Believe in the power of community. On some days when you feel big goals are impossible, or when you feel like giving up, you need to lean on your like-minded community. You can even “borrow” motivation, and in turn “return” with your own inspiring stories to pay it forward.
In this special column called the “TLC x Fempreneurs Series”, we will be featuring inspiring Female Entrepreneurs (Fempreneurs) in short. You will be able to have a sneak peek at their mindsets and their daily habits.
Meet Zairin Azman
Meet Zairin Azman, who is a mompreneur based in Malaysia. She was featured in GLAM Magazine, Jelita, local newspapers such as Berita Harian, NST, The Star, Tatler Magazine, Harpers Bazaar Malaysia and many online articles.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, I am Zairin Azman, the Founder of UMMA. Our name UMMA comes from the Arabic word ‘ummah’, meaning ‘a community bound together by ties of religion’. UMMA is a sisterhood of modern, modest women, from all walks of life. The brand was established in Kuala Lumpur in 2016.
What got you started on your business?
I saw the need for comfortable, versatile, fashionable clothing, without compromising modesty, and always at an accessible price.
I believe in the lines of sophistication in each pieces we create which reflects woman’s standards of strength, beauty and courage.
Our first product was Azra semi-instant scarves and RTW collection. Till date, UMMA semi-instants are still the best seller.
What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
At the moment, it is the current COVID-19 situation. It is a worldwide pandemic and handling the crisis is a new issue for me and the team, especially with regards to the brand’s sales performance and also marketing strategies.
What is your vision / personal motto?
Whenever I set a goal, I will try and achieve it. Focus and you will be able to achieve anything you wish for.
Who inspires you?
My parents.
Do you have any word of advice for other ladies who are starting their business / starting to pursue their dream?
Follow your passion, great things and achievements takes time.
How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered?
I believe that self-care is important. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
To me, good sleep is equally important.
What excites you most about your industry?
There is always something new to learn every season – it is not always predictable.
What have you learnt recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?
Never rush into any collection’s production, even if there is a delay, there is always a good reason why it happens.
What do you do in your free time as self care? How do you unwind?
Cooking is my passion!
When I have free time during the weekends while taking care of my 3 kids, I make sure I have “me-time”, like doing manicure, pedicure and facial once a month.
What is one thing you are grateful for?
I am grateful for all the simplest things in life – Being able to breathe without any problems; able to have food on the table, house to live in, a wonderful job, loving family and a great team to work with.
Let us know more about what you do!
When I first started to wear the head scarf 4 years ago, I found it difficult to find a hijab brand that was easy to wear especially for a working mum. I decided to come up with a semi-instant scarf called Azra that was easy to wear, and the fabric is cooling and comfortable too.
I wanted everyone who just started wearing the scarf to look fashionable without compromising modesty – All under 5 minutes!
UMMA now has extensive range of items from – inners, volumnizers, scarves, khimar, Raya for men and women, and also RTW collection.
Our first ever shop-in-shop is at Isetan KLCC Level 2 and AEON Shah Alam First floor. We are also available online – UMMA website, Fashion Valet, Zalora and Shopee.
Our instagram is @umma.my
Connect with UMMA!
Website: www.umma.my
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umma.my
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umma.malaysia
Giveaway Alert
Head over to The Ladies Cue Instagram to find out how you can stand a chance to win Nawar Basic scarves worth RM65 each!
Are you a Fempreneur too?
Connect with us – we’d love to feature you! Say hi to us at [email protected] or reach out to us via our social media.
Read TLC x Fempreneur Series:
- Cher Yip, CAS Garage
- Connie Go, Gosford Leather
- Angelina Tan, BeauLab
- Marine Lim, Absolute PR
- Rina Lee, Rina Lee Jewellery
- Ezza Yusof, 2morrow Official (Malaysia)
- Julie Yim, Lilin+Co (Malaysia)
- Nadia, HelloBello (Malaysia)
The rest of the Fempreneur interviews can be found here.