Local Flair

Local Flair Issue 32: Imaan Lifestyle

Local Flair is back! Today I would like to pass on the mic to Rabia, founder of Imaan Lifestyle. Imaan Lifestyle is an online store, offering a wide range of luxury Islamic products. Carry on reading to know more about the business and how it came about. P.S. Giveaway at the end of the post!

Tell me about yourself.

I was born and raised in the UK and moved to Dubai around two years ago with my husband. Before moving to Dubai I studied to become a Pharmacist at the University of Manchester, and then worked in the field for a while once I had qualified. So I definitely don’t have the typical background for someone doing the type of business that Imaan Lifestyle Co is! My business however is a reflection of my experiences, hobbies and interests. I come from an entrepreneurial family and have always been inspired by using your own creativity to create a career that you love! As well as this I love travelling and going to new places, and if you ever bumped into me on the weekend, you would most likely find me sipping coffee at one of Dubai’s pretty cafes!

Tell me about Imaan Lifestyle Co .

I have always been inspired by beautiful and contemporary Islamic items that I could use in my home that would serve its purpose, but also have a deeper meaning at the same time. Whether it is decorating my home with artwork, writing in a journal or even the the items used in my personal prayer space, it has always been important for me to use things which are meaningful and serve as a reminder to me of my faith. When I moved to the UAE, it was difficult to find these sorts of products which I found very surprising for a Muslim country. I realised I wasn’t the only one in this situation. Realising there was a gap in the market, I wanted to bring these products to the region for like-minded people. After a lot of research and hard work I launched Imaan Lifestyle Co in July 2020!

How did you go about choosing the name “Imaan Lifestyle Co” and the logo?

Being a faith inspired brand, the Arabic word for faith ‘Imaan’ had to be incorporated into the brand name. The intention behind our brand is to bring products that will help believers beautify their connection with their faith in their day to day lives. For me faith is beyond just a mere feeling, it is a deep-rooted sense of peace, guidance, acceptance and motivation. It almost goes without saying that faith is a vital component of life – having faith is what gets me through the day! So having our brand named after this beautiful word was very meaningful to me.

I wanted the logo to have a simple and elegant feel to it so I designed it with this in mind. Also, I love anything rose gold and pink which is why this these colours are incorporated throughout the brand.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

For me the most rewarding thing is seeing a customer use and love our products! Its an amazing feeling to see happy customers and to receive such positive feedback on products we have put so much thought and love into!

What’s been the most challenging aspect of the business and how have you overcome it?

One of the most difficult aspects of starting any small business is trying to get your name and brand out there. Often, it is easier when you have a wide network of people you know who can help spread your brand through word of mouth. But unlike other businesses in Dubai which have been started by people who have been living here for a long time, my husband and I are still relatively new to Dubai and each day we are still meeting new people and making new friends. Although being new to Dubai definitely has been a challenge, I am grateful that through the business I am meeting like-minded people and developing new friendships.

What’s the most unique trait about Imaan Lifestyle Co?

I would say the most unique thing about our brand is that we put a lot of care and thought into every aspect of our products and their packaging. Whether our customers are buying our products as gifts or for themselves, we ensure all items are gift wrapped in our luxurious packaging to make sure every recipient feels special.

Which product is the current best seller?

Our best selling products are the prayer rugs from our Mi’raj Luxury Prayer Rug Collection. They are exclusively designed for us and made in Turkey with the most intricate detailing and beautiful materials. Pictures do not do justice for these prayer rugs and they truly make such a unique and luxurious gift. We are so excited to add more designs to the collection soon.
My favourite product is from our Islamic Jewellery collection. We have an Ayatul Kursi necklace and matching cuff which I absolutely adore because of its Islamic significance for providing protection and safety, as well as being a beautifully designed accessory!

Which of the products are locally sourced?

Our ‘Reflection Journals’ are made completely locally. We designed them in close collaboration with a Dubai-based artist and produced them with a printing press specialising in journal and notebook manufacturing. Each journal has a uniquely hand designed floral print on the covers, incorporating pastel colours throughout and thought provoking Islamic quotes. They have been designed with small touches in mind like gold
spiral binders, metal corners, a vellum divider page with a beautiful Hadith on it and gold foiling.

What’s your advice to other women planning to start a business in the UAE?

My advice to anyone else would be to firstly start a business that you are truly passionate about – I think this is very important! Secondly, believe in yourself, stay resilient and keep your trust in Allah. Starting a business can be a daunting task but I’m a firm believer that with hard work and perseverance anyone can achieve even what initially appears to be impossible. Ultimately all rizq (sustenance) is from Allah but He sees your hard work and effort and because of it gives ease and makes things rewarding.

Stay tuned for…

Being a new business we have a small collection at the moment which is growing slowly but surely inshaAllah. We have a variety of pieces which will be added to our home decor collection such as prints and mugs which we are very excited to share soon. Also please keep an eye out for the Ripe Market pop ups as we will have stalls there throughout the month of September, and you can have a chance to take a look at our products in person.

My Experience with Imaan Lifestyle…

I was kindly gifted a Moon & Star tray, as seen in the above image, and was so impressed at all the little details that were thought of. The packaging and product truly oozes luxury. Rabia’s curated collection of Islamic products are unlike any I have come across before, especially in this region, and are simply gorgeous. I can not wait to display sweet pastries in the Moon & Star tray come next Eid and on any special occasion. I love the soft colour palette choice of the products in store, and definitely have my eye on purchasing some lovely bits in the near future.

Giveaway!

Imaan Lifestyle and Mummy On My Mind are holding a giveaway for your chance to win a handcrafted silk rose Tasbih and Bismillah softcover Notebook! The giveaway will run from 24th August to 1st September. All you have to do is:

Follow mummyonmymind and imaanlifestyle on Instagram
Like and comment on the photo of the Imaan Lifestyle giveaway
Tag 3 of your friends who would be interested in the comments section of the photo.
Repost this giveaway on your Instastories OR instagram feed.
Please Note: This giveaway is open to UAE residents only, and is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administrated by or associated with Instagram. All the best!

Thank you so much Rabia for giving us an insight into your inspiring business that is bringing gorgeous Islamic pieces into our home. For more information and to have a closer look at the stunning products, head to their website www.imaanlifestyle.com , or follow them for updates on Instagram and Facebook.