BRAND THOUGHT: MY HIJAB IS MY BRAND

My sister Khairolin, shared with me an article in the Malaysian 'KOSMO' newspaper about the talk done by Lauren Booth a well known British journalist, an activist for the Palestinian struggle and a new Muslim revert. Interestingly, she's also the sister in law for ex Britain's Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

Booth dressed in black attire, gave a talk about 'My Journey to Islam' at the Public Service Golf Club, in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. She embraced Islam in September 2010, Masha Allah.

What caught my attention about this article is the fact that Booth said,

'My Hijab, is My Brand'

That is so...true. That has always been the message that I'm trying to impart through this blog. As Muslim women, the hijab is our first and foremost communication to the public that clearly declare we're Muslims. It is our brand and visual identity.

Sadly, the hijab identity especially in the western world has been associated with terrorism, oppression, violence and inequality.

Booth added when you wear your hijab it is important to 'smile' as people in the west, when they see a troubled looking hijabi would quickly assume that you've been abused by your husband. I couldn't agree more.

I always do the 'smiling' exercise with my workshop participants because a smile would just increase the energy of a person and the energy of everyone around him or her. It would also increase confidence.

Wear your hijab proudly and smile. It shows that we are friendly and approachable but at the same time we do have our limits. It shows that we're stylish yet modest, we're fearless as well as fabulous. We are Muslimahs.

Salute to our Muslim sisters in the west who remain fearless and fabulous despite all odds. Let's all stand together and declare this proudly, 'MY HIJAB IS MY BRAND!'

To read the article on KOSMO (it's in Malay) please go to this link:

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2011&dt=0221&pub=Kosmo&sec=Varia&pg=va_01.htm

STYLE THOUGHT: MODESTY IN STYLE-Muslimah Style & Image Workshop

Ladies!

Great News!

I'm launching my MODESTY in STYLE-Muslimah Style & Image Workshop this weekend or I'd prefer to call it FUNSHOP because it's fun, hands-on, practical & applicable.

So here it goes. Rather than I do the Personal Color & Makeup Workshop, I thought I should do a more specific one for the Muslimahs and Hijabis out there as I realize many are still unsure of how to be modest yet stylish and fabulous!

Hijab Style is just one area but that alone is not enough to be a hijabi. There's hijab etiquette, what to wear, what not to wear and how to wear is another area most people are clueless about.

You can be fabulous, stylish and yet modest all at the same time. I've pondered on conducting this workshop for quite awhile but I decided to do it sooner because of a compliment I got this afternoon.

I went to the bank this afternoon to pay the company's bills. Once I'm done, the teller at the counter said,

"You're really good at styling your scarf. You always look so nice,"

(This is my 'look' today.)

I thought this is an opportunity, so I said, "Well, you can attend my workshop and I'll teach you how you can achieve this look."

Suddenly the bank manager came out and said, "I think this look is not for everyone right, cause I'm not sure if I'll look good in it."

"Well, not necessarily, in my workshop you'll learn the right style for your face shape, the right fabric, texture, as well as wearing it right for each occasion. There's a difference between corporate style and the casual style or the dinner and party style. At the same time you'll learn the right colors that suit you cause if you're wearing the wrong color then it'll drown you, especially as a hijabi, our face has become the focal point." I added.

"So, when's your workshop and how much?"

"Good questions, it'll be on the 26th of February, Saturday or as an organization, you can organize yourself and have it at your venue. Plus, if 4 people sign up then the 5th person get to come for free. So the introductory fee for this workshop is only RM150. Normal price would be RM250."

I walked out of the bank promising them to come back with the brochures and 2 potential clients, well actually more cause they're thinking to sign up as a group and take advantage of the 4+1 offer.

So ladies and gals out there, sign up now as seats are really limited. I can only take 10 participants at the moment as the session is very hands on and practical. Call me at 012 937 6664 TO REGISTER.

Another lesson we can learn from here as I always end my style thought of the day is, YOU ARE A BRAND and YOU ARE YOUR CAPITAL. You have to be a walking advertisement. Your style and your image must reflect your brand, who you are and what you do. When that happens, opportunities will come to you instead of you chasing them. You'll become a magnet for great things! I don't need to advertise and I'm getting business isn't that fantastic? Stay true to your faith, stay true to yourself, stay true to the Muslim Style and Brand.

BRAND THOUGHT: WHAT YOU SAY OR WRITE AFFECTS YOUR PERSONAL BRAND-Lesson from a Malaysian Artist

This morning I read an article on the local weekend newspaper about a feud between two local female artists. One of them had written on her 'twitter' page how disgusted she was with the other. She used very vulgar, abusive words and curses. She went to the extent of calling the other artist 'anjing' (bitch-which she repeated more than three times), 'betina sundal' (whore), and 'sial' (well I don't think there's an exact English definition for it but I think 'accursed' would be the closest). I've heard about this artist's sharp tongue before but I really didn't know that it could be this sharp.

I was kind of shock to discover the 'rudeness' of her chosen words in expressing her anger with this other artist. This artist who wrote on her 'twitter' obviously did not realize or just plain ignorant to the severity of her action.

First and foremost, she has tarnished her personal brand and insulted herself in her effort of insulting others. Secondly, she has insulted the Malay race who is known to be rich in culture, gentle mannerism and very refined in nature. But what's worse is that, she has tarnished the Muslim brand and contradicted her religion, Islam! Islam is a religion of peace and love. Yet, she publicly demonstrated hostility towards another Muslim sister. Indirectly, she also insulted her other Muslim brothers and sisters in this whole process. Let me elaborate further on these points and how we can all learn from this situation.

YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

Before I read what she wrote on her 'twitter' I respected this artist. I think she's a hard worker, focus and has strong determination although I'm not a fan of hers. I still felt that she is talented even though she needs a style makeover.

However, when I discovered what she wrote, I got the impression that this artist is very hostile, very rough, uneducated and I do not want to go near her. I don't want to offer her any jobs either no matter how talented she is. I got the impression that she is vengeful and a very angry person. If you notice, the words I use to describe her take a 360 degree turn. Although, I don't know her personally so some may say I'm being too judgemental but from the words she used, I can't help but to form this negative impression on her. Her attitude sucks!

You see, what you say or write reflects your thoughts, your feelings, how you see things, your character, your mindset and your attitude. It also reveals your status, your level of education and even your family background, where you came from. People can get all this information just from the words you use. Are you refined or are rough? Are you nice or are you harsh? Are you educated or are you ignorant? Are you poor or are you rich? Are you positive or are you negative? So all the answers to those questions reflect your personal brand.

We want people to have positive experience with our personal brand whether they've met us personally or not. We make our choices most of the time from our emotion and gut feeling. How do you decide whether to get Guess or Levi's? We decide from the emotion we feel with each brand.

In this artist's case, I don't get a good feeling or emotion from her and I believe many wouldn't either after reading her 'twitter' posts.

YOUR RACE, YOUR PEOPLE, YOUR NATION

This artist is a Malay. Malay is a race that is known to have gentle mannerism, rich in culture and very refined in nature yet her words do not reflect that at all. She contradicted everything about Malay and put her own race down through her action. She showed to the world that the Malay race is rough, uneducated, no manners and abusive and yet those are not who we are.

I'm sad, very sad when I thought about it. Being a celebrity and a public figure, is a responsibility. Everyone and everything is connected. We are actually one and we come from the same source, the one and only Allah. We are all linked. Her action affected so many people and so many things on various levels without her realizing it. The more known you are, the more responsible you have to become.

We are all representatives and ambassadors. We represent our family, our culture, our people, our religion, our nation, and many other things like it or not. We don't just represent ourselves and yet all of those represent us. All of those make who we are and shape our personal brand. It is up to us to choose our words wisely so that we do justice to everyone and everything that we represent. Most of all, we do justice to ourselves.

THE MUSLIM BRAND

Doing what she did, is truly a bad representation of a Muslim. This is the saddest part. A Muslim forgives, a Muslim live in peace and help others, a Muslim speaks kind words. A Muslim doesn't insult and humiliate people publicly. A Muslim doesn't hurt. Islam is a religion of peace. It is our responsibility as Muslims to carry that brand well and represent as well as do justice to our other Muslim brothers and sisters. In a way when she insulted the other artist, she has also insulted Islam, the Muslims and herself in the process.

Having said all that, it's always important to remember that we are a BRAND. Our brand identity as a Muslim must reflect in all forms of communication. Communicate with style and class cause Islam is classy, ageless and timeless. It's the complete way of life.

Vulgar words are not stylish nor classy. You definitely do not find vulgar words in the Quran. Let's have 'LOVE' in our vocabulary. Allah wrote the Quran so stylishly, the words are beautifully chosen, so mathematically accurate, lovingly written and so perfectly crafted. Allah demonstrated to us through the Quran, the power of words and the importance of choosing your words wisely. Speak well of yourself and speak well of others. Stay true to the Muslim Style and Brand! Stay true to your faith and most importantly, stay true to yourself!

STYLE THOUGHT:OF HIJAB & LEGGINGS...OR IS IT PANTYHOSE?

I know leggings are in trend now but ladies, hijab & leggings just don't go together unless it is worn as an inner piece. It is so....contradicting!

Here, you are well covered at the top, so demure and sweet and modest, and then suddenly, when people look down they see every single curve (or fat and cellulite) of your legs because you're wearing a pair of leggings or even worse a panty hose, so sheer it's see through! I think some people may have just confused themselves between leggings and panty hose.

That is just so...inappropriate. Today on the way to an appointment, I spotted a lady looking so nice in gray but then her leggings just spoil the whole look.

Sometimes the top you're wearing is too short and the leggings you're wearing are too tight that they're showing the camel's toe, the shape of your well...private part and the jingle and jingling of your untoned butt. At times, the legs are too skinny. So leggings are really just not suitable for hijabi unless like I said earlier, if you wear them as an inner piece to cover your legs in case you fall down when you're wearing skirts.

Put that look together with a hijab it's just so awful. Hijab means to be covered & modest. Leggings do not perform that function or communicate modesty. Even if you're not a hijabi, a pair of leggings not worn appropriately will look too obscene. You have to be slender to wear one but can't be too thin either.

When you wear leggings with your hijab, it's like you're saying:

'I'm covered up here, but you can feast your eyes down there' or

'I haven't fully decided to be a hijabi' or

'Look at me, I'm sexy!'

A man told me once, 'Leggings with hijab is like 'teasing' us to look and fantasize further,' hhmm...that's something to think about.

Leggings can be worn:

to sleep

as inner piece

with pajamas

when doing home aerobics or exercise

So, leggings with hijab, that's out. Leggings for the activities I mentioned above, that's fine. Leggings in the picture below does not depict style, it depicts fashion disaster!

So, people, communicate appropriately, remember we're a BRAND and our first and foremost communication is that we're a MUSLIM, so carry that with style and modesty. No leggings with hijab!

FEBRUARY 2011 PERSONAL COLOR & MAKEUP WORKSHOP

This is a great HANDS ON workshop unlike the normal make-up class. In this workshop YOU will learn:

PERSONAL COLOR HARMONY

• Personal Color that suits YOU
• The right color clothes & make-up
• How to identify the right 'look' for you
• Whether you are warm or cool

MAKE-UP APPLICATION

• Using the right tools-makeup brushes, wedges etc
• To choose & apply the right color foundation
• To camouflage & conceal blemishes
• How to create a FLAWLESS look
• How to shape your face
• How to shade & highlight
• Day Make Up - Night Make Up - Fashion Make Up

HIJAB STYLE

• Find the right style & fabric to suit your face shape & Style personality
• Find the right colors that empower & energize you
• Hijab Etiquette
• How to style your hijab
• Wear Hijab in 5 Styles

VENUE:

10-2, JALAN SERI PUTRA 1/4, BANDAR SERI PUTRA, BANGI 43000, KAJANG, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

TIME:

9:00am - 1:00pm

FEE:

RM180 (Inclusive of lunch & Certificate, Workshop Manual, A pair of Fake Eyelashes, 1 Sponge wedges)

4+1 Registration (4 Sign up FREE 1)

DATE:

SATURDAY, 26th February 2011

* All tools are included, just bring yourself!

To confirm: bank in RM50 Deposit & the balance on the course day

Call: KD Ismail : +6 012 937 6664

MY PROFILE: ME, MYSELF & I

KD Ismail is the STYLE & SPEECH SPECIALIST. She is the COO and creator of LANGUAGE POWERHOUSE & the head consultant for POWERHOUSE NETWORK SERVICES. She holds a TESL degree with honors from Edinburgh University, Scotland and a certified Creative Color & Image Specialist as well as a Malaysian Holistic Spa practitioner. She has been in the Consultancy game since 1994. She has a comprehensive background in the training industry as well as Corporate Image Consultation and Personal Branding. Her experience spans from teaching in schools to corporate communication, corporate consulting, speechwriting, public relations, copywriting & translation, as well as wellness & beauty training. KD has a passion for revamping her clients’ style, brand image and communication skills to increase their confidence and create more wealth.

She has taught Image Styling, Personal Branding & Communication Skills for Public Listed Companies through in house training as well as Public seminars . She appeared on TV2 as a consultant for 10 episodes of Imej 2 programme in 2004 while running her spa wellness business and was a consultant and speaker alongside Datuk Maznah Hamid in the ‘Gerak Usahawan’ program in 2006 and 2007.

Throughout the years, she has conducted public seminars and in-house training where her clients include Datuk Maznah Hamid, Billi Lim, HR Marketing S/B, Beauty4U, Couseling Teachers for Selangor schools, RISDA, SEDC, Damansara Asset, Systematic College, Convenient Shopping Sdn. Bhd., JPWP, financial institutions like Maybank, HSBC, Bank Pembangunan, hotels such as JW Mariott, Shangri-La, Dorsett Regency, Langkawi Beach Resort, Nikko Hotel, The Zon, and Quality Hotel among others.

At the same time, she consults companies on the writing of SOP and Training Manuals as well as strengthening the personal brand of business leaders. Simultaneously, she enhances the effectiveness of marketing materials, press releases, and PR documents for more profitable corporate branding and positioning.

Her works include translating materials for the National Museum (Muzium Negara), producing SOP and Training Manuals for the Therapeutic Department of NURA Wellness Centre, managing Datuk Maznah Hamid’s personal brand and Maznah Motivational Centre’s corporate brand resulting in a 52% increase in the company’s revenue, creating and designing learning modules , writing business proposals, writing Sales Letters that generated over a million RM worth of business, and heading the operations of Language Powerhouse (a language & traning centre) & POWERHOUSE NETWORK SERVICES (a consultancy firm).

KD Ismail delivers a session that is immediately applicable to the real world, focusing on skills and not theories. Participants can expect a great learning experience and an impactful session. She has the gift of handling learners from all ages and adapting her teaching approach to suit their levels. Her strength lies in the combination of her knowledge as an ESL educator and her business and corporate background enabling her to draw on real life experiences. Her basic purpose in life is to empower people applicable skills on style and speech so that they can improve their lives!