JOHOR BARU: COMFORTABLE and affordable Muslimah wear, inspired by Punjabi suits, jubah, and Bollywood, can be found at Ya Hareem boutique here, with discounts of up to 50 per cent, in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha.
There are blouses and office wear which mix-and-match with skirts and pants.
Owner Farissa Anwar Basah, 27, said the name Ya Hareem comes from Arabic, which means “Hey Ladies”, as they are selling Muslimah apparel for women of all sizes.
“I started selling clothes online in Singapore with a capital of only RM3,853. I bought telekong, blouses, and jubah from wholesalers in Tanah Abang, Jakarta.
“Eventually, I found more avenues to source for my material and secured deals with factories and production houses in India, Hong Kong, and China which could produce my designs.
“My designs are based on Muslimah fashion trends in Turkish, Mediterranean and Indian styles,” she said, adding that her collections come in sizes XXS to 6XL, with prices ranging from RM35 to RM285 per piece.
Farissa, a Singaporean, said her Indian-Muslim heritage and her husband, who is of Arab descent, have influenced her designs.
She has agents and customers in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Kelantan and Penang.
“I opened my second boutique here because I wanted to test the Malaysian market and make it convenient for my regular customers and agents in Malaysia to see my collection.
“Substantial postage cost can be saved by opening an outlet in Johor Baru as Muslim wear is more popular here compared with the Singapore market.”
Her interest in running her own business was inspired by her family’s Singapore-based catering venture.
As a young mother with two children, Farissa understands the need for breastfeeding friendly clothes which she also designs for her customers.
Farissa, who is a double degree holder in Hospitality and Tourism, and Human Resources from Murdoch University in Singapore, designs matching outfits for mothers and daughters, be it casual, smart or evening wear.
To maintain the quality of her clothes, she chooses the materials for all her designs and tries them on before sending them for mass production.
Due to the encouraging response from customers, Farissa is extending her promotion for another week.
Ya Hareem opens daily from 10am to 10pm and closes on certain public holidays.
For enquiries, call 07-244 5220, visit the Ya Hareem Facebook page, Instagram: @yahareem, or drop by the boutique at 16 & 18 (ground floor), Uda Business Centre, Jalan Padi Emas 1/2.
The Singapore outlet is at 845, Geylang Road #1-44, Tanjong Katong Complex, S400845.