence in her ability launch and manage the company when she initially received little support from family and her Muslim community. I spoke with her about this, as part of our Women’s History Month series exploring who (or what) inspires us as Muslim women.

Making major life changes can leave one terrified and uncertain. Melanie made a major transition from 

working in the law to heading a hijab company

, establishing herself as a fashion icon in Muslim culture. “I believe firmly that my purpose on earth is to elevate the Muslim community, specifically the American Muslim community,” Melanie explains. “It began with my work as an attorney and social activist. Haute Hijab came next.

“Everyone can relate to fashion. It’s a universal force that ties people together. I am able to reach a broader audience with Haute Hijab. I’m not looking to be a social icon. If that is a byproduct of what I do, so be it,” she says. “Ultimately, I want to uplift the American Muslim community. I want Muslims to feel supported and for the mainstream to see what we do.”

Melanie presents a chic while also faith-based representation of hijab to the world, normalizing Muslim dress and also inspiring creativity for Muslim women to make covering a distinctive and beautiful part of their identities for themselves, bolstering their esteem about hijab.

As she says, “Muslim women deserve something beautiful and stylish that makes them feel amazing.”

Blazing trails takes guts. Society, friends and family may present a lot of resistance, making it necessary for anyone forging into a new and unique venture to do so with confidence in themselves, which may intimidate those around them. Melanie describes her determination to start her company despite the naysayers.

“When I started this in 2010, there was not a blueprint or template for me to work off of. I was a pioneer. I had to follow my heart and talk to Allah (S). I knew exactly how I wanted it to be.

“My family was not supportive at all,” she says. “No one understood it. My father thought I was going to be in social justice activism for the rest of my life. He saw what I wanted to do as frivolous, not a movement. [But] I saw it. My oldest brother laughed at me. I told him that I wanted to make hijab mainstream, and he laughed like he heard the [most] absurd joke. People who can’t see the vision just think you are crazy. You have to keep moving forward, even when everyone around you thinks you’re insane.”

But, says Melanie, “I’ve always known exactly who I am, what I stand for and my values. I’ve never wavered on any of it. My law professor called me a rocket: I just take off. Anyone who shares my energy level can come along for the ride. Those who don’t will fall off.”

She says that sometimes people feel threatened by that amount of confidence. “When they see you soar, they want to bring you back down.”

For many, someone as self-assured as Melanie may seem overconfident, but forging new paths is not for the meek. There is no room for uncertainty, but there is room for learning and growth. She is sure of herself but also humble enough to recognize that her accomplishments are from Allah (S).

“Allah (S) gave me such a full, beautiful life that a lot of people dream of,” she says. “I have to be my own inspiration because it’s too precious to waste or not acknowledge how special it all is.”

Like most movers and shakers in the public spotlight, Melanie appreciates the importance of solitude to regroup and fortify herself.

“I have to quiet everything around me and let my inner voice speak,” she says. “If we’re intuitive enough to listen, that inner voice is Allah (S) talking to us. The times that I’ve felt the internal voice the strongest were at the lowest points or moments of extreme spiritual clarity, like during 

“During the moments of private-ness between me and my creator is when I tap into that divine voice inside me.”

Melanie strives to exemplify the vital balance between dynamic corporate leader and obedient servant of Allah (S). Her work continues to make hijab a symbol of Muslim women who seek to obey Allah and be exactly who they are meant to be – the most powerful women in the world.

Which woman in your life inspires you? Are you your own source of motivation and inspiration? Share with us in the comments below!

How HH's Melanie Gets Inspired by the Woman She Knows Best – Herself

And just like that … another year in the books, 

. With 2021 closed and in the books and 2022 freshly unfolding in front of us, I can’t help but reflect on just how much we’ve all changed in the past two years. In 2021, Allah (S) taught us to hold on to Him and trust His plans, even with our eyes closed. Last year we grappled with the insanity that overlapped from 2020 and had to slowly shed who we used to be – and begin to transform into our new selves. And still, it was about trusting Allah (S) through the unknown. 

This year, we laughed and cried together. We were vulnerable with one another. We uplifted each other, and we supported each other. And for you, and the Haute Hijab community, I will be forever grateful. Serving Allah (S) is my biggest driver – through serving you. It is what brings me the most joy and peace, Alhamdulillah. 

As I look back at 2021 at HH, I’m nothing short of proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. Here are just a few highlights:

This year, you helped us donate more than 700 hijabs to Afghan refugees.

With your support of our 

, we’ve been able to pay a portion of two students’ tuition to advance their education, debt free!

You had a positive impact on our environment.

, we were able to rescue 28,786 plastic bottles from entering landfills and our oceans!

Your purchases of both the HH Sport collection as well as our Bamboo Wovens and Bamboo underscarves have also had a 

, we’ve helped repeal bans on religious headwear in multiple sports with the National Federation of High School Sports!



When you participate in our campaigns (most recently

) and wear hijab loudly and proudly, you silently inspire so many women who are struggling (my emails and DMs are flooded with testimonials).

You’ve shown the world that with God by your side, there is nothing a Muslim woman can’t do. Want proof? Just check out the countless profiles we’ve done on the blog featuring 

 who are using their talents to make the world a better place. 

Even in my darkest days this year, you have shown me that we can always make an impact. Sometimes, that impact is just on yourself, and your own personal and spiritual journey. Other times, that impact is felt by your immediate family (I see you, mama, with your plate overflowing, and your time devoted to taking care of others). Sometimes, the impact is felt on your local community, and other times, it’s felt on the world. No matter what season of life you are in right now, know this: Allah (S) just wants you to do your best, and we are behind you in every way we can be. You are not alone, and you are so loved. 

Every day, you all inspire me to work toward a better world. As mothers, students, professionals, and everything in between, we are the "

." Here at HH, we proudly work alongside you and consider it a distinct honor to serve you.

Lastly, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for choosing Haute Hijab, and trusting us to create innovative products that make wearing hijab easy, comfortable, and joyful. Thank you for trusting us with something as personal as your hijab – we will continue to fight for you no matter what gets thrown our way.

Remember, you are brilliant and beautiful, just the way you are. Here’s to a transformative 2022 

A Few Words for the New Year on All We've Accomplished Together!

As this year comes to an end too, so too does our partnership with FEKKAI. It’s been quite a journey with my hair this year – giving it more love than I ever have and actually going back to my natural hair (thanks quarantine) after nearly 10 years of dying and highlighting. Like many of you, I really took the time to indulge in the little things this year and really gave new meaning to self-care as we quarantined and social distanced the year away.

 - it’s naturally very straight, thick and shiny. But after 10 years of dying and highlighting, it really needed some love. I started the beginning of the year with the 

 Shampoo and Conditioner since my hair was still colored, and as color-care hair products go, it’s definitely best-in-class. It also happens to be my favorite smelling FEKKAI shampoo ;)

 line, and it’s by far my fave Shampoo/Conditioner in their collection. I naturally have very oily hair, so it’s a great option especially for my fried ends as this collection helps repair damaged hair to full health. If you have dry hair, I definitely recommend the 

 line; it has cold-pressed organic olive oil that will do wonders for your hair!

Toward the end of the year, FEKKAI came out with their 

 was an absolute savior when I really needed to de-stress. With it, I engage in one of my favorite rituals of the week: an intense scalp massage in the shower followed by a 

hair day the next day. The Shampoo and Conditioner are my second fave line after the Super Strength line – and did I mention they smell 

The best part about FEKKAI products beyond the amazing things they’ll do for your hair is their commitment to sustainability. As you all know, sustainability is at the forefront of our brand here at Haute Hijab, so to partner with a brand that shares these values has been so rewarding. You know you’re doing good for your hair 

the planet with bottles made from 95% recycled plastic that are 100% recyclable. The boxes and packing materials inside your orders are also 100% recyclable. Does it get any better than that?

Don’t forget, FEKKAI products are vegan, cruelty-free formulas free of silicones, sulfates, phthalates and parabens without compromising performance. Read more about their naturally derived ingredients 

 to find the perfect products for your hair. It’s really fun!

Do you already use FEKKAI? What products do you use? How are you going to give your hair love in 2021 and beyond?

How I Got Healthy Hair in 2020 with Fekkai

I have to admit, it’s been a *long* time since I’ve taken the time to sit down and write one of these. So much has happened over the past year, it’s hard to know where to even start. I feel like we’ve all experienced whiplash as we look around and wonder what happened to the world over the past seven months. Despite all the turmoil, uncertainty and transformation, we at Haute Hijab were silently working on our top-secret “athletics collection” (as we called it internally), grinding day in and day out until launch day this past week. It’s been a long time coming and something you all have been asking for since the early days of HH. Despite the constant requests, I knew we wouldn’t be able to do a sport hijab justice until we had the right team in place.

It was in early 2019 when Gizelle and I started interviewing potential designers to take the lead on designing the collection. We were looking for someone with the experience, passion and the commitment to sustainability necessary to create the perfect product. We found all this and more in our former Director of Design & Innovation, Mireia Lopez. She took the lead and designed the incredible collection you see today. In that time, the brand team got to work crafting the campaign, messaging, visuals and all the other nitty gritty details you see today. If you follow me on Instagram stories, you most likely saw all the mood boarding, photo shoots, video shoots, fun with athletes and so much more that went into this launch.

Melanie adjusting Noor Alexandria Abukaram's FitFlex hijab during the video shoot

There was one notable moment in the conception of 

I’ll never forget. Back in February, Frankie, our video producer, was presenting his athletics campaign video pitch, and I was *so* moved by his thoughtful ideation and story of the campaign video that I actually cried in that meeting when I saw what this could look like and the opportunity we had to change the narrative – not only of Muslim women in sport but the perception of Muslim women as a whole. If you haven’t seen the video, definitely go watch it 

 That prayer break in the video – all Frankie’s idea. That’s right, it wasn’t a Muslim on the team who came up with that. When I asked Frankie about it later, he told me that he observed a marked change in our behavior and demeanor when we came back from prayer – that there was a sense of calm and a groundedness that stood out to him.

Ultimately, that’s what this work is all about. Whether it’s someone on our team, those who watch the video – anyone whose perceptions are changed in a positive way about who we are as Muslims – that is a win in my book. It’s the opportunity for Muslim women to see themselves in a way they haven’t before. Not a diversity checkbox in an ad where we’re now somehow “liberated” and “empowered” because they’re finally acknowledging us, but celebrating the fact that we’ve always been empowered. And, telling it like it is through our unique stories.

The other piece that was so important to me was amplifying the voices of athletes who have overcome real odds to be where they are today. Most notably, Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, our Haute Hijab Sport Ambassador. We all felt her incredible story isn’t amplified enough. It’s not talked about enough. We as a community have not held her up high enough. We wanted our campaign to be the Colin Kaepernick moment Nike gave him. The fact that Bilqis fought and won the ban against hijab by FIBA paving the way for hijab-wearing women to play professional basketball anywhere in the world is unbelievable. The fact that she did all that while sacrificing her basketball career is gut-wrenchingly remarkable. It was the crux upon which the “Can’t Ban Us” campaign was born.

We wanted to share her story (and others) while reminding our community of women that no one can hold us back. No rule, no governing body, no ban, is going to stop us. I’ve never seen a collective of women more vocal, more outspoken, more principled and with as much tenacity and heart as Muslim women. That’s what the Haute Hijab Sport campaign is all about, and I pray that as it continues to roll out in the coming weeks, you feel motivated to join the movement, learn more about these incredible athletes, share their stories and take pride in our sisters paving the way forward for future generations. We are, after all, the most powerful women in the world ;)

Melanie's Musing – No One Can Ban Us, No One Can Hold Us Back

When I look back on the biggest moments here at Haute Hijab, few come close to the feeling of elation I have today. This one is important. Not just because we're putting something functional 

beautiful into the world, but because this one carries great weight. Weight from all those strong, trailblazing, fierce Muslim women upon whose shoulders we all stand. This is about our freedom. Our innate right to defy societal expectations and truly break barriers.

For too long, Muslim women have been left out of the conversation around athletics. Women who wear hijab have been banned from playing their sport professionally, disqualified for wearing hijab in school sports and altogether overlooked and regarded as a group of women who aren't athletic – or worse, aren't interested in sports. And yet, Muslim women are more engaged in sport than ever. It's time we claim our spot in the ring.

That's why I'm incredibly proud to introduce: 

In the coming days you're going to see a movement take hold. A movement that champions the unmatched strength, power, and skill that Muslim female athletes possess and how they continuously demolish barriers in the pursuit of greatness. Quite literally, 

 can ban Muslim women from realizing their true potential.

At Haute Hijab, we don't just create the world's best hijabs, we exist to 

. We're taking the sports world by storm and amplifying the voices of athletes who have sacrificed their life goals and ambitions to pave the way for the rest of us. Their stories will not only leave you inspired and proud, but motivated to add 

As for the products themselves, whether you're an intense athlete or simply taking a walk in the park, 

 address our needs as hijab-wearing women. Each one of our designs was inspired by the Laban science of movement, with mix-and-match options to find the perfect fit. Groundbreaking S.Café textile technology with sustainability at the forefront utilizes recycled coffee grounds to provide a feather-light fabric that repels odors, dries quickly and protects from the sun with an ice-cool feel proven to lower body temperature.

But it doesn't stop there. Through extensive research and advanced design, we fused the need for functional and athletic needs without compromising aesthetic. This collection is the perfect symbiosis between comfort 

 beauty. We know the existing products out there have left you wanting more, and that one-size-fits-all simply doesn't cut it. You deserve options; sport hijabs that make you look and feel beautiful. No more makeshifts. No more compromises.

On September 22nd we're providing you with hijabs that perform for movements that matter. We hope you'll join us.

Haute Hijab Sport is Here — A Letter from the CEO

When I started this company over ten years ago, my motivation was simple. I wanted to elevate the experience of hijab for every woman who chooses to wear one. In my own personal journey with hijab and faith, I came to understand the incredible power Muslim women hold; the invisible force-field that comes from within and the long line of distinguished Muslim women upon whose shoulders we stand.

When I read the stories of Nusbaiba bint Ka'b, Al Khansa, Fatima Al-Fihri, Lubna of Cordoba, Nana Asma’u and others, it changed me – I had a newfound perspective on Muslim women in Islam. A well of pride, distinction and 

 was birthed within me, and I understood the weight of what it meant to be a Muslim woman in the world. We come from a long line of leaders, innovators, educators, warriors, artists, caregivers and scholars. They were outspoken, thoughtful and highly ambitious. They didn't wait around for men to tell them what to do. They leaned in to their relationship with their Creator and took action. They lived meaningful lives, fueled by their gifts and potent purpose of serving God.

What I learned is this: When a woman knows who she is and what she's capable of, fueled by the certainty of 

And that's the truth about power. There's no one definition, no single path. It's the multitude of paths we all lead, fueled by our purpose in life. It's the conviction that with God's help, we can do anything. With Him by my side, I can take on the world.

Today is no different. American Muslim women are of the most highly educated female religious groups in the country with the highest degree of economic gender parity. We come in all colors, shapes and sizes. We occupy space in every country across the globe. Muslim women make up some of the most visible Muslims in the world occupying politics, academia, medicine, fashion, sports and media.

We are not beholden to the mold society would rather we conform to. We obey our Creator, not what society expects of us. We adhere to our own code with the strength of Islam propelling us forward. We get our hands dirty and we're not afraid to speak up when others prefer we stay silent. We are the leaders of real change.

And we understand we have work to do. The motivation to start Haute Hijab ten years ago is just as important today as it ever was. In the face of challenges plaguing our world today, we consider it an honor to serve the Muslim woman by providing her with products, meaningful experiences and resources to improve her relationship with hijab, expand her mind, enrich her life and nourish her soul. We will continue the legacy of Muslim women who have come before us and embrace the responsibility to move the world forward as we elevate this community. We can do this because we operate from that well of strength and 

The World's Best Hijabs for the World's Most Powerful Women – A Letter from Melanie

Editor's note: All this month, Haute Hijab team members are bringing you our Ramadan Diaries, posts about how our month is going, things we've learned and struggles we may be having. We are figuring out fasting and worship at home, strengthening our connection with Allah (S) and how to build community while in quarantine, just like all of you! This entry comes from our very own Melanie!

Reflecting on this past Ramadan and how it stacked up to the past few, I can confidently say this year has been the most productive month I’ve had in recent memory. Before we dive in, let’s back up a bit. 

Last year, Ahmed, myself and Gizelle were in Dubai when Ramadan started 

 hustling in meeting after meeting with investors, in humid, dusty warehouses selecting prints for our Tuesday drops for the next six months and shuffling across the textile markets meeting new and existing suppliers for new collection launches. (It was then that our 

While it was so great to be back in Dubai for Ramadan last year (the sights, the smells, the food, 

 at Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi!!), it certainly wasn’t a typical Ramadan for me and my usual worship routine. In fact 

 it was a Ramadan in which I hadn’t finished reading the Quran (or even made a dent). 

 make my way home to Detroit for the last ten days to try and redeem my less than satisfactory month, which was the saving grace I really needed. 

This year, I was a little apprehensive as Ramadan approached 

 not because I wasn’t looking forward to it, but because of my crazy work schedule. I can barely get in dinner on a good night, stumbling home from the office past 8 p.m. How would I juggle everything in Ramadan? Year after year, my schedule seems to get busier and crazier. 

Secretly, as the world was freaking out, I was in a state of surrender.

Before even thinking through the ramifications of Ramadan 

 as we all sheltered in place, cancelled our travel plans, started working from home and stocking up on toilet paper 

 I was silently in a state of intense gratitude. 

 I like to joke that I haven’t stopped moving since 2016, and 2020 was already shaping up to be one of the toughest years for me personally and professionally. So, this was just the relief, reset and retreat I needed.

When Ramadan started, I prepared earlier than I ever have. With so much time at home, I had the luxury to sit down and write out goals for myself: Write out the du’as I would read to myself every iftar; think through my Ramadan schedule and how I’d get it all done. Day by day, I chipped away at those goals, created habits for myself and 

Now, let’s not forget the title of this diary entry, "The Ramadan We 

 Needed." I want to reflect a bit on how this Ramadan has impacted our entire 

 collectively. There’s no doubt we all feel a sense of loss and longing for our masajid. Just thinking about those empty rows on Friday and every night of Ramadan makes my heart hurt. But with all things, you have to let the good in with the bad. 

There are so many incredible opportunities that came out of a quarantined Ramadan that I doubt we would have taken advantage of had it been like any other year. 

Melanie in her apartment engaging in ibadah

 back this Ramadan. With no elaborate iftar parties to prepare for and attend, there’s that much more time to ourselves (or for our families!). And by possibly cutting out commutes, not driving the kids to and from wherever, or generally just not going out 

 available to us are at an all-time high. So much so that I think many of us are even 

 with the online classes, webinars, video series, IG lives and more made available this month. And, what a blessing! We have the privilege to pick and choose what organizations, speakers and events we want to attend this month 

 more so than any Ramadan in recent memory. 

 prayers, virtual mosques and virtual qiyams have popped up in a way I don’t think we would have seen had it not been for the pandemic. What resulted are beautiful connections made online, particularly for those who may not necessarily have communities to turn to, such as newer converts to Islam, those who live far from a masjid or Muslim community and those generally on the outskirts who long for a sense of belonging. 

I myself have attended virtual qiyams with women I haven’t seen or spoken to in years. Being connected in that way, albeit, online, has been so beautiful and welcoming in a way I don’t think I would have thought about otherwise.

The nature of humanity is that you don’t realize what you’ve got until it’s gone. And when 