Today we’d like to introduce you to Solia Sam
Hi Solia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been drawn to fashion since I was a young girl growing up in Iran, even though fashion itself was considered illegal and heavily restricted. My first glimpse into the world of style and creativity came through an illegal satellite TV channel when I was about 11 or 12, where I watched runway shows without fully understanding the industry—just mesmerized by the art and expression I saw on screen.
For a long time, I believed my dreams were unattainable. I worked at a company for 7 years, playing it safe and meeting my responsibilities, but something inside me kept whispering that I could do more. After I finally gained the independence to move out on my own, I made the decision at 33 to pursue what I truly loved. With limited resources, virtually no fashion infrastructure, and having to operate underground, I launched my brand, Enki, in Iran. The name and concept reflected a belief in creativity, individuality, and the idea that we all have a kind of inner divinity.
In a place where fashion was illegal, I had to operate under the radar. Yet, within less than a year, Enki’s work caught the attention of Oxford Fashion Studio, and I received an invitation to show in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Although I couldn’t attend due to sanctions and financial barriers, that recognition validated my vision and showed me I was on the right track.
About a year ago, I moved to the U.S., a life-changing step that opened up a world of possibilities. While I’m still in the process of fully establishing my brand here, I’m working with the Philly Fashion Week team to bring Enki to life in this new environment. Financial limitations have slowed things down, but I’ve never stopped moving forward. My vision remains the same: to empower individuals—especially women from conservative backgrounds—and to prove that we are all equal, regardless of our origins, our gender, or the circumstances we were born into.
Today, as I continue to shape Enki, I carry with me all the lessons learned along the way. My journey has been far from conventional, but each challenge taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of never giving up on what truly matters to you. I’m excited to see where this path leads and to share my story, mission, and designs with the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road. Pursuing fashion in Iran meant navigating a complex web of legal and cultural barriers. Fashion was essentially illegal, especially for those who dared to step beyond conservative norms. Since my designs weren’t aligned with traditional Islamic clothing, I had to work underground, without the guidance, resources, or community that most emerging designers rely on.
This lack of support extended far beyond legal restrictions. There were no formal educational programs, no industry mentors, no established supply chains for specialty fabrics or materials. I learned through trial and error, often feeling like I was reinventing the wheel every step of the way. The challenge wasn’t just creating a brand; it was doing so in an environment where every aspect had to be discovered, improvised, or risked.
Financial hurdles were another major obstacle. When I received an invitation from Oxford Fashion Studio to show in some of the world’s top fashion capitals, I couldn’t seize the opportunity due to the economic realities created by sanctions and a severely devalued currency. It was heartbreaking to watch this golden chance slip through my fingers, knowing how transformative it could have been.
Moving to the U.S. a year ago opened up more avenues but brought a new set of challenges. I have to rebuild from scratch—adapting to a new market, establishing connections, and working to secure the finances needed to launch my brand here. It’s been slow and sometimes frustrating, but these struggles have taught me resilience. They’ve shown me that even when the path is uncertain, what matters is the determination to keep going, to keep learning, and to never give up on your vision.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work centers around fashion design that goes beyond clothing—it’s about empowerment, individuality, and challenging the norms that hold people back. Originally from Iran, I developed my brand, Enki, in an environment where fashion itself was forbidden, and yet I found a way to create designs that spoke to freedom, creativity, and the innate power we all carry within us. My pieces often have an avant-garde flair, bold silhouettes, and unexpected details that push against the boundaries of tradition.
What sets my work apart is its deeply personal and rebellious nature. My designs aren’t just garments; they’re statements. They reflect a refusal to conform—especially critical in a world that often tries to dictate what women should be and how they should present themselves. Every piece I create carries the message that we can break away from societal constraints without harming ourselves or others. I want people, especially women from conservative backgrounds, to feel confident, inspired, and unafraid when they wear my designs.
I’m most proud of the recognition I received early on from Oxford Fashion Studio. Less than a year after I launched my brand, I was invited to participate in Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Although I couldn’t attend due to external barriers, that invitation alone validated my vision. It showed me that, even without traditional resources or support, my work had resonated on an international scale.
Ultimately, what I strive for is not just to dress people, but to uplift them. I want to spark a sense of bravery, individuality, and creativity in the wearer. In a sea of trends and fast fashion, my goal is to create a lasting, meaningful impact—pieces that don’t just look good, but make you feel bolder, more authentic, and free.
How do you define success?
I’ve come to see success not as a single milestone or a final destination, but as a continuous journey shaped by growth, impact, and authenticity. For me, success is when my work resonates with others on a deeper level—when someone tells me that my designs made them feel empowered, or that my story inspired them to pursue a dream they once thought impossible.
It’s not about having the biggest studio or the largest following, but rather about staying true to my values and mission. Success means using my creativity and passion for uplifting others, challenging norms, and sparking meaningful conversations. It’s measured in the moments when the vision I carry in my heart translates into real-world change, whether that’s encouraging someone to embrace their individuality, stand up for their worth, or think more critically about the world around them.
In other words, success is about impact, authenticity, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing I’ve poured my true self into my work and left a positive mark on someone’s life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soliasam/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/so.lia.16/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soliaasam
