launch Issue

feature story
Building her own modest lifestyle brand Hanie,
Haneefah made a departure from her master’s degree
in pharmacology and drug discovery from Coventry
University, UK to pursue her real passion. Haneefa
explains that the dolls outfits are inspired by every day
and occasional outfits of a hijabi girl as she wanted to
document a particular lifestyle demonstrated through
this doll.
“I hand make, style, and take pictures of all the outfits
myself. “ says Haneefah
Hijarbie’s style can be described as versatile, with most of
her outfits custom made. There’s also a simplicity to what
she wears which is her core style. Currently, Haneefah
makes about three or four garments in a week and
hopes to update them daily once she can dedicate more
time. Finding it difficult to choose her favourite outfit,
Haneefah’s current favourite is the floral skirt with the
green olive top but she is also partial to the navy blue
skirt and white top paired with the red hijab.
Instagram page. I definitely see future collaborations
with dedicated hijabi outfit designers in sha Allah.
Ultimately, I want a very interactive and engaging
Instagram page that everyone can engage with.”
Haneefah sees Hijarbie as “a force to reckon with and
a style icon and hopes she travels and explores more
opportunities, which may lead to a series with Hijarbie’s
adventures!”
Imploring everyone to be kind, Haneefah says;
“Kindness encompasses a lot of wonderful acts like
extending support and strength towards one another. In
doing that, success is bound to be an integral part of our
lives. “
For more Hijarbie inspiration visit
Haneefah’s instagram page - Hijarbie.
Haneefah has been delighted by the global response her
work received. The timing of this new creation worked
well and many modest wear consumers were fascinated by
this modified version of barbie that they could relate; no
doubt this has contributed to the huge success.
Most of Hijarbie’s instagram followers are the youth
and mums. A lot of the younger ones are inspired by
her outfits and the mums want this doll for their kids
over the regular barbie whose image gives them much
concern. Hijarbie followers are everywhere. She has
been featured in newspapers in different languages and
different countries with followers come from Africa, USA,
Australia, UK, and most of Europe and Asia.
What’s next for Hijarbie? Haneefah says; “The dolls
are already selling and we are partnering with a lot of
distributors to take it to the next step. I just hope it will
grow from there. We are currently doing a collaboration
with a few designers which will be featured on our
Haneefah Adam
78 Cover Magazine