UK Collaboration With LOVEDROBE

Heeeeeeeey! I definitely feel like one of those fuck bois who texts you regularly then all of a sudden stops then resumes texting you out of the blue. I haven't shared anything on my blog for a whole entire month. *Gasps* That's when you unequivocally know that I've been super de duper busy.  

A few days ago, I landed back in the states, Detroit to be exact, after two hard weeks in Europe. On top of that, I have been readjusting to normal everyday life. When I tell you sis has been grinding hard for the last month or so, I have not been playing. 

I've been making connections, meeting influencers, landing huge campaigns *flips hijab* as well as gaining another year. Hey, I'm 31 now. On the flip side, I haven't been able to truly take in some of my recent accomplishments and being overwhelmed by the recent influx of my so-called popularity. 

It's a lot to handle folks, but I am so grateful to get the chance to make a change, make a difference, and do the damn thang! 

I have so much more to share about life moments that unfolded during my month long absence. But, I'll leave that for a future blog post. 

For now, I'd like to show you this video I worked on while in the UK. 

I reached out to @lovedrobe @topsycurvyand asked if they would have my fat, Black, and very Muslim self as a model for their brand. After months of deliberation and to my surprise, they said yes. On a few hours of sleep and a full three hours of travel, I became their first Black Hijabi model. *Tongue pop* 

This video was the last to be shot. I'm really proud of this and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 

What's your favorite part of this video? Let's chat. 

Creative Director: @kokocurve 

Photo: @olivia.lennn 

Video: @kmhvideography 

Wardrobe: @topsycurvy @lovedrobe 

Fat, Black, and Carefree: NYC Video Project

The first time I went to NYC was in 2013. I had just started blogging and planned to crash New York Fashion Week. My ex, at the time, worked for an airline. So the flight was free. I packed peanut butter crackers and waters on my carry-on bag. I had about 10$ to spend on food. The crackers and water was my breakfast. 

I slept in a hostel, on the top bunk, in a room filled with drifters. Each night stay was 19$. I clutched my belongings to my chest as I slept.

But, I was in New York though, and I was humbly building my brand. 

The next time I visited. I was still broke. But, this time, I had met someone who offered me lodging. After the fashion show, I went to her place only to find out that her home was infested with roaches. With no money, I found a clean spot on the couch upstairs and hoped for the best. 

Five years later, I was flown to New York. I had shoots set up. Meetings with brands. And video collaborations. I was being paid. No uncomfortable bunk beds or roaches or water and crackers. 

For some reason social media has made life look easy. They’ve caused people to see the accomplishments without the struggle. You can question where I’ve come from or how I’ve gotten to where I am, but you cannot deny that I’ve put the work in. 

At the end of the day, like my friend, Madinah says: You will NOT outwork me! 

Here’s a video, proof of a fat, Black, and very Muslim Girl from Detroit against all odds in New York making a fashion video on her terms. Just as unapologetic and carefree🤸🏾‍♀️

Share your struggle and tell me where you are now? Let’s chat. 

Video: @mister_eman 

Dress: @eloquii 

Location: New York