Goodbye Bloggity blog :)

ok no more guilt. I feel quite pleased with myself. This blog is ending yes, but I am transitioning. Thank you for following me on my journey out into starting The Sultaness and finally realizing the goals I set out for myself some years ago. I do have the jeweledoasis blog I mentioned in my last post but that is more of platform for fans of the Sultaness. I however will be more focusing on writing regarding business, starting a business, entrepreneurship, fashion design and stuff related to that. 

Go to www.themuslimpreneur.com to follow me there inshallah if you like! I wish you all the best :) 

Check out my business blog!

Ok I am still in the process of doing a little project on the side but that is going to take a lot of time and thought. I finally got my business blog for The Sultaness up alhamdoolilah.

It is called Jeweled Oasis and I am so proud of it. I will phase this blog out and move there permanently so if you are still interested in following my goings ons and what nots you can subscribe there :)

https://jeweledoasis.squarespace.com/

Thoughts on moving on...

I never thought I would get to the point of wanting to move on from my blog. Now I think I am building respect for those that do. There comes a point where its hard to find a point. I used to go days without posting and felt this sense of guilt and all types of posts sprouted up in my mind of what I felt I should publish. Now I have gone weeks and months and there is no guilt. 

I wish I could say I am too "busy" to write on here but if I am honest with myself I know I am not working up to my potential in my personal and professional life. I have many responsibilities on my plate and some days I regress just trying to catch my breath. Alhamdoolilah for everything. 

I do have a special announcement however! I am engaged :) Yes, I was scooped up by an amazing man who keeps me grounded as we travel on this uphill road to becoming a family. I look forward to that and the thoughts of that bring me comfort and a cheesy smiles alhamdoolilah.

I deleted my Facebook account. I am not sure if it is permanent. No more outfit posts to be expected from me or any goodies to show off either. All my money, time and energy is going full force in my business. 

I do have thoughts on starting a business blog and shifting over there. I'd rather write more towards entrepreneurship and the ins and outs of that once I gather myself, and perfect my craft. 

If I do make a move I will link it from here before I phase this out.

I love all my followers. Thank you for coming along this journey with me. 

8 Good Morning Questions to start the day in Happiness

Woke up late this morning. My schedule has been out of wack since the last 10 days of Ramadan. Yesterday was full of lots of work. Everyday I feel like I wake up and my heart and mind go on a treadmill. Do this, do that. I had a schedule but it fell apart. Now I have to reclaim it slowly. This week I have to go to the doctor's because I have something wrong with my right hand since Ramadan. I have to wedding to go too as well (the Sultaness is conducting a custom order for her jewelry that day).

Nafiza J's Handbook for Life (its time for a change)

Peace and blessings,

I can't tell you how many times I contemplated ending my blog. I felt that no one was reading, it wasn't relevant anymore, and it wasn't nearly as chic and fancy enough as my other accomplished blogger sisters.

It wasn't until recently after reading a passage of Mastery where I started silently mulling why exactly was I even having those thoughts?

Thoughts about others. 

Thoughts about keeping up.

Thoughts about not feeling good enough.

Post launch thoughts

Ah man its been so long since I blogged. I almost do not know what to say. Alhamdoolilah I launched the Sultaness and it is a certainly amazing company I am proud to run.

I think since launching I drink something called "Reality Juice 5.0" and I went from having expectations (before launching) to adjusting to reality. Positive and Negatives included.

But alhamdoolilah I am glad I made the jump so now I can focus building my knowledge and this business.

Whenever anyone asks me how Ramadan is going I sometimes have to force a positive response. I have nostalgic feelings for being a student back in uni with the freedom to arrange my day and worship to my hearts content. If I close my eyes and envision an ideal situation it would be far from what is present. Sometimes days are much harder then others as I barely get a break managing so much. I am Senora Complainsalot basically.

Sultana is amazing. Beautiful. Happy and well taken care of by me.

As for me...I haven't taken a picture in a LONG time for a good reason lol.

Some days become so hard I just want to shout or bang my angry woman fists and spew all the bitterness and regret I can muster. I think things are more exacerbated because I am still going through a legal divorce and for some reason Ramadan all of it is picking up again.

It feels as almost as if I am being attacked from all sides to prevent myself from enjoying this month.

And soon Ramadan will leave and be lost forever.

I wish I had something powerful, intellectual, or perhaps inspiring to say but that would be forcing it. Right now I am taking deep breaths and pacing myself.

Current goals I am setting and working towards:
1. Finishing reading Quran for the month
2. Memorizing new surat inshallah ya rab
3. Writing an ebook or presentation on networking for Muslim business owners
4. Taking advantage of the upcoming days as if they were my last (inshallah)
5. Daily reading and increasing my knowledge for my career
6. Downsizing..getting rid of some of my emails and even this blog...what do you think?

Adventures in Not having a Cell Phone!

Question 1

Have you ever gone without having a cell phone (we all did before they were invented) and for how long?

Question 2

How did it make you feel?

My Interview with Sweet Modesty!!!

Read my interview with Sweet Modesty here: 

http://www.sweetmodesty.com/#sthash.XVBcodFj.4MgbpGOQ.dpbs

xoxo!

6 more days until the launch of the Sultaness!!!!!!!

Inglot Cosmetics and the Sultaness Launch Party!

I am quite excited. I am ecstatic. Time passes by so quickly and there is not enough subhanallah I am so busy. Please help support me and let people know about this historical undertaking! Post to your blogs, Facebook pages, and social media. It means so much and it enables to me to have a boost in creating a successful brand that appeals to all! (inshallah)

My story on Coming to Faith site!

Salams and peace to all my dear readers, newbies and veterans! 

I wanted to pass you all my Coming to Faith story submitted here. It is my reflection on how I came to my state of faith and the process of my trust in Allah.

I'd love to know your thoughts!

 This is the first real submission (for another site)I have done online I think! 

Alhamdoolilah. 

Story here: http://www.comingoffaith.com/2013/06/the-climb-up.html

Featured Events: Premier Showcase Event!

Peace and Blessings folks! 

Last night I went to an app launch party in Inglot and stood around pretending to be helpful. My outfit caught the eye of this really sweet woman who inquired about the biz. I told her just a little about it and asked her to attend our launch party. She said she would be really excited to do so and threw in some other exciting stuff that may or may not happen. A collaboration of some sorts! 

I really love being a business woman. I feel on edge and overwhelmed most of the time yes, but its a profession that allows me to meet so many amazing people, learn and grow daily, and be able to potentially affect many lives. We haven't even started yet, which means there are probably lots of uphill battles and road bumps ahead...I will face them inshallah! 

Here is a question! 

Are any of you going to be in the New York area on Saturday?

 If so, I'd love to see you at the event happening at the Gregory Hotel. See flyer below.

I am really excited because I have seen some of the product adverts and there will be some great pieces on sale. Also, I get to meet the designer Zeba Ramos (again)! She is one of the sweetest hardest working people I know in NY now, and she will be featuring her designs there for sale inshallah.

See zeba ramos store here

Btw, if you come I WILL HUG YOU! 

Product Review: Princess Arabia Fashion

 Peace and blessings folks!

Ok, so about 10 forevers ago I purchased some maxi dresses from a Facebook storefront called Princess Arabia Fashions. It was the second time I ever ordered something on Facebook as I am an old woman and sometimes don't trust doing it.

Adventures with Sou sou!: Hair Creme and a 2 year old.

A while ago, sis and I were brainstorming some important stuff for the biz. We ASSUMED sultana was being productive playing with her blocks...that is, until we saw her run into the room and show us excitedly that she did her hair...

um....I have no words for what you are about to see...

Doing a little bit of Spring cleaning!

Peace and blessings folks!

I am doing a little bit of spring cleaning on my blog. Its time for more integration and spreading of lots of love! You can be sure to see changes in my pages (shopping destinations, ebooks, my favorite links) as well as some general visual changes. 

Let me know what you think! 

Isn't today a beautiful day?

Don't forget to share some love and tell everyone about my business! Everything is hand-made (that's why I don't sleep) and we will soon be partnering with some really great causes. If you are in the New York area, we will be launching June 29th in Chelsea square with Inglot studios inshallah! yay! 

Preparing for the Photo-Shoot Number 2

Peace and Blessings folks! 

Tis a photo-shoot around the corner for my sis and I. We are designing new items, prancing around the house in scarves and fleshing out the details like skin tone, make up, scarf style, and products. 

Our lovely model Rima is scheduled to show. We also put a casting call out for some more models. Inshallah one day I hope to host a casting call for any folks in New York and see if I can gather some girls in the local area! 

Working...working through the night. 

Project Coming of Faith! Yes and Yes Again!

Peace and Blessings folks!

Link

Have you heard of Coming of Faith? It's an up and coming project that features stories of Muslim women from various backgrounds of how they came to identify as Muslims. Usually we have all these "Hijab Story" posts all over the internet. While I do think they have some value, they don't effect me on a deep way as much as reading about someone's personal journey towards their current spirituality.

According to the Coming of Faith Project, 

"these stories are kept within our own selves, shared only during special occasions or with certain individuals, with the fear of judgement and misunderstanding. This prevents the world from gaining a more nuanced understanding of the different pathways that Muslim women take and the struggles we go through as we strive to embrace and fully realize the potential of our faith. Many of us have had deeply transformative experiences that have shaped and continue to shape us as we walk on our faith journey. It's time we shared them with one another.We are not looking for the typical ‘hijab story’ nor are we looking only for stories about reaching a ‘higher level’ of Islam per se. Rather, we’re looking to collect a variety of stories of real women who faced real struggles and at the end of the day, identify as a part of the Muslim faith."

Go, and show some love and support! Inshallah it would be great to read your stories there!

Coming of Faith site.
Coming of Faith facebook

How can I help you?

Peace and blessings folks! 

I am really excited right now because I have so many good things going on in my life. I am starting a business, meeting so many inspiring and beautiful

Link Loving: My favorite Nasheeds

Here are my absolutely favorite anasheed and religious songs! Let me know if you have listened to any of these and any recommendations you have for moi!

The Sultaness: Soldering techniques

Featured Events: Sister Swap Event!

Peace and blessings folks!

I always ALWAYS wanted to attend a swap event and yesterday alhamdoolilah I got my chance! I met up with a few other NYC sisters at Cafe Bene near Time square. 

First of all let me mention that Times square is not fun for me anymore. There are too many people, too much stimulation, (I sound like a grandma) and no one seems to know where they are going!

Tips for a Better Life Tag: Eco friendly and money saving tips that anyone can do!

Peace, love, blessings, and good health to all of you reading this!

Ok so I created a tag! I have no idea why, maybe just to spice things up a bit and to hear some practical tips we can all share between us.

My favorite new blog: Markers and Thread

Peace and Blessings folks!

I am very happy to share with you a new love of my life. 

My Style: High Tea Fashion Show Outfit and Markers and Thread BLoggy!

Peace and Blessings to all my dear readers!

Welcome to all the newbies and veterans! Its been foreversville since I had outfit posts. Last Friday, I attended the sisters only fashion show at St. Johns University. It was featuring Nida Mirza from IslamicGems and her new clothing line. 

I don't know if it's because I barely get out of the house, or because everyone was so nice,but I had an awesome time! I even got to meet the amazing Sadeel Allam from Sweet Modesty blog! Not only is she beautiful but she is sweet too (go figure!) 

I hope one day to host sisters-only events too (as you can really let loose) but for now I am very excited about the opening we will be having in NYC. Inglot Cosmetics (producer of the water permeable nail polish/found to be wudu permissable by many) will be launching the Sultaness (fb page, website)at their studios in Chelsea Square. 

This is a big deal. 

Life Updates and Biz Updates

Salam and peace and lots of love folks! 

To the regulars and the newbies, I have neglected you indeed! 

Gratitude List: Happy Friday April 5th 2013!

Hello Folks!

Salamz, peace, blessings, love and forgiveness and all the awesomeness to you! 

Was a bit stressed last night but after talking with my friend J I feel like a boulder lifted off me.

I am rising again and I can breath...

My Business Planning Chapter 8: the Sultaness Spring 2013 Photos!

Salam folks! 

Ok I got a stomach flu not too long ago which wasn't much fun. I  slinked around the house like a witch afraid of the sunlight. It definitely threw me off. You can bet that whenever I am not updating this blog I am either extremely busy, or extremely slow and probably sick.

Alhamdoolilah for everything. Don't you think sunlight makes a difference?

Last year, I lived in a basement for many months and barely had sunlight so whenever I get the sun peeking through in my room I just feel so much happier. I sit in front of my window to work because of how much I love it. 

Can I also brag about how I can smell the sea?

Oh lets throw something else in there....late at night if I listen, I can hear it! 

Alright, enough bragging! 

Basically I am doing a thousand things at once:

1. Working with a sewing contractor for the pin cushions
2. Going back and forth with our amazing photographer and web designer from Mirror51 who is in the process of starting our website.
3. Recruiting possible future empoloyees
4. Applying for our wholesale certification in NY
5. Reading, researching, and writing.

If you are ever bored and you want to be stupid busy, start a business of some sorts.

I swear, its just the beginning but this is one of the best things I have ever done in my life. It is so exciting :)

Here are the lovely finished photos from our photoshoot.

Please note: You can take these and re-post anywhere you like!!!!

Company info:

The Sultaness, meaning "Empress" in Arabic will make its debut at Inglot makeup studios June 29th in NYC!

We feature handcrafted luxury jewelry and accessories inspired by Persian, Indian, Turkish, and Middle Eastern art and architecture. Each of our pieces are handmade and undergo a vigorous design and quality control process making beloved pieces by all those who own them.

We use lots of spring inspired colors, gold, crystals, animal motifs, ornate styling, floral and geometric patterns. Our pieces are for the fearless woman who is proud to celebrate her identity.

For more information, sign up for our newsletter at http://thesultaness.com/

the Sultaness Facebook Company Page

the Sultaness Website

the Sultaness Twitter Page

the Sultaness Instagram Page

the Sultaness Pinterest Page 
the Sultaness on Stumbled Upon

What do u guys think!!!\?

Dear Readers...

Adventures with Sou sou!

Its about almost 2 am. I am looking over at my daughter lying sideways with her shirt flipped up and her stuffed camel propped up on her belly. 

Not using the word "Hijab" in my blog title and Sheryl Sandberg

She cites data showing positive correlations between success and likability for men, and negative correlations between success and likability for women. "That means that as a man gets more successful, he is better liked by men and women, and as a woman gets more successful, she is less liked by men and women," Sandberg explains. "But I want to be clear: I am not saying that men are too self-confident. That's not the problem. The problem is that women aren't self-confident enough."  source

What is self-confidence to you? 

DONT DO THIS! (funny story)

Peace and Blessings my dear readers! 

Here is a story I have for you (yes it is true).

On Monday I was sitting in the living room with sis (aka roomy/business partner/best friend) and I HEARD HER SAY:

112 Days until our Opening!!!

Empress Elite Hijab Pins! 

Visit us Here! 

Happy International Women's Day!

Have a beautiful day today! But don't forget our sisters who do not feel as if they can celebrate anything. Say a kind word, help them out, donate your love, time, money and energy. Be a part of the solution. Or else, for what other purpose is it worth being here???

Habits to Live by: Utilizing the Law of Attraction (Part 2)

Catch up on Part 1 Here

In the last post I ranted and complained about single-servitude motherhood. I also talked about how I wanted that to change.

Habits to Live by: Utilizing the Law of Attraction (Part 1)

Yesterday I almost had a breakdown. Late last evening, Sultana finally cooperated and fell asleep. I looked around my home and saw the chaos piled before me. Dirty clothes that have yet to be washed (most of the nearby laundromats were flooded from Sandy),     three different types of trash cans (because we follow a strict recycling regime in the neighborhood),  broken and mangled toys and food sprinklings on the floor, a sink full of dishes...etc.

Do you WANT IT ENOUGH?

In the name of the Almighty, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Sometimes when I meet people for the first time, the question I always end up asking them is not what they do, but

Photoshoot Updates!!! (Part 2)

Salams folks! 

Have you read my earlier post? Look Here. 

 The business will officially launch on June 29th inshallah! I am so excited to bring you behind the scenes with what happened yesterday at our first historical company photo shoot. 

Photoshoot Updates! (Part 1)

Salaams to all my beautiful readers,

Before I begin my post...

 انا لله وانا اليه راجعون

Inna lilahi wa inaa ilayhi raaj3oon

Truly, to Allah to we belong and truly, to Him we shall return (al Qur'an 2:156)

Please send your duas for the family and friends of Mr. Inglot. Please send them for himself as well. When we walked into the studio,

Gratitude List: Happy Friday February 15th 2013!!

Salams to all my readers!!

I went away for about a week to Texas because my 83 year old nani (grandmother) has been getting ill lately. As soon as I received a call about her health I felt sick inside because I knew she had always wanted to see sou sou. My daughter is the youngest member of my whole family at this point...the only great grand daughter.

They met, and Sultana gave her some dirty looks. Nani returned them, and soon they were shouting and playing and poking each other. 

My daughter has a good heart alhamdoolilah

Business Planning Chapter 7: Its Official!!!

Salams folks! 

A few weeks ago, I received a special letter in the mail. I opened it and there it was.....

My official Certificate of Registration! 

Gratitude List: Happy Friday January 25th 2013!

Salams my dear readers!

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and a great weekend. I am very excited for his particular weekend as my life is set to change dramatically, inshallah I see this as a blessing from Allah swt coming to my life. 

A lot of people are depending on me to fulfill my dream and I know I have this year to do it.

Gratitude List: Happy Friday January 11th 2013!!!!

Salam folks! 

Me=Dying from the Cuteness! 

Best of Smiles, 

Best of Health,

Best of Happiness,

Best of Imaan (faith),

Best of all that I can wish for all my dear readers today! 

We received an AMAZING anonymous gratitude list! Mashallah and Alhamdoolilah! 

No matter how hard it gets (and it will) just try TRY to remember the good you still do have, because tomorrow is a new day. 

Please make dua for anonymous who took the time to write and reflect on their blessings and was so kind enough to let us read it. Let something like this bring us closer to our Creator and cherish every moment we have left in this short life.  Jazkallah Khayr!

1. That I have access to the internet so that I can get inspired by you.

2. That God has protected me thus far and kept my matters private.

3. That I can breathe.

4. I have food, running water, heat, clothing, and basic neccasities.

5. That I am not exposed to anything traumatizing, especially not on a daily basis.

6. For Allah SWT's help in helping me establish the habit of referring to his Quraan every day.

7. For a mother and father who love me and have raised me as well as they can.

8. For a supportive and religious family who has principles and values.

9. For the many privileges I have above others that I don't even always utilize.

10. For the opportunity to be involved in the social justice movement.

11. For people who have opened my mind and heart to reality.

12. For my sewing machine, that I love so dearly.

13. For my room, which is beautiful and comfortable and a luxury that SO many cannot afford.

14. For the ability to read, write, and process information.

15. For the ability to communicate.

16. For God's mercy and continuous lutf he has bestowed on me.

17. For having a laptop.

18. For owning a home.

19. For the ability to be close enough to God to pour out my vulnerabilities to Him.

20. For books that I can lose myself in.

21. For access to scholarship money for college.

22. For having options.

23. For living in a community of Muslims.

24. For siblings who care and especially ones who care to share experiences, clothes, love, etc.

25. For a food processor and good set of knives that make the tedious task of cooking much easier.

26. For having influential and inspiring people in my life.

27. For the space I have to be creative and create.

28. For a beautiful body.

29. For a strong sound understanding of Islam.

30. For the ability to grow this foundation.

31. For the hardships that have made me stronger (this one is SO hard to appreciate for me, especially right now, but it is vital).

32. For shoes that cover my feet.

33. For the ability, time, and motivation to exercise.

34. For the privilege of being able to eat healthy.

35. That I can see. And hear, and feel.

36. That I am not made of stone.

37. That I realize my self-worth.

38. That I have control of my emotions, most of the time.

39. That I have had the opportunity to meet different people and visit different places.

40. That I have extra money to donate and spend on myself for added luxury that others can't afford.

41. For living in a country where Hijab is not banned.

42. For having an attitude that embraces differences.

43. For being able to find God in watching the clouds or the moon.

44. For people who push me, sometimes by force, into doing good for Allah's sake.

45. For makeup and paint and pretty things that let me stream my creativity fixes.

46. For the fact that nothing in this world last forever.

47. For ice cream.

48. For people who have less than me and in turn force me to realize how blessed I am.

49. For a functioning heart, even if it has black in many areas.

50. For the chance to start over and over and over again. Thank you ya Rabbi.

Product Review: Amirah Couture Safari Hijab!!!

Salam folks! 

Let me take you a little step into my Hijab buying habits....I rarely buy hijabs from online Islamic retailers. If I do buy them online, it is always from nordstroms because they have exceptional quality (though a bit pricey) and they always display scarf measurements, which sometimes Islamic companies fail to do.

Ridiculous right?

Well, not too long ago I found a little gem on Facebook known as Amirah Couture. The first thing I noticed about their Facebook page, is that not only does it feature beautiful photography, but they sold hijabs and abayat inspired by the Arab spring countries such as Palestine, Syria, and Egypt! 

Check out their Freedom Collection! The Proceeds from their items go directly as sadaqa for the countries they represent! So creative mashallah! 

Filisteen! 

Dear Readers...

"I am ready for the challenge to make my life a masterpiece. I am ready to join the leaders who live what they teach, who walk their talk, who live their lives as if it was the only one they get!"

Being sick and recovering to some good news inshallah

Salam folks! I can't even remember the dates but a few weeks back I abruptly fell ill. It happened a few days after I took sou sou to the doctor's office.

Go figure...

It is amazing how I haven't gotten sick in a while, but as soon as I went to the pediatricians office and sit for an hour around snotty infected children, I caught something.