Today we’d like to introduce you to Asma Parvez.
Hi Asma, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
From a young age, I have always enjoyed using my clothing to express myself, from pairing black leather cut-off gloves with baggy jeans to draping saris made from excess fabrics. As one of the first hijab-wearing fashion bloggers in the US, I started a blog called The Haute Muslimah in 2009. The blog focused on modest fashion and how to adapt runway trends for everyday wear. I also worked with Lucky Magazine based in NYC and attended fashion week and fashion events in New York and California. A few years later, after having my daughter, I took a break from blogging to focus on my family. Throughout the years, I continued to style friends and family for TV appearances and events, leading me to start my own styling business. I founded my company to serve women often overlooked in the fashion industry, particularly Muslim women who may struggle to communicate their needs to stylists unfamiliar with their dress requirements. I aim to provide a personalized, luxurious styling experience for all my clients.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a hijab-wearing Muslim woman, it was difficult for me to gain access to the fashion industry. Despite standing out at fashion events in NYC, I never felt hindered by my appearance. I was fortunate to have a mentor who introduced me to many people in the industry and even featured me in a panel on fashion blogging during SXSW- that was so cool! Managing my career and caring for a child with a disability has presented challenges. I needed to take a step back and put my career on hold until I fully committed to it. Once things stabilized at home, I returned to work at Nordstrom for a year. Following that, I styled for four years at Stitch Fix. This experience helped me regain my confidence and realize I had much more to offer. This led me to start my own styling business, specifically geared toward Muslim women not well-represented in the industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us more about your business.
Since I started my business, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of women from various cultures, faiths, and backgrounds. It’s been an enriching experience to help so many people feel confident and comfortable in their clothing. In addition to styling for events and photoshoots, I assist with packing for vacations, shopping, closet organization, and creating outfits using pieces my clients already own. If a client needs a custom service, I’m always happy to work with them to ensure they’re getting what they need. Sustainability is a key value for me, and I believe in the importance of investing in high-quality, long-lasting items. I strive to empower my clients to make thoughtful, mindful fashion choices that reflect their style and values. Empowering women to make thoughtful and confident choices about their clothing doesn’t necessarily mean spending a lot of money but considering the long-term impact of their purchases. I work closely with my clients to ensure they feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire styling process. I also have experience in editorial work and am currently styling the cover women for Austin Woman Magazine.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
At the time, blogging was a relatively new concept, and hijab-wearing Muslim women were not as visible as they are now. Taking the risk of trying something new and different was a challenge. Recognizing that there are so few fashion stylists catering to the Muslim community, I decided to take the leap and start my own business not only for myself but also to serve the larger Muslim community.
Contact Info:
- Website: styledbyasma.com
- Instagram: @styledbyasma instagram.com/styledbyasma
- Facebook: facebook.com/styledbyasma
Image Credits
Tara Welch Photography
