Just five months into our journey, we took a giant leap by setting up our very first stall at the Halal Food Festival in Birmingham. The decision to showcase our brand in such a large venue was both nerve-wracking and exciting. Months of meticulous planning and deliberation went into how we wanted to present our hijabs. From deciding the layout of our stall to perfecting our product displays, we poured our hearts into making this event a success. And it was all worth it when we finally got to meet our consumers face-to-face and share our passion for modest fashion.
Five Key Takeaways from Our Experience
1. Quality Takes Centre Stage
We were thrilled to see how much you all valued quality. Many people were drawn to our stall because they could touch, feel, and try out our hijabs. The buzz around our 100% modal hijab was incredible. Some women shared how they previously tried what they thought was modal, only to have them bobble after a single wash. Our premium modal hijabs stood out and we sold out completely! The same enthusiasm was shown for our bamboo jersey hijabs, with their luxurious feel making them a favourite among young girls for school.
2. Powder Touch Hijab: A New Favourite
Our powder touch hijab was the second best-seller at the festival. This unique material, new to the UK market, is a blend of cotton crepe and satin and is designed to have a non shiny fabric on the one side to prevent slipping. Its wide range of colours, perfect for summer, Eid, and special occasions, caught the attention of many women. The demand was so high that we witnessed a friendly dispute over the last jet black powder touch hijab! We're now gearing up for a major restock. We learnt that online and in-person favourites can differ massively and we regret not taking all of our powder touch hijabs to sell!
3. Accessories proved to be essential
Throughout the festival, our lovely sisters were curious about how I styled my hijab. Demonstrating the use of hijab tape and magnets was a game-changer. These small accessories not only help keep the hijab in place but also help with the effortless, flowy look that we all try and achieve! The practical benefits of hijab tape and magnets were a big hit.
4. Engaging with Our Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of the festival was the opportunity to engage directly with our community. Hearing feedback in real-time, understanding preferences, and discussing fashion needs were invaluable. The personal interactions allowed us to tailor our offerings and provided us with insights that are often missed through online sales alone. It was also great to meet other Muslim owned businesses and learn from their experiences. We were the newbies at the festival and our lovely stall neighbours really helped us settle in - shout out to @mmmarshmallow.co, hayatparfums and Snapdown Snacks.
5. Building Brand Awareness
Being at the festival helped us immensely in building brand awareness. On the second day we actually had people searching for our stall and mentioned that they had seen our videos online. This was so nice to hear as a new small business. The festival provided the perfect platform for them to experience our hijabs firsthand.
Looking back, our decision to participate in the Halal Food Festival was a pivotal moment for our brand. It was a learning curve filled with excitement, challenges, and valuable lessons. We are incredibly grateful for the support and enthusiasm we received from everyone who visited our stall. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to delivering high-quality products and staying connected with our community.
Here's to more milestones, more festivals, and more beautiful hijabs! Thank you for being part of our journey. Stay tuned for our upcoming restocks and new collections!
With love,
RĀHA