Salam, Girl!

Hafsa Lodi is an accomplished writer for fashion publications in Dubai and her new book is available now! "Modesty, A Fashion Paradox" can be found in your local book store, Barnes and Noble and in a week it will be on Amazon! Grab your copy. In the meantime she talked to us about modest fashion, challenges in the fashion world and modest social media influencers. Check out all the things Hafsa is up to on her Instagram: @hafsalodi and make sure you follow @salamgirlpodcast 

Representation is so important to our young people and now more than ever we are looking for representation for minorities and people of color. On this weeks episode we talk with Illya Yasmeen, a high school girl recently featured in a brand new reality series on HBO Max, "Karma". Illya describes what it means to represent Muslim girls on the show and challenges she conquered with confidence!  Thank you to our sponsor, https://www.786cosmetics.com Use code: salamgirl for 15% off your purchase.

This weeks episode faces several very difficult and necessary discussions. We invited an amazing childrens book author, Rahma Rodaah, who saw the need for diversity in childrens books and took action. This is just who Rahma is and she's so talented at seeing needs that TedX also had her speak on difficult subjects relating to growing up as a Person of Color in Canada. Rahma talks today about raising children in todays society to be strong and confident in who they are, about the role of Influencers during this time and about racial bias. We thank our sponsor, www.786cosmetics.com for their support.

Things can be pretty blue after Ramadan so we love to prepare you to keep your head above water. Today we are talking to Ustadha Lobna Mulla of the Yaqeen Institute about how to maintain the routine we need right now and how to help find peace and connection during this pandemic and civil rights movement we are living through. Such a remarkable time right now, we put our trust in Allah for guidance.  Check out "Double Shot of Mocha" on YouTube for more of Ustadha Lobna Mulla. 

Eid Mubarak Ladies!!!! We know your super busy with your families so we are so honored that you take the time to listen to our show during Eid, and we really love doing Eid shows for you!  This Eid is unlike any other and most of us were over dressed for the "Eid at home" that we enjoyed. Thats ok, it's still Eid and I am just happy to finally get to record with Monica again after so long. We joined each other via Skype so we could record from our homes and it worked well so look forward to more of that! Eid Mubarak and hope it was a blessed one!   

Daniela is a New York native who lives in Florida with her husband and two kiddos. They are a totally adorable family that is also totally unique! Both Daniela and her husband have Puerto Rican roots and on top of that they both decided together to come to Islam and raise their children as Muslims, Alhamdulillah. Listen to Daniela's story and make sure you follow her on Instagram at @writingsbydaniela  

Sara grew up Christian but like so many, drifted further from her faith as she entered her adult life. When she met someone special at work, she felt inspired to discover what she truly believed in and went on her own spiritual journey and the results surprised even herself!  This episode was graciously sponsored by our favorite shop, Modefa USA! Get 15% off with code SALAMGIRL15 www.modefa.com   Insta: @modefausa Subscribe to us on Apple! Follow us at @salamgirlpodcast

Not long ago you could see Jennifer Grout as a finalist on Arabs Got Talent, complete with props, stage lighting, special effects and her beautiful voice shining through. Today she tells us about her training in classic music at a very young age and her fascination with Moroccan culture. She shares her journey to Islam and what she learned from her time on Arabs Got Talent and how life has changed her.  Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jeangrout Thank you to our sponsors @ModefaUSA and @Crescentfoods 

It's Ramadan and that means it's time for some heart warming convert stories! We are starting off with a bang, with Hana Nemec, an Ohio girl who lost her Mother at a tender age and came to Islam years later.  Follow Hana on Instagram: @hannooni  Her blog, www.convertconfessions.com

Ramadan, Covid19 style, is almost here! Today we are talking to Days of Eid creator, Reem Sayes about how she started her successful holiday decor company and how she is creating content for her clients during Covid19.  Shop her collection and check out her program "30 Days of Ramadan" on her Instagram: @daysofeid  

A Pakistani California girl meets a Macedonian boy in college and they end up raising a Muslim family together? Yes, it so happens cause this is America baby! We absolutely loved talking to Sidra of the brand "Jasmine and Marigold" about how she met her husband in college, how he converted to Islam and even inspired her to become closer to her own faith. She started her business by creating onesies that appealed to both her Paki family and her Macedonian in laws. It was history from that point, creating tons of custom baby onesies, swaddling blankets and even pajamas for the whole family! Use code: SALAMGIRL10 for 10% off your purchase!

Ramadan is fast approaching and we take it very seriously over here at Salam Girl Podcast, corona epidemic or not!  Today we are talking to Manal Aman, the creator of Hello Holy Days. Manal worked tirelessly to get Ramadan decor into mainstream shops and make Ramadan a holiday accepted and noted around the world. Muslims have every right to walk into a decor shop and be able to find something made for them, just like to you see at Christmas and Hanukkah.  Thanks to her efforts, adorable products are now available at Hallmark, Crate & Barrel, Party City and more.  Use code: SALAMGIRL for 15% off at www.helloholydays.com 

Zainab Ismail came to Islam many years ago after being a big time Hollywood fitness trainer, sought after for her nutritional knowledge and fitness abilities. When she came to Islam she brought with her an energy much needed by the Muslim community. Zainab talks to us about her journey to Islam, getting our minds ready for Ramadan and eating healthier! Instagram: @zainab_fitforallah

It's corona time and your sick of hearing about it so instead lets talk about love and relationships! Zahra Aljabri is a relationship coach along with her husband of 12 years. She talks about finding love and most importantly, finding herself.  Instagram: @practicalmuslim https://www.practicalmuslim.com

Canadian artist Hafsa Khizer is our guest today and she tells us all about her super popular t-shirt design that touches on the subject of body policing in the Muslim community. She's an amazing artist and truly uses her art to project her pride in her identity and it speaks to so many others.  Follow her on Insta: @hafsakhizer www.hafsakhizer.com

If you want to know how to stay safe from the Corona Virus, who better to ask than a super intelligent expert of infectious diseases!  Oh yeah and she is also a Muslim, hijab wearing woman who does so much more than just her career as a doctor. Wait till you hear about the amazing Dr. Uzma Syed. Follow her Insta: @uzmasworld

Recorded LIVE from the 2020 Change Makers Summit we have brought you 3 amazing talented women all in one episode! We hear from a hollywood cultural consultant, Marya Bangee about her work in the movie industry. We also talk to author and model, Leah V about inspiring other young girls and representation. FInally you get to enjoy an amazing poem about Malcolm X from a Spoken Word Poet! Thank you so much to Mu Delta Alpha, the first women's Muslim sorority, for inviting us to the 2020 Change Makers Summit.

When you think inspiring you have to think Yaqeen Institute and the inspiring researchers and fellows of that establishment. We were honored to talk all things gender based with Faatimah Knight about her paper "We created you in pairs", written for Yaqeen.  Follow Fatima on IG: @faatimahknight Follow Yaqeen: @yaqeeninstitute

FACE stands for Facing Abuse in Community Environments and the organization was founded by social justice advocate, Alia Salem in 2017 to protect victims from people of power in communities who are preying on those members. It is the first organization of it's kind and safeguard the close knit trust between community leaders and their members by closing the accountability gap. Where no one was being held responsible for abusive acts before, people are now being investigated and exposed and we are thankful to FACE for that action. Make sure to support this organization with a monthly contribution.  www.facetogether.org

Zobaida grew up watching her Grandmother mix spices and black seed together for a healthy snack. Who knew she would one day be able to continue her legacy with "Cure Bar", a health bar that packs a punch of the sunnah ingredient along with tasty things like honey and coconut oil.  Zobaida shares all her industry secrets that will have you baking up your own secret recipe in no time! 

It happens ever so often that we engage in a modern day form of idolatry without even realizing it. We can spend years attaching ourselves to celebrities and influencers, following their every move, year after year. What happens when you see them change trajectory into a space your not impressed with and your left feeling betrayed. Why do we feel this way?  Today we talk about what happens to your heart when you invest way too much connection into other people. This is a can't miss topic that affects way too many of us.   

Arkansas native, Ashley Pearson came to Islam during Ramadan just recently and is already active in her Muslim community, wearing hijab and telling others about World Hijab Day as an ambassador of the movement!  Hear all about how Ashley made the leap into Islam, wearing hijab and how you can take part in a day thats all about hijab!   World Hijab Day is Feb 1st! Take a pic wearing hijab with a sign that says #empoweredinhijab and send it to Salam Girl! We will share it!  Follow them on Instagram at @worldhijabday or visit www.worldhijabday.com

Rahaf Khatib is one in a million. Shes an amazing Mother, wife, daughter and when her child asked her to run in the school 10k, she went for it and never looked back. Rahaf has completed all 6 world marathons, in full hijab, and is the first Syrian woman to accomplish this feat.  Shes been on numerous sports magazines and inspires others to go for their dreams and share your talents for the good of others. Help us support Rahaf as she runs in March for Penny Appeal and help Palestinian women with a self sustaining crop project.  Donate Here -Launch Good Campaign  Follow Rahaf on Instagram: @runlikeahijabi

In this third episode of "Salam Talk" series, we dive into the subject of being a western convert to Islam, looking for a husband. A lot of times it's a very difficult task to find a good trust worthy and modern man who understand the western mentality. The girls offer tangible advice for women in this situation, including red flags to stay away from!  Subscribe to Salam Girl and make sure to leave a review that we can read aloud on the show! Yours could be next!  Instagram: @salamgirlpodcast  Follow Us! 

Nicole met Dina Ghaznavi while in Abu Dhabi and instantly knew there was something special about her. Today Dina shares her story of growing up in Australia and her own parents struggles as Afghan refugees trying to give their children a better life. Dina takes us through life as a hijab wearing girl in Australia and her amazing modest clothing store, Hadara. Follow @hadaraofficial on Instagram @salamgirlpodcast 

Nicole returned, not long ago, from a trip to Abu-Dhabi. She was invited as a moderator and organizer for the Global Youth Forum. It was so exciting to learn from so many different Muslims from all over the world.

It's that wonderful time of year again and for those who don't celebrate Christmas, or used to, it can be somewhat difficult to manage this time of year.  Should you throw everything to the side and dive right into to celebrating someone else's holiday? Should you completely ignore your family if they celebrate? We answer all the questions and help you create your own boundaries and have a healthy relationship as a Muslim during the Christmas holidays. We hope...InshAllah... www.salamgirl.com www.instagram.com/salamgirlpodcast  

Nicole was invited to a conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE and while there she was able to record a wonderfully inspiring interview and table talk discussion with well known convert, Lauren Booth as well as Verona CEO, Lisa Vogl. The three girls are all "white" converts to Islam and share their similar experiences and journeys. Lauren talks about some new BIG news in her life as well as her newest projects.  Find her at LaurenBooth.co.uk Insta: @laurenbooth.official

Asma Bibi grew up in a tight knit Muslim community in Philadelphia. Her parents were both talented sewers and when she got older and couldn't find the type of clothing she wanted, as a Muslim hijabi teen, she began to make her own.  Her talents caught on fast and after putting in the blood, sweat, and tears needed she caught the eye of the biggest fashion design reality tv show. We are thrilled to have Asma represent the Muslim community and can't wait to see her on the newest season of PR on the Bravo Network!  Follow her on Insta: @hijabipop Make sure you tune in to the show that airs Dec 5th on Bravo!

It's that grateful time of year, with Thanksgiving fast approaching here in the US. We decided a show about all the things we say "Alhamdulillah" for would be appropriate for this weeks episode.   December is our "Artist Series" we will feature some amazing Muslim women from all types of art backgrounds so make sure you are SUBSCRIBED to check it out and never miss an episode! www.salamgirl.com Instagram: @salamgirlpodcast Facebook Group: #salamsquad

We celebrated our 1 year anniversary at the adorable Pink Coffee venue with popular Muslim women's social group, Chai Talks.  We invited a few of the members to join us in talking about how we stay focused on living the straight life, during today's busy world. Happy Anniversary to all of you, our Salam Girls!  Follow @thetravelinghijabista for more info about Chai Talks Follow Salam Girl on Instagram @salamgirlpodcast Find our Facebook group: #salamsquad

Happy 1 year anniversary Salam Girl family! We are so excited to celebrate the whole month of November with you! Today's episode features a montage of some of our favorite and most memorable moments our first year of podcasting. Make sure to check our Instagram weekly for our giveaways and special promo discounts! Instagram: @salamgirlpodcast www.salamgirl.com This episode is sponsored by www.aweea.com  Use promo code: SALAMGIRL for 20% off Aweea merchandise.

Nilly Naseer-Farooqui is a TEDX Speaker and the face behind the platform @wordsbehindasmile . She is a professional speaker and corporate trainer and on today's show we discuss the struggles and challenges that sometimes we face, in our prayer.  Nilly walks us through addressing the source of the struggles, how to increase our intentions, and how to overcome the fear of missing out for those who are not native Arab speakers.  Follow Nilly on Instagram: @wordsbehindasmile View her website: https://www.nillynf.com Follow Salam Girl on Instagram: @salamgirlpodcast

We absolutely love doing "Salam Talk" because we get to hear directly from you and give your personalized, tangible advice for the struggles and challenges you might be facing. Everyone has such different life scenarios and we want you to know you don't have to face them alone. We are a community and we stand by each other!  This episode of Salam Talk faces relationship issues as well as dealing with substance abuse and your spouse having an addiction. InshAllah you will all make dua for all the Sisters out there who are struggling.  https://www.salamgirl.com Instagram: @salamgirlpodcast

We dove into a very deep topic when we asked Nadirah P. to talk to us about race and the Muslim community. We talk about responsibility to make change and my favorite, "What not to say to Me".  If you love following Nadirah on Instagram, your going to love this inside look on our show.  Follow @nadirah.p on Instagram for more from this inspiring and satirical young woman. 

Nahela Morales is a Mexican American convert to Islam, a single Mother, and a marching, shouting, oppression fighting activist.  Listen as she walks us through her conversion to Islam after 9/11 and how she began to live a life completely devoted to the service of the people.  She is non-stop. The Women's March, the border wall, and marching against discrimination are just a few of her usual yearly calendar. She shares her greatest project with ICNA, Embrace, which provides a safe space for converts to Islam to gather, support, and feel they are part of a community.  She can't do enough and she helps us share her vision of community service.

When she was in high school, Lena Sarsour alway knew she wanted to be a designer. Her parents pushed her to pursue a more lucrative career path but that creative gene never burned out. Now along with her husband, Lena has founded a jewelry brand that is truly innovative and unique. Nominalx is becoming the hottest trend in minimal style jewelry and Lena has her own niche focus on the Muslim community. Learn how they have crafted a very populated business into something very intentional. www.nominalx.com

Crowdfunding sites are the new norm when it comes to getting started for some in the business, arts, and even charity sectors. LaunchGood is a niche crowdfunding platform for the Muslim community worldwide, with a focus on creative & entrepreneurial Muslims. Today we are talking with founder and COO, Amany Killawi, about what to expect when pitching yourself to Launch Good and what to expect afterwards. This is everything you didn't know about crowdfunding! www.launchgood.com 

We asked you to send us your most intimate questions and challenges so we can discuss possible solutions and we absolutely loved the turn out. Today is our first segment of "Salam Talk" and we hope you are able to take something away from it. We answered questions about a Muslim girl wishing to convert but how she will get her Fathers blessing. We also talk about two other Sisters about their romance dilemmas and offer our best advice for navigating these very tricky areas of life.

Yaz the Spaz is one of the most well known names if your a Muslim girl, which ummm most of you are. She's the YouTube hijab tutorial OG and has created a name for herself with her upbeat positive outlook on living as a Muslim girl in America. When she got married and then started a family, fans saw less and less of her beloved content as life took hold of her.  If you know Yaz, you know nothing is too much to handle, today she is shining brighter than ever and her content has evolved with her new role as #mommyspaz . She's still sharing her timeless beautiful photos in hijab, but the depth to her captions reveals her new found wisdom and maturity and her reach is even further. 

Coming to Dallas, Sept. 29th, the play "Not Without My Hijab" is a can't miss event for all Sisters in Islam and women who are just curious to learn more! Todays episode dives into the struggles Halimah DeOliveira faced growing up Muslim and feeling alone in college. She decides that removing her hijab would be best and slowly drifts away from her faith. Allah has plans for Halimah and she comes back in a BIG way. It's never too late to change your life to living for Allah, no matter how far you feel you are. 

LIVE recording from ISNACON2019   Yasmeen Tadia is an entrepreneur who left her corporate life to follow her dreams in the sweetest way possible.  As a single Mom who wanted to provide a healthier alternative to candy, for her son Zain, Yasmeen saw a need in a market that hadn't been met. She turned spinning her gourmet, completely organic, mini sized cotton candy into a sophisticated service coveted by top brands such as Neiman Marcus, The MET Gala, Forbes, Instagram, Drybar, Facebook, Lyft and so many more. Her success story has been featured across national television, magazines, and newspapers. Enjoy!

Verona Collection is the first modest clothing line created by Muslims and sold in major department stores like Macy's and ASOS. Lisa Vogl is piloting that ship and while she was paving the way into main stream fashion, she was being abused at home. Lisa talks about fighting her way to happiness with her two sons, climbing to success in her business and the work she is doing to make "getting out" easier for other women who face domestic violence. 

Today we are talking to none other than #girlboss Melanie Elturk, the founder of Haute Hijab, the nations top hijab brand. Melanie along with her husband built a hijab empire, in the empire state, NY, because that's where you create something YUGE. Melanie takes us BTS to her humble beginnings and shares how she's able to keep her feet on the ground while her company takes over the world. We hope! 

Body image consumes us all. We all have something that we want to change about our bodies whether its being more healthy, being more trim, or having glowing healthy skin. Sara Zayed, of the platform "Posifitivy", joins us to talk about her struggles with body image and how she turned it all around. She's an extremely over qualified personal trainer and medical scribe for Ethos, a farm based health clinic, who has a passion for plant based nutrition and schools us all on why eating more plant based foods can help you look amazing, but even better than that, can help you to live a longer life. 

We are joined by Dr. Maisam Hasan, a Doctor of Holistic Medicine, who gives us her 5 east steps for lowering the massive amount of stress in your life and how it can effect your over all health. School is starting and we want to get you girls back into your routine with bells on! 

Your leaving soon for Hajj and your not quite sure what to expect! No worries girls, weve got an innovator behind the brand, Fej Gear, who along with her Brother and Father, is changing the way Muslims embark on the greatest journey of their faith. Dina leads us through the best tips for packing, what to expect, and maintaining a state of Ihram.

In part 2 of our two part series on wearing hijab we dive into 5 easy steps to help you avoid hijab burnout! For real girls, this is a real thing and we have definitely been there so listen up for our advice on how you can avoid the burn out of wearing hijab. We want you to always have "all the feels" when it comes to wearing your scarf, but lets face it, everyone faces different challenges and we want to equipt you to handle them head on! 

You have always wanted to do it, and now we are giving you the tools you need to become a successful Hijabi! We are just talking about "why" you should take this leap. No girls, this show is different than any "hijab" show you have heard. We are delivering practical steps to set up your life for dressing with intention in all types of situations. Learn from our experiences and those of others so you can be set up for success and look like a pro immediately! YOU GOT THIS GIRL! 

After visiting more than 20 countries, this Insta blogger has a few notches in her belt when it comes to traveling smart and safely. Alaa from the IG handle, @thetravelinghijabista, is sharing her top 5 hacks for traveling as a Muslim woman. She dishes about self defense, safety, prayer tips and making sure your traveling with the right people! If you have summer plans, this is a must hear episode!

Huda Fahmy joins us today to talk about her amazing comic series, "Yes I'm Hot in This". We learn how she broke into the comic genre and developed her skills as an artist. She reveals her inspo for the series and a YUGE announcement for fans!  Grab her book on Amazon "Yes I'm Hot in This" Follow her on Instagra @yesimhotinthis