A business graduate from Seattle University and a fashion design alumna of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Farida Abbas of the New Jersey Dawoodi Bohra community is an entrepreneur, fashion designer, and creator of clean-beauty products. She shares her journey of balancing faith, family, fashion, and creativity while growing her small business. From fashion to clean beauty, her work has steadily gained recognition, recently showcased at events like ICNA-MAS, where she has been able to share her passion with a wider audience. Her insights for International Women’s Day celebrate the capabilities of women everywhere.

Tell us a little about yourself. What do you do, and what are you passionate about?

Creativity has always been my thing—whether in fashion, beauty, or cultural expression. As a Dawoodi Bohra, entrepreneurship runs in my blood. I grew up valuing business ownership for the freedom and flexibility it brings, letting me align my work with my faith and family.

Owning a business means I set my schedule—no need to ask for time off. And as a mother, I’m passing down the importance of heritage and skill-building to my children.

My journey into clean beauty and fashion started in design school when I realized how many chemicals were used to make beauty products and fabrics. That didn’t sit right with me. I started experimenting—making rose soaps, exploring natural ingredients—and eventually created a line of organic beauty products.

Women in faith-based communities are often viewed through a narrow lens. Have you encountered misconceptions?

Absolutely. When people see a Muslim woman running a business, they’re often surprised. There’s a widespread misconception that faith and entrepreneurship don’t mix for women—but history tells a different story. Muslim women were among the first scholars, business leaders, and patrons of the arts.

At markets and expos, people are often curious about my story. And when they learn about our community’s legacy of education, leadership, and business, they realize how much we contribute. Dawoodi Bohra women have been doing this for centuries—just look at Syeda Khadija, a successful businesswoman and the wife of Prophet Mohammed, or Syeda al-Hurra, the Queen of Yemen whose reign helped all of Yemen thrive. Strong, capable women have always been part of our history, and we’re just continuing that tradition in our own, small ways. 

What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur?

Every step is a challenge. When I started on Etsy, I didn’t get an order for a year. I sat at outdoor markets in the freezing snow and the summer heat, questioning, constantly, whether it was worth it. But every experience taught me something. It’s not about instant success—it’s about perseverance.

I’ve learned that there’s no perfect time or place to start. If you wait for everything to be just right, you’ll never begin. What started in the tiny nook of my kitchen—just me, a few ingredients, and an idea—has now grown beyond what I ever imagined. Through hard work and faith, my business has reached international platforms. My work has been showcased at Mashtal, the Dawoodi Bohra women’s entrepreneurial platform, and at various community expos. Most recently, I was able to display my creations at ICNA-MAS, one of the largest Islamic conventions in North America, where thousands gather to celebrate faith, commerce, and culture. Seeing how far this journey has come reminds me that even the smallest beginnings can lead to something bigger.

Family always comes first, and I structure my business around that. Small, consistent steps build momentum. As my children grow, so does my business. You just have to start.

What advice do you have for women struggling to find their passion?

Your passion will always show up in what you do. Pay attention to what makes your heart light up. Everything in life is a form of art—whether it’s cooking, organizing, or designing. Explore. Try different things. And most importantly, believe in yourself. Every woman has a talent. You just have to uncover it and use it to uplift others.

I was scared to sit at a sewing machine for years because I feared failure. But sometimes, "good enough" is enough. Just begin. You will learn along the way.

How have you supported and mentored other women?

I encourage women to start—right where they are. There’s no perfect moment. You don’t know what tomorrow holds, so take the step today. Even if you begin in a small space, momentum will build.

At Mashtal, I met so many incredible women with ideas waiting to be nurtured. We need to support each other because the journey isn’t easy. The more we share our experiences, the stronger we become.

Balancing work, family, and faith can be overwhelming. How do you manage it all?

Faith anchors me. I prioritize my family, and I make time for my health. Time is precious. And we must take care of ourselves mentally and physically to do the best we can in what we’re passionate about.

Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah, our community’s meal program, was a huge support system for me when I was studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I was commuting 100 miles daily with two young kids. Knowing my family was taken care of gave me the strength to push forward.

Has there been a moment in your business where you thought, ‘This is why I do this’?

A customer once told me, “Farida, you make everything with love.” That meant everything to me. My business isn’t just about selling products—it’s about connection. When you create with love, that love is felt by others.

International Women’s Day is about celebrating progress and pushing for more. What change do you hope to see for women?

I want women to be more open in sharing their stories. You never know who you will inspire. When I share my journey, so many women reach out with their own experiences. Vulnerability creates connection.

We are here to build a legacy. My parents sacrificed so much to give me opportunities, and I want my daughter to inherit more than just a business—I want her to inherit confidence, faith, and pride in who she is.

Sewing has taught me patience. Business has taught me gratitude. Struggle has taught me bravery. And through it all, my faith has given me strength.

Whatever you do, do it with love. Everything else will follow.