The University of Ibadan presents a demanding academic environment, with some courses being particularly challenging. Yet, certain students not only excel academically but also succeed in their personal ventures. This exclusive interview features Fātimah Abideen, a 400-level Pharmacy student at the University of Ibadan and the visionary behind KISWAH’S TOUCH, a rapidly growing fashion brand. She discusses how she skillfully manages her rigorous academic program, her dedication to Modrasa, and her flourishing career as a fashion designer.

Al-Faaedah press: WE’D LIKE YOU TO PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

I’m Fātimah Abideen. A part four student of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan. I am the co-founder of Kiswah’s Touch.

HOW DID YOU COME ABOUT THE KISWAH BRAND, AND WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT?

What inspired me to delve into this fashion world was an old machine in our sitting room and how I constantly suffered from torns without knowing how to stitch them. That was why I went into the world of Fashion. From the beginning, it was never my intention to have a brand and to make it a business. It was just a way of relieving me of the stress and money that comes with stitching while we have a working machine. I started thinking of branding when I started having many customers from referrals. It was then I thought of putting a name to it and adding some packaging.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES KISWAH’S BRAND FROM EVERY OTHER FASHION BRAND?

Excellence and attention to detail.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TARGET AUDIENCE, WHO ARE THEY?

Yes, Muslim females and, maybe, in the future, Muslim males.

HOW DO YOU COMBINE STUDYING WITH BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?

It has been Allāh all through till this moment.
For a course like mine, it is very taxing, and sometimes, I go AWOL so I can focus on my studies; other times, I try to explain my schedules to my customers, and most of them understand. They wait or go to another person. I don’t collect urgent orders during the school period except for gloves, socks and materials.
I try to navigate and maximize my time to create time for both. Most times it is the business that takes the hit.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU CONSTANTLY FACE AS A MUSLIM STUDENTPRENEUR?

The major challenge I face is not having enough time for the business due to school and modrasah.
Combining both is very challenging, given the fact that sewing is also very stressful.
But Alhamdulillah, the business is still thriving.

WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY AND PRIDE AS A MUSLIM STUDENTPRENEUR?

Customers’ satisfaction and review.
Creating beauty from pieces.
And seeing my business thrive in its own little way.

AND FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A MUSLIM STUDENT WHO’S ABOUT TO VENTURE INTO THIS LINE?

The will and the tenacity to go through. Believe in yourself that you can do it. When you believe, you are already a step towards your goal. Don’t give up. There will be rainy days and storms and it might be longer than the sunny ones. Also, don’t compromise. I mean compromising in the fashion world. It depends on one’s niche. Your modest wear must be modest wear. When you don’t compromise your standard for money, people will know you for it and before you know it you are everywhere. It will be very hard at first though.

And the first and the last, Pray, Prayer is a very vital aspect. My business is not here because of posting or having so much time for it. It is Allah. I get customers mostly from referrals
The time I am AWOL {Absent Without Leave} is the time when people patronize the most. I pray about everything: my customers, my work and Alhamdulillah, so far, it has been a beautiful journey.
We are still very far from our vision but we’re moving.
لله الحمد

Jazākumullāhu khayran.