Conversations with Haajrah Abdullah

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haajrah Abdullah

Hi Haajrah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I didn’t initially set out to start a business when I began making haircare products. It all started with my need to address postpartum hair loss and to care for my daughter’s hair, which had a different texture from mine. The products available on the market, advertised for natural hair, often contained ingredients I didn’t feel safe using on my baby’s hair or simply didn’t deliver the promised results and quality. As someone who has always been big on DIY, I spent countless hours researching various ingredients and their benefits, leading me to create my first product: a stimulating hair and scalp oil. This oil significantly helped with my postpartum shedding and regrowth and cleared my baby girl’s cradle cap. Friends and family loved the results so much that they begged me to put it on the market.

The idea seemed absurd initially because, as a hijabi, I never imagined selling haircare products. I’ve always had a love for natural hair, and before wearing a hijab, I often shared my favorite products and styling tips on my socials. Once I committed to covering my hair, I kept that part of me private, sharing it only with a small circle of women in my life. When the idea of selling my haircare products was presented to me, my first thought was, “Who would buy my products without being able to see my hair?” This limiting belief stayed with me even as I labeled and listed my products for sale.

Now, with hundreds of sales later, my hijab empowers my mission to provide quality natural haircare products!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to building a successful business has had many ups and downs. I started my business as a newly postpartum mom to my second child and have since added another baby to my bunch. Finding a balance between being an entrepreneur with a business that requires me to wear all the hats and being a hands-on mom to my young children is extremely demanding. It often leaves me feeling like I’m doing too much and not enough at the same time. I frequently feel pulled in many directions, and on top of that, I have ADHD, which adds another level of difficulty to my everyday life that I must manage.

It can all be extremely overwhelming and make me question if I am cut out to walk this path. However, with difficulty comes ease, and as my children grow and gain more independence, I can better allocate my time and energy to nurture all the important areas of my life, including growing my business.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in creating innovative and high-quality haircare products that are both simple and effective. My love for finding creative solutions drives my approach, ensuring that each product is easy to use and delivers outstanding results. I cater to individuals who want the best and simplest ways to care for their hair.

I am most proud of how my products have helped many people achieve healthier hair effortlessly. What sets me apart is my dedication to simplicity without compromising on quality. My products are designed to meet the needs of those who want straightforward yet powerful haircare solutions, making it easy for anyone to achieve their hair goals.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Get out of your comfort zone! This advice was given to me by a friend who knew how stuck I felt when I wasn’t sure how to move forward in growing my business. I wasn’t one to go out and meet new people, but this advice pushed me to set aside my discomfort. I started attending networking events and bringing my products to marketplaces. This turned out to be the best decision I ever made. It connected me with so many people who have directly and indirectly helped me grow far beyond what I could have achieved by staying in my little comfort zone. I now make it a point to surround myself with people on the same path of growth and self-development and intentionally include myself in spaces where I can learn and benefit.

My advice for finding a mentor or networking in general is to embrace discomfort and actively seek out opportunities to connect with others. Attend events, join groups or communities related to your field, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and share your story. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are also focused on growth and self-improvement. These connections can provide valuable insights, support, and opportunities for your personal and professional development.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lilislocx.etsy.com/
• Instagram: https://lilislocx.etsy.com/