To combat prevalent stereotypes about Muslimah's around the world and in particular Philadelphia, PHKI wants to promote Muslim women doing positive things in their chosen career or business. Today PHKI highlights the ladies of FoCasions Seanece and Jamira! I purchased a beautiful necklace from them a few months ago and loved the price as well as the customer service! To read more about FoCasions, read on!
PHKI: Assalaamu Alaikum ladies, can you tell my readers what FoCasions is about?
FoCasions: Walaikum Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh, FoCasions was started a little over one year ago by Seanece mashaAllah. It started out as just a hobby, making gift baskets which included every piece of accessory for an outfit as well as spa products. Alhamdulilah the baskets were a hit and over time I started selling the items separate, thus FoCasions was born.
PHKI: The name is very unique. What inspired you to name it as such and does it have special meaning?
FoCashions: My husband Abdul Latif came up with the name FoCasions which is short for For All Occasions! He was raised in South Carolina and is a former spoken word artist, so he's always coming up with names to call things with a southern twist.
PHKI: Now it's so rare to see sisters working together let alone creating a business with each other. How did you two come to work together?
FoCasions: The business is an opportunity to connect with all different types of women doing what we do. I (Seanece) started the business without much thought and as I started becoming more successful I knew I needed to bring in someone that could take FoCasions to another level. Jamira added her natural born fashion sense to FoCasions, and since having her along side me she has help me better understand fashion, Alhamdulilah.
PHKI: Great, now you guys are based out of Baltimore Maryland, how would you describe the Muslimah style there and do you guys have a signature look?
FoCasions: Yes we are from Baltimore, MD (Go Ravens!!!!), sorry about that! Baltimore style is unique I'd say, it's where south meets north. People from down south will consider us a Northern State, while people from up North will consider us country! I believe Baltimore's style is carefree, some care about style but most are free from it....lol! I'd say Jamira has care and I, Seanece is free, we represent Baltimore very well.
PHKI: Watch it now...this is Eagle country...even though we keep losing! So, do you have a niche audience that you cater to or do you aim to offer quality pieces to all age groups?
FoCasions: FoCasions has done big and small, private and public events, and I must say its hard to tell who our niche audience is. The young and the old seem to love FoCasions, and women from different backgrounds. We've shipped internationally to places like Canada, UK, and all over the United States to places like Alaska. They love our merchandise as well as our prices. For us It's the love of meeting and making people feel good about themselves. I love seeing people smile and love the feeling of contributing no matter how small to someone's happiness. I believe people can feel the genuine love that comes with every sale.
PHKI: I definitely felt it with my purchase! Okay, two years form now, where do you envision FoCasions to be? Can you see yourself expanding?
FoCasions: In two years InshaAllah I hope to see FoCasions with its own online store, which we're currently working on. FoCasions also is currently working with a set of sisters, Sister Salimah and Sister Ameenah, the hands behind Hooked On This. We are brainstorming ideas on how to expand our brands, and in two years I hoped to have figured that out InshaAllah.
PHKI: So if potential clients are interested in seeing your merchandise how would they go about contacting you and purchasing some of your items?
FoCasions: Visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FoCasions?fref=ts.
PHKI: Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview! May Allah reward you and make you successful in all of your endeavors, ameen!!
If you have a business or work within the Fashion and Entertainment industry and identify as a hijabi, please contact PHKI at [email protected] for an interview!
