Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rabiah Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Rabiah, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

I have always felt misunderstood growing up, especially when I entered into adulthood at 18 years old. I felt the pressure from others around me to fit me. I would participate in things that didn’t align with who I was deep down. I would befriend people who didn’t pour into me, and I always gave more, than what I received. This all stemmed back from my childhood. Growing up in the early 2000’s as a Muslim girl, I would get bullied in elementary school. 911 happened and it wasn’t good for Muslims. People really thought muslims were terrorist. I couldn’t understand why people hated Muslims so much at 8 years old. My peers would take off/pull off my hijab in class. People were so anxious to see my hair. They thought I was bald headed laughing out loud. Being Muslim in the early 2000’s was tough. I was opressed, talked about, left out of group activities sometimes etc. Overall being a double minority in America was tough to navigate. I’m African American and Muslim. That was the perfect combo for eyes to be rolled at you. But I grew to have tough skin quick. I never talked about me being bullied to no one until I turned 27, because I would always stand up for myself no matter what. I wasn’t afraid. But getting bullied did affect me subconsciously because I stopped wearing my hijab in the 7th grade. I was tired of being the “weird one”. I wanted to fit in. I asked my parents for permission to not wear it at school anymore , and they understood. My parents always supported me. When I turned 24 I got into modeling. I loved it, and I was trying to find my lane. I was having a hard time finding my look b/c I looked like all the other girls in my city. Long nails, fake hair, tight clothes, a beat face etc. Nothing was natural. I’ve learned through having a model coach that these model agencies want to see natural beauty. They do not like the long fake nails, long wigs/weaves, and a lot of makeup. The requirements for being a professional model aligned with my own standards, morals and spiritual beliefs. In my religion you’re not supposed to as a woman wear nothing fake, or over do it. There’s a balance. So I stopped wearing clothings that was not appealing (tight clothes that shows everything). Fake nails, fake hair etc. I’m now a modest model and that was the best life decision I’ve ever made. In modeling there’s three acronyms CNS ( confidence, strong, natural). It’s important to show people that you are confident, strong , and a natural at w/e it is you’re doing. Modeling has taught me a lot about life. Right now at 28 I’m just enjoying the journey and greatful that I can afford to chase my dreams. I’ve finally healed from the past and I no longer care to feel misunderstood anymore. Everyone is not suppose to understand you. I am undefined. As long as I am doing what is pleasing to god and myself I’m happy. Life is too short to fit into people boxes. I want to stand out and be different. Fitting in with the crowd is boring.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Rabiah. I’m 28 years old. Born and raised in West Philadelphia. I went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania on a half tuition scholarship. I received my bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Small Business. I also studied abroad in Milan, Italy in 2017. I attended a university there called NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti. I’ve learned so much about the fashion industry while living there for a semester. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. I was able to attend Milan’s fashion week in 2017. I saw celebrities walking the streets of Milano, like ASAP Rocky, Sir Paul Smith etc. I went to a lot of museums. For ex: the Gucci museum in Florence, Italy. Salvatore Ferragamo shoe museum, the Prada Museum in Milan. I also traveled to places like: Paris, Rome, Santorini, Florence, Barcelona, Amsterdam and many more. I also became a mother at 22 years old to a baby girl named Aamya. Life was happening so fast. I had two loves in my life. My daughter and fashion. I was determined to still accomplish my dreams of being a professional model , and business owner. Im currently working on my clothing line called RJ Undefined. My main goal is to become an inspiration to younger women, and showcase that you can still achieve your dreams no matter what gets in your way. I want my brand and myself to represent women who are under appreciated in the fashion/beauty industry. Being a modest model/business person mean you move with elegance, quality and care. You have to believe in yourself! You have to own it, claim it, and most importantly, you have to seek Gods guidance. This keeps you humble, grounded and grateful once you meet your success. If you don’t believe that, then you’ll be just like everybody else in the industry. You don’t want to sacrifice your God consciousness or yourself respect or humanity for limited worldly gain and prestige. I’m a mother, model, content creator and I’m working on becoming a business owner. The sky is never the limit for me. I’m steady moving and climbing to the top.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I am a Hijabi Model/Muslim Model. I designed my brand to highlight the modesty and elegance of the Islamic cultural dress. I also represent casual and modest attire for women. My main goal is to motivate other Muslim women to become apart of the fashion industry. Let’s change the narrative. I want to showcase that you can still look beautiful being dressed modestly. You don’t have to be half naked to get attention. You want people to respect you, not lust over you.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

April of 2023 during Ramadan, I had the courage to start wearing my hijab again. It’s been over 10 years since I wore it last. I stopped wearing it because I had PTSD. I was afraid to get judged and treated differently like I did in elementary school. I was bullied and made fun of in school. I started a new school in 2012 , and I didn’t want the same treatment, so I took it off at 12 years old entering into the 7th grade. I was always a popular loner. A lot of people know me, but I’m usually by myself when you see me. During 2023, I was doing a lot of self reflection and i decided to not care about other peoples opinions and feelings about me. I’ve attended Islamic classes, and got back on my deen. I decided to become more confident and be me unapologetically because no one really cares. It was me overthinking and trying to be a people pleaser. That mindset was so unhealthy for me I had to let go. Ever since i decided to wear my hijab again , and show people who i am; I would get lots of compliments saying that im glowing etc. it was because i was truly happy within. I had to get over my fear of being liked so much or wanting to fit in. Who cares if people like you or not. Either we will become victims or victorious to our problems. I chose to be victorious.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjundefined?igsh=MW1mbmNwMnFqMHdhNQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rjundefined?si=saOerUjOKXWe-OMn
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rj_undefined?_t=ZT-8rihYVVC6l0&_r=1

Image Credits

Caleb and gladys.
Ruffprophetproductions.
Dwight Bazemore shot me during Philly fashion week Sept 2023.
Wakphotos21/ Wakeen G
Milan fashion week Feb 2017 dresser/assistant dresser for designer Kristina Ti.
My study abroad trip with my roommates in Milan, Italy.