Blog - March 23, 2017

My Entrepreneurial Story: Aeesha Olayiwola Of Hijabs by Aeesha.

I tried for a long time to not make my Blog Cliche, to try and not make it focused on particular themes because it sort of reduces the reader to expecting certain things from me. As I tell everyone, my blog is where I come to express myself . I just want to write about every and anything I think about as long as I can put it into words. I’ve been trying to move away from interviews and all because I see them as topics that people would see on almost every blog. People want to feature too, I try to stall. But maybe this isnt about me not being cliche, maybe I am just being lazy. Lol. So I have been thinking of how I can infuse interviews and collaborations and features into this and an oportunity came when I realised Aisha’s business would be turning one and she wouldnt mind writing about her story. Aisha is my own baby girl and I wrote about her business during the November Happiness Challenge. We go way back and I really cant be more proud of how far she has gone with her modest fashion business. Let’s hear her talk:  March 30 makes it one year we officially launched our stay on Social Media  via short videos showing you what new thing we have for you and it’s been an exciting journey so far!… It’s been filled up and downs but the thoughts of how much of a supportive tribe we have built in the last one year, makes the whole strife worth it. As a fresh man in the university, I was used to the usual no head cover way of dressing as it wasn’t enforced by my parents. So, I’d pack my hair in a neat bond and have people (males especially) pass nice comments. This didn’t last two weeks as I began to have this self-consciousness, I always had a veil and a wrapper in my bag for prayer, which was like a prayer costume once at the masjid and I always got the encouraging comments from the sisters in the masjid. You know my response already “may Allah make it easy’’(most of us have been there before). So, I started with wearing caps/turbans, Alhamdulilah and in another two weeks, I found myself in front of the mirror with a pashmina scarf, trying what hijab styles I had seen on several sisters on campus. It looked pretty on me. One mind said to yank it off and tie it the turban way , but I made up my mind to wear it and Alhamdulilah, that was how my hijab story started. My mum didn’t like the idea of wearing the hijab at that stage. She felt I didn’t have a self- conviction as to why and I still had some more time to do some ‘’shakara’’( whose mum thinks or thought this way too?) but I insisted on wearing it and she soon agreed with me on the basis that I had to keep it smart and fashionable. Before the hijab, she already made rules like “WEAR MORE OF SKIRTS! ONLY LONG TOPS ON TROUSERS IF YOU HAVE TO’’ On many of her trips, she’d buy me pretty hijabs, pins, tunics and skirts just so she makes sure I kept to the conditions as she still did all of my shopping ( well, she pretty much still does most of it) at that time. Soon enough, I became a role model to my friends and other muslim ladies in their first year, if I could start wearing it and still looked pretty, they were inspired, I remember how I’d style hijabs for my friends on mornings before we went for lectures. We all became pros and got our own individual styles after a while but in this time I had friends take one or two scarves from my wardrobe, I’d buy some during the holidays and give to my friends at the cost price, many as gifts and it all didn’t appear to me that I had a passion for modest fashion already. My aunty who is a hijabie was dazed, we had lived together all along before her marriage but she didn’t imagine me wearing the hijab on a regular. I then boasted as to how I was even helping people with their hijab needs and styling. She said to me, ‘’why don’t you get these things and make them available to your friends at some extra cost. You know I sold shoes when I was in school too”. I discarded the thoughts, I wasn’t going to spend five (5) years studying agricultural economics, I had set out for medicine and was still juggling studying for another jamb with these lectures in school. No way I could make out time to do that. My second year in university was one that required you being in the classroom morning till evening (Apparently, medicine didn’t work again) and burning the night candles to ace the bulky yet many courses. You can tell what happened again, I didn’t give the business a thought. At the end of my second year, I aced my courses and was on the top list in my class. I wasn’t happy still, I wanted medicine but that tiny self- confidence began to grow. This grade won me a seat in the Agricultural economics department and it was just enough consolation for me, Alhamdulilah. Father was impressed with the second year grades, so during the short break, he suggested I learn how to drive. My sister, Maryam had just got an admission to study in the college of medicine in the same university as me . “You and your sister can use the car to navigate your ways around campus” he said. What a life saver! I lived in a boys quarters that was far away from civilisation. I had to walk my way to school every morning as you’d never find cabs around there. Then the pieces began to make a pretty design in my head but still looked vague. First series of lectures in the agricultural economics department were on Agribusiness management, Micro-economics and Agricultural finance, business records and contrary to my opinion and of several people, only farming ideas were taught in a regular agricultural economics class. Absolutely wrong! The basic economics is taught and an application to agriculture comes next. A few lecturers would ask in the middle of a class, who had a business or intended having one. My friends who knew about it will mention my name in unison ”Aishah” and I’d have to stand and give a brief intro and talk to the lecturer, more like a free consultation session. I was never the type to be asked questions and look blank. I just needed to blurt out something even in the worst scenarios. I’d give business-minded responses that had just been lying in my subconscious and end with capital intensivity and a doubting face (my dreams looked too big for me to accomplish, even now I still shiver at some thoughts) and it’d lead to further questions which maybe related to what had been taught. I realised I just needed a push! A female lecturer invited me to her office on one of these days, she encouraged me and of course reminded me of how I had to take my courses seriously too, then I thanked Allah, seems like He had a better plan asides medicine for me. I wrote out my plans and spoke to mother about it. My trunk wasn’t just going to sit there useless. She kicked against it at first and then said to see what grades the semester ends with, else, I shut the business down. She made a few calls and with my savings and a “loan’’ from her, my trunk made new friends in a week. The mobile business started and I was the first and only lady student to pull into the masjid on every jumah day( this would mean that I had woken up early enough to wash the car myself before going for lectures, sometimes I did it the previous day), get a strategic parking space, open my trunk and stand in the sun for about 3 hours and attend to customers!. It was a new one in the university environment, people were dazed especially because I obviously looked small, I had just clocked 19 at the time(2013) and my trunk always had beautiful and unique items in them. I began to grow a customer base, I’d treat every customer with utmost respect (it earned me a lot),a large number who were fellow students as me, we’d interact on a personal note, help them mix and match when they had events and I’d ditch speaking English for Yoruba when I had older clients to deal with, they loved it!. Soon enough, I became a household name ( the business didn’t even have a name at the time) in the university and environs. People would come to pray in the masjid in Unibadan with an intention to shop after jumah. Many didn’t even know me but the description was clear ’’Aishah, the only girl at the parking lot with a trunk of hijabs and accessories’’, some others had my phone number and could track with it.  Consistency was my watchword here and it was what pushed me on every Friday morning when I was feeling lazy. Every business has a goodwill that stems from their clients’ perception of them and is pretty much as easy to lose as gained .I got full support of family and we made joint efforts to remain actors in the market. The years passed and one friend or the other will tell me about how I could increase sales with the social media. I wasn’t cut out for it ( I had school grades and a weekly physical market to deal with). At the end of my fourth year in uni, I was convinced that I had laid a solid foundation in terms of grades. So, I explored the online business with a major focus on Instagram. We set out for a photo shoot, it didn’t seem so easy considering all the logistics involved as I had a low-cost budget but it was worth the try! Alhamdulilah. In less than two months (March 2016), I realised a gap that needed to be filled, it had been one I had constantly tried to find ways around but just never got it. Very of many of my corporate muslimah customers always wanted instant hijabs that’d suit their office wears but the market was flooded with the regular ready to wear hijabs. The opportunity to fill this gap came and in no time, I took advantage of it, took a leap of faith and recorded short video clips, the feedback was overwhelming. We got advices, critics and a support we didn’t imagine and it definitely made us bigger and better. Final year was the toughest for me( but Today, I’m grateful to Allah for planning my university education that way, a good percentage of what I apply to the business today were learnt in the lecture rooms.) I had to multi-task like I never have, from park A to park B dispatching orders, taking orders, working on bridal pieces with close deadlines, having bridal styling sessions , managing the growing customer base and of course staying up to study . I have graduated now and I can only say Alhamdulilah, Allah has been merciful. In that one year, you have stayed and grown with us and we can’t but appreciate your loyal support and continuous patronage. We ask that you remain on this boat ride with us as we promise to serve you the best of what we know how to do best, bringing you quality, unique and affordable modest fashion accessories at your own convenience. Won’t you rather stay with us? To mark our first anniversary on Instagram, we are having a sales promotion you don’t want to miss out on. Looking back at the last one year, we want to appreciate your loyalty, patronage and support. We’re not where we want to be yet but we’re hopeful that you’d stand by us in years to come.Please accept our token of appreciation. Got your shopping bags already??   I’m Aishah Olayiwola, a graduate of Agricultural economics and a Modest Fashion Entrepreneur. So, there we have it guys. Isn’t that just a beautiful story? Please don’t miss out in the freebie. Do check her out on Instagram (@hijabsbyaeesha) to participate and also to patronize for yourselves and family. If you’d like to be featured here, you have a collaboration idea you want to do with me  or you just have anything you want to share , please send me an email on busaritolani@gmail.com and We are good to go. I’ll be back. BOS

Comments (52)

  1. Cakes

    March 23, 2017

    Lovely story and she’s so sweet and beautiful on top of it.
    May the business continue to grow💪🏾💪🏾💕

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Aamin… Thank you. Do have a fabulous weekend.

  2. Cakes

    March 23, 2017

    I forgot to mention how pretty her Hijabs are☺️

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      😄😄😄

  3. March 23, 2017

    So proud of this girl! She’s done so well for herself, and her customer service is impeccable.

    PS: I’ve patronized her just once (and that’s because I’m not a big fan of instant hijabs) and she’s one of the best people I’ve ever patronized via social media. BarKallah feeh baby girl ❤️❤️❤️

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Awwww…. Thank you for the patronage.. We’ll be stocking more shawls soon, we will be expecting a repeat patronage. Aamin wa antum.

  4. Jr

    March 23, 2017

    You go girl !
    Greater heights in shaa Allah.

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Thank you Jr…. I really appreciate.

  5. Toyin

    March 24, 2017

    Alhamdulillah for you dear…..may your business continues to flourish. Ameen

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Dear Toyin, thanks a lot. Aamin.
      Enjoy the weekend.

  6. Ogundiran m. O Alhaja

    March 24, 2017

    Allah in its infinity will be with you and guide you in all this business and all what you lay your hands upon, I like your spirit, though the beginning may be rough but future is bright by Allah wishes, love your spirit that is the may reason I always release my only girl and my Queen for you whenever need be to show my surport and my sincerity on Hijab-by-aesha. Sky is the limit and surely good rooms for you at the top and Allah will not mislead you to wrong marriage. Checkers!!!!!!!!! God blesses you Amen

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Mummy!!! thank you for always!. Azizah’s just a wonderful baby model. Aamin .

  7. Aisha Ajia

    March 24, 2017

    Barakalahu Fih Sis! Greater heights in sha Allah and may you continue to be a source of Hope and pride to the Muslim ummah. Ameen.

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Dear Aisha, thanks for the kind words. Aamin. Jazakallah khayr

  8. Maryam Toyosi

    March 24, 2017

    Barakallahu feehi ukhtee

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Dear Maryam,
      Aamin, Jazakallah khayr
      Enjoy the weekend!

  9. Olayiwola Omotolani Aisha

    March 24, 2017

    Nice one my dear namesake……

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Hello namesake, thank you for stopping by. Enjoy the weekend.

  10. March 24, 2017

    This is an amazing story. Ma sha Allah. More grease to your elbow dear. May you attain success.

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Hi sis,
      Thank you…. Aamin..May Allah be pleased with you .

  11. Olaniran Maryam

    March 24, 2017

    BarakaAllahu fii sister!
    May Allah guide you always

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Maryam dear,Aamin, Jazakallah Khayr.

  12. kola-balogun aisha

    March 24, 2017

    Beautiful and interesting, barakallahu fihi am impressed😍😍😍

    • March 24, 2017

      Maa shaa Allah! Ta BarakaLlah! This is an inspiration. May Allah continue to bless your business.

      • Hijabsbyaesha

        March 25, 2017

        Aamin…Thanks sis! ..enjoy the rest of your weekend.

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Hello namesake!
      Aamin, Jazakallah Khayr.
      Enjoy the weekend!

  13. Y. Nahima

    March 24, 2017

    Inspiring story, I am happy for you sis. May Allah continue to put baraka in everything you do. Ameen

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Hello sis,
      Thank you 😄😄……Aamin 💜

  14. keefayah

    March 24, 2017

    Very beautiful story just like the madam 😀😀😀…May the business continue to grow bi idni’llah!!!!Continue to soar higher sis 😍😍

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Sister Keefayah, thank you 😄😄….Aamin

  15. TomiOye

    March 24, 2017

    Awwwwnnn, barakallaufi sis

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Sister Tomi, old client all the way from the College of medicine. Thank you for always. Aamin

  16. Jalaalat

    March 24, 2017

    So sweet!!!_may Allah continue to put Barakah,may u grow from strength to strength, more grease to ur kokose!

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Hi sis, Aamin and you too. Enjoy the weekend.

  17. Dr Awodoyin Rashidat

    March 24, 2017

    Alhamdulilah may Allah continue to shower His blessings on you and family. So proud of you. Keep it up. Hope we will be part of the promo (winks)

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Rodiah’s mum!
      Thank youuu for always. Regards to our baby model.

  18. Maryam Sulaiman

    March 24, 2017

    barakallahu fih dear… you’ve set an example for the younger generation..

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Sister Maryam! Aamin
      Alhamdulilah. Have a fan weekend

  19. Latifat Adebola Adeyemi

    March 24, 2017

    Maa Shaa Allah! So proud of you. I pray that Allah swt in His infinite mercies continually uphold you. Ameen

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Big sister, I always always appreciate the support. Aamin.

  20. Yusuf Noheemah

    March 24, 2017

    Barakallahu fihi sis…may Allah continue to uplift you

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Aamin.
      Thanks a lot sis… Aamin

  21. balikis

    March 24, 2017

    its really inspire………..barakhallahu feeh sis …….you are getting there

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Aamin.. Jazakallah khayr

  22. oloko-busari Rofiat

    March 24, 2017

    may Almighty Allah expand the business more and most importantly keep Islam going……keep it up daughter*****

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Aamin…. Thanks mum, I really appreciate.

  23. March 25, 2017

    I doff my cap sistermi.. You’re really good at what you do I must confess..And I commend your consistency even when it wasn’t easy. Greater heights I pray for you in Jesus name.

    • HijabsbyAesha

      March 25, 2017

      Mr. Favour, thanks for being a wonderful colleague Al the while! Really appreciate

  24. Abdulhameed

    March 27, 2017

    Inspiring, barka Allah

  25. March 30, 2017

    Baarakallaahu fiih Aisha

  26. February 22, 2018

    […] page. We talked and I sent my measurements, then I got the package which I loved and wore with a HijabsbyAesha scarf […]

  27. March 13, 2018

    […] In a practical and wise bid to escape the harsh reality, many young Nigerians have taken the bull by the horn; they have chosen to become self – employed. It is now common sight to see young Nigerians engaged in different business enterprises and service deliveries. From sale of daily commodities, to accessories, food supplies, clothing items, foot wares, gadgets etc. Services such as blogging, fashion designing, facial make – up, event planning, and so on and so forth, are common areas young Nigerians are making remarkable progress. Just like Aesha, the founder of Hijabs by Aesha […]

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