Sumayah Saadi

In 2021, I decided to quit my dream job in London's political scene at the age of 21

At the time, I realised I wasn’t finding fulfilment in what I was doing.

So, I followed my heart and tried something new.

Here’s what my journey has looked like so far since then:

January ‘21: Watched YouTube videos on how to make clothes during COVID-19.
February ‘21: Bought a sewing machine, and materials, and started making dresses.
February ‘21: Began documenting my dress-making process on Instagram.
March ‘21: Followers started asking if I could make dresses for them.
March ‘21: Began taking orders. Made £200-300 a day in profit.
April ‘21: Contacted a manufacturer. Opened a store in London.
January ‘22: Launched TikTok Shop. First Live made £500 in 30 mins.
January ‘22: Spring Campaign Live, made £50,000 in just 2 hours.
January ‘23: Did £2M in sales through TikTok Shop.
January ‘24: Did £4M in sales through TikTok Shop.

And as of April 2024, SUMAYAH:

👉🏼 Has a team of 20+ people.
👉🏼 Is TikTok’s #1 modesty brand.
👉🏼 Is projected to do £8M this year.
👉🏼 Has over 185K followers on TikTok.
👉🏼 Has opened 3 retail stores in the UK

But my biggest achievement is none of the above accomplishments.

(I’ve never cared much for the monetary value.)

My biggest achievement is that I’ve been able to use my platform for change.

Changing the narrative around modesty for Muslim women.

Employing my mum who was finding it hard to get a job.

Being able to provide for my family.

Helping others is what has brought me fulfilment.

So, my message to you is:

Follow through with what your heart tells you.

At 24, I made the controversial decision to leave the UK.

Here's the shocker? I'm hearing more people plan the same move.

I was raised here and here's the brutal truth about why I spend little time in the UK:

1. Safety as a young female
I've been robbed at knifepoint in broad daylight.
The intense PTSD that follows means you panic every time someone gets too close. Life shouldn't be like that.

2. Cultural shift
The respect for laws & authority when in public is drastically different. In places like Dubai you feel safe. Protected. Respected.

3. Business reality
Running a UK business is becoming a nightmare:
→ Rising Taxes on everything
→ Property ownership penalties
→ Success is punished

4. Success mentality
The UK has a strange mentality towards money and success. I cheer when others win. I need to surround myself with the same.

That and well, the weather ☀️
I function and perform better in the heat. Why fight it?

Sometimes growth means change.
Success means opting for environments better aligned to you.

Who's feeling this shift? 🌍

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🤍 Join me Sumayah Saadi, as I share insights, motivation, and empowerment while redefining modest fashion. Let's grow together!