WE ARE FOUR

Not so long-ago Modesty Hut celebrated its THIRD anniversary, and today it’s FOUR years in business!

Looking back at the past 12 months, I can honestly say it was an extremely challenging yet productive year. 

Firstly, let me share some wins!

Modesty Hut launched its second sustainable shawl line called the Grace Collection. They are lovely jersey shawls offering the ultimate softness, comfort and generous size. I wanted to bring a practical shawl in a popular jersey fabric without compromising the environment. Grace shawls are produced in a lot-tox facility and made of a plant-based fabric. We have fantastic reviews for the collection, so if you are not owning one yet, you may be missing out.

I am currently in the process of developing a third sustainable collection! I will give you a little hint: The Providence Collection will have a sister. To know more, you’ll have to wait until 2023. You will hear about it first (and get an introductory offer) if you’re on my email list. If you’re not, here is the link to sign-up: SUBSCRIBE.

My showroom has been upgraded as well. According to customers, it looks and feels like a shop rather than a showroom, which couldn’t have made me happier. It’s nice to see when the hard work pays off. I still have more ideas for improving it going forward, making it more appealing and comfortable for my lovely customers.

People are happy with the quality and durability of the hijabs and shawls Modesty Hut offers. Some sisters say they only shop with me now. Others are prepared to travel 1.5 hours so they can shop in person. I have many repeat customers, which tells me I am doing something right. Queensland sisters have also discovered Modesty Hut as I recently started fulfilling the orders for the Sunshine State.

And last but not least….customers are becoming more aware of environmental issues when shopping for clothes and hijabs. 

People have started to understand my values and the awareness I am trying to raise; they support my business by purchasing, leaving reviews, and recommending Modesty Hut to their friends. 

It’s easy to become an impactful consumer and make better choices when shopping for clothes and hijabs. Buy less, buy quality, and buy plant-based fabrics. Shop second-hand, upcycle and recycle. 

And now for challenges.

Small businesses were hit hardest during the past two years of the pandemic. Whilst we started to bounce back from the pandemic, inflation hit with the rising cost of living and cash rate hikes. Buyers’ purchasing power has decreased, and people are spending less on clothes and accessories, including hijabs. 

I wanted to scream and quit many times. Imagine: you work so hard in your small business to bring sisters high-quality, affordable, sustainable hijabs, renovating your showroom and investing in your education and training, only for life to keep bringing you down. 

Alhumdulillah, my passion and trust in my mission kept me steadfast. Business coaches often say that in business, you must find your “why”, as your “why” will push you to go on when all you want to do is to give up. My “why” has evolved.

Early on, I wanted to offer sisters living in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs a place to buy hijabs as we were isolated from the rest of the Muslim community. Then my “why” became a mission to raise awareness about the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment, our health and how we consumers can make a difference. This is how my ethical shawl lines, “The Providence” and “Grace Collection”, were born. And this is why I will continue to develop sustainable ranges, slowly replacing all traditional stock with environmentally friendly options.

Hopes for the future.

I aspire that Modesty Hut’s sustainable products go onto mainstream shops and become available for the general public on a larger scale.