Six dynamic women answered our call after hearing about our search for every day women from our communities to model two new Haute Hijab collections. Over the course of two wonderful days, we got to know these women as we took photos, conducted interviews and shot video to share our new Bamboo Woven Print collection (and an exciting new collection dropping soon) with you. We had a blast talking about the positive threads that we weave into our lives with these wonderful women!

Throughout the month you'll get to know more about these wonderful ladies. First up, none other than the amazing Halimah DeOliveira!

Halimah is a three-time award-winning author and brand strategist. As the CEO of Be You In HD, LLC she enjoys providing proven strategies, tools and resources that “empower women of faith to start, sustain and scale six- and seven-figure businesses” that create a positive social impact on their local and global communities. Halimah can also be found hosting Boss Hijabi business workshops, the Boss Hijabi Preneur Podcast, and other online webinars, and promoting her books or touring with her “Not Without My Hijab” play.

Find her on social media @beyouinhd across all social platforms or by visiting her website. We caught up with Halimah about the hikmah (wisdom) in wearing hijab, why being a visible Muslim helps those she encounters and what motivates her to empower women. 💫

Tell us about being a visible Muslim woman — is it something you think about when putting on your hijab and entering the world, what it means to be visible?

"Being a visible woman is very much a conscious decision. I think about the colors I wear and the way I carry myself while I’m wearing it. This reminds me of a time when I was younger, and in many cases I was the only Muslim some people may have ever encountered. They learned Islam through me. I remember it being very important not to downplay the reason I wore it, and I carry that with me today. One of the people I met became Muslim as a result of our encounters. Imagine if I downplayed what being visible meant?"

Why do you choose to be “visible” (meaning identifiably) Muslim with your hijab?

"I choose to be visibly Muslim first and foremost for my creator and myself. The older I get and the more I learn about myself and Islam I understand the hikmah behind wearing hijab. Surah Ahzab, Ayah 59 emphasizes wearing hijab so that we may be known. In my opinion, this is helpful in many ways: One, of course, is for our protection. The other helps us today. Where the news and media portray us in a negative way, through hijab we can show society a different narrative. It’s a form of dawah (sharing the faith)."

Click the link below to read the full interview, and check out Halimah's video interview on the HH Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at her photo shoot! 📸

Need help? Reach out to us anytime at hello@hautehijab.com!