As a proud daughter to a Muslim mother, hijabs have always represented a sense of style but most important religious empowerment for Muslim women. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Melanie Elturk was an attorney at the time when she realized the lack of representation of Muslim culture in the fashion industry as well as a lack of trendy hijabs to wear on different occasions that led to the birth of her brand Haute Hijab. Since launching in 2010, Haute Hijab has dominated the U.S market making it the #1 hijab brand with the goal of becoming the top global brand for hijabs . I had the opportunity to chat with founder, Melanie on her journey and mission to empower Muslim women across the globe.
Q:What is Haute Hijab and what inspired the collection?
A: We are the leading U.S hijab brand. We launched in 2010 after I noticed the lack of representation in fashion for Muslim women. As a hijab wearing woman I found it difficult to find appropriate pieces that helped represent me as well as my American identity. I saw a huge niche of women who didn’t have any brands that represent them and knew I wanted to create a brand to fit that need. It’s been a slow and steady journey because I was an attorney by day. My husband and I were both working on Haute Hijab part time for 6 years then recently decided to leave our jobs to expand our brand full time. We really didn’t know what to expect initially but I knew young girls and women would respond quickly. We are aiming to become the top global hijab brand.
Q: What is the brand identity of Haute Hijab?
A: The brand identity has two components: high quality, beautiful craftsmanship and amazing design. The second component is the social mission of Muslim women . It’s what’s drives people to our brand. My background as an attorney working with social justice and civil rights issues keeps my mission going to support Muslim women and wanting them to feel confident and safe at all times. My goal is to normalize hijabs across the globe.
Q: As a female entrepreneur, what do you to see for the future women?
A: I honestly, don’t like the phrase “female entrepreneur”. I think it continues to put women further back as we claim to move forward. Why can’t we just be entrepreneurs? I think if women could stop using “female” or “woman” before the word boss we automatically make ourselves equal to the man. Growing up I was taught that in Muslim households the woman carries the weight and holds the family together. To me the man and woman are equal so I don’t feel the need to celebrate Women’s Day for just one day. Women should be celebrated and seen as equal everyday.
Q: What do you hope to see for Muslim women in the future?
A: My goal is for every woman wearing her hijab to feel confident but most important safe throughout her day and not be scared nor shy to identify with her religion in public. Hijab wearing women are our doctors, teachers, lawyers etc and we should be able to wear our hijab with honor.
Q: Any future expansion plans in the future?
A: We’re releasing a lot of product lines over the next 6 months because we want to dive deep into our consumer needs. There are so many occasions for woman like weddings, sports and social events and we need a variety of hijabs to match the occasion. We’re currently only serving the U.S market but we plan on expanding to Europe the South East and Middle East. Once we tackle the hijab market we definitely want to go back to clothes and household accessories.
Q: What are some of your biggest challenges you’ve faced about entrepreneurship?
A: I wear all the hats. Being an entrepreneur is not easy. You have to prioritize your time so that you don’t get overwhelmed but it never turns off. It’s a constant cycle of trial and error. It takes a special person to be their own boss.
Q: What advice did you wish you received prior to starting your business?
A: Our advisor Jeffery was the former CEO of Oscar de la Renta . He also worked for Marc Jacobs and Donna Karan . One thing he told us was, “Repetition makes reputation”. Put in the work, time and keep hammering out your message.
Q: What advice do you give to women looking to start their own business?
A: Stop putting limitations on your goals. Why not aspire to have a leading global brand? Mame’ look at you. Your blog looks like its ran by a full team and you are doing it all by yourself, that’s called hustle. When we first started , some of my friends and family members questioned why I wanted to launch my own business outside of being an attorney. I just say dream big. You are only doing yourself a disservice if you don’t. Earlier this year, we got an email from GAP asking to send over our hijabs. Of course we did and didn’t realize they were using our pieces for their summer campaign. It was beyond what I ever expected and was so grateful for that moment.
Be sure to follow Haute Hijab on Instagram, YouTube and Twitter @hautehijab . Stay up to date and shop new looks on www.HauteHijab.com
