We were lucky to catch up with Fajr DeLane recently and have shared our conversation below.
Fajr, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
A time when I had taken a risk was when I decided to go after my education. In high school, I had heard about the Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship and found out ways to be an ideal candidate. Throughout my high school experience I was involved in a lot of various activities, community projects and services that gave back to the community. I worked hard in my classes and developed my business “F^3: Fun. Fit. Fabulous.” Over 53,000 students applied to the Bill Gates Scholarship the year I applied, making it one of the most competitive candidate groups in the program’s history, and only 1,000 received it. I was fortunate to be one of 1,000 who received the scholarship. This scholarship has made a positive impact in my life, I have been able to go to college anywhere in the country and have expenses paid. Even though I demonstrated excellence within the community, I know when I was applying for the scholarship some people around had doubted me obtaining it due to a ton of applications. I have been asked, “Why would you waste your time applying for the Bill Gates Scholarship when it is such a long shot? Only one in thousands and thousands will ever get it.” My response had simply been, “True, but that one could be me!” Thankfully it came true and am an official Bill Gates Scholar Class of 2016.
Fajr, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Being yourself is one of the most engaging processes there is, you have to be 100% committed to following your instinct, doing what you love and keeping your dreams alive. My business started off by me trying it out on myself first. I just naturally thought to myself how can I enjoy and be successful in this thing we call life. I started applying discipline to the goals I was setting out for myself and asking myself how I could have fun and enjoy what I was doing on a regular basis. I felt like when you are working on becoming your best self emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally then you are automatically fabulous. Hence, “F^3: Fun. Fit. Fabulous.” I am really proud that we are continuously making our mark in the world. My business consists of in person benefits (camps as well as collaborations), virtual motivation (positive sisterhood network) and clothing merchandise that are available during special times. I am still growing and can’t wait to see what endeavors we will continue to grow into and maintain.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Finding my brands niche had a lot to do with trying out new topics, fonts and ways to post on social media. My brand page first started off with a website, then with time I created an instagram page for it, there I was able to add photos and videos. As time went on, Instagram progressed with stories and reels. I am still learning to navigate this space but am proud to see the continued company growth through social media. This is one of our most popular services available. It’s made a big difference with our customers and we provide authenticity along with a high level of excellence. Customers are able to receive daily information, inspiration and interact with this service. We ensure all details are simple, seamless and handled in a timely manner. I wanted to create a virtual platform where people can come to gain inspiration, motivation and stay up to date with what we have going on as company. My mission with my platform is to help young girls and women become their best selves by having fun, being fit and fabulous. I want them to see that they have a significant purpose and can do anything they put their mind to. I want them to also be leading by example for other girls and women to follow after. I hope to create a community culture where girls feel safe, motivated, seen, appreciated and elevated in all aspects of their life. I want a sisterhood network that celebrates excellence, gives support for each other and uplifts each other. I want a safe space to be created where difficult but real topics and conversations are discussed. I want the platform to grow into not just a brand name but a lifestyle in which each girl/woman can implement on a daily basis.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Yes the pandemic has definitely shifted a lot of things. I graduated college Class of 2020 and from that point I went on an internal healing journey. I was able to grow within myself and connect with my audience on a more intimate internal level through my posts. We are continuously evolving and happy to take our audience with us.
Contact Info:
- Website: funfitfabulous.org
- Instagram: @fajrmalika
- Facebook: Fajr DeLane
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fajr-delane-62845014b
- Twitter: @fajrmalika
- Youtube: Fajr Malika
- Other: Business Page: @fun.fit.fabulous
Image Credits
Zay Wright, Hayyah DeLane, Zayeed DeLane, Julia Decatrel and Alexandra Helf