We were lucky to catch up with Mariama Diallo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mariama, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Growing up as a Muslim girl in Tennessee, I often found myself searching for modest fashion that aligned with my values yet still felt modern and stylish. Options were limited, and I frequently had to compromise on either style or affordability. Watching my father work tirelessly in his fashion merchandising business, Diallo’s Dresses, I learned the art of recognizing what people need and creating products that resonate with them.

During my college years, while pursuing a degree in Business Administration, the idea of starting my own business began to take shape. I realized that the struggle I faced wasn’t unique to me—there were countless Muslim women, not just in my community but globally, who were looking for affordable, modest fashion options.

I knew this idea had potential because it wasn’t just about selling clothes; it was about solving a problem. I saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market, offering stylish, modest fashion that didn’t break the bank. What excited me the most was the thought of creating a brand that could empower women to feel confident and beautiful while staying true to their values.

The decision to start ModestybyMariama came with its challenges, but the logic was clear: I was offering a unique approach by focusing on affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity. I wasn’t just creating fashion—I was creating a community, a brand that would be a source of pride for women like me.

When I launched ModestybyMariama, the response was overwhelming. Seeing customers connect with the brand, hearing their stories of how our pieces made them feel seen and celebrated, reaffirmed that this was a worthwhile endeavor. It wasn’t just about clothes—it was about making a difference.

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

A Little About Me and How I Got Here Hi, I’m Mariama Diallo, the founder of ModestybyMariama, a modest fashion brand I created to help Muslim women find affordable, stylish, and comfortable clothing. My journey into this industry wasn’t a straight line—looking back, it was a mix of passion, experiences, and challenges.

Growing up in Tennessee, where there weren’t many options for modest fashion, I often found myself feeling frustrated. I loved fashion, but it felt like I had to choose between modesty and style, which never felt right. Watching my dad run his own small fashion business, Diallo’s Dresses, I learned that you could combine creativity with business in meaningful ways. It made me realize that I could do the same.

After finishing my degree in Business Administration, I knew it was time to take the leap and start something that would speak to my own needs and to the needs of others. That’s how ModestybyMariama came to life—out of a desire to create a space where Muslim women could find stylish, affordable, and high-quality fashion that fits our lifestyle.

What We Offer
At ModestybyMariama, I offer a collection of modest clothing, from elegant abayas and dresses to soft hijabs and khimars. My goal is to provide pieces that are versatile, comfortable, and chic—whether you’re looking for something casual or more formal. I want our clothes to make you feel confident and beautiful without compromising your values or breaking the bank.

Why We’re Different
What I think sets us apart is our focus on both style and community. It’s not just about selling clothes; it’s about creating a space where women can feel seen, supported, and empowered. Every product is designed with you in mind—whether it’s a cozy winter abaya or a breathable hijab for year-round wear. I’m constantly working to make sure our pieces meet your needs and reflect your sense of style.

What I’m Most Proud Of
One of the things I’m most proud of is how ModestybyMariama has connected with so many women, especially in just under a year. Hearing from customers who feel more confident and beautiful in our pieces is honestly the most rewarding part of this journey. Seeing pieces like our Butterfly Abaya and Premium Jersey Hijabs get such positive feedback makes all the hard work worth it.

What I Want You to Know
When you shop with us, know that you’re not just buying clothes—you’re supporting a mission to make modest fashion more accessible, stylish, and affordable for women everywhere. Each piece is made with care, love, and a lot of thought about what you really need. I want you to feel amazing in everything you wear from ModestybyMariama, and I’m grateful for the chance to be part of your fashion journey.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I first started ModestybyMariama, social media wasn’t something I had a clear strategy for—it was more about sharing my passion for modest fashion and connecting with others who shared the same values. I began by showcasing behind-the-scenes moments, my designs, and little snippets of my life, which allowed people to see the heart behind the brand.

In the early days, it wasn’t about having a huge following; it was about consistency. I made it a point to engage with others—commenting on posts, responding to DMs, and interacting with like-minded creators. I also realized that being authentic was key. Whether I was sharing how a piece came to life or talking about the challenges of building a brand, being real with my audience helped foster a sense of trust and connection.

As time went on, I started to get more creative with the content. I used video to show how my pieces could be styled in different ways, shared testimonials from happy customers, and tapped into trends in modest fashion. The more I showed up, the more people started to recognize the value of what we were offering. The real turning point came when I started collaborating with influencers and content creators in the modest fashion community. They helped spread the word and brought fresh eyes to my brand, which was a game-changer.

Advice for Those Starting to Build Their Social Media Presence

Start Small, Stay Consistent – Don’t get discouraged by slow growth at the beginning. Focus on being consistent with your content and engaging with your audience. Even small interactions can build a loyal following over time.
Be Authentic – People connect with real stories. Share your journey, your struggles, and your wins. Let your audience see the person behind the brand, not just the products.
Engage with Others – Social media is a two-way street. Don’t just post and wait for people to come to you—interact with others, whether it’s by commenting on posts, answering questions, or collaborating with like-minded creators.
Showcase Your Expertise – If you’re selling a product or service, show how it works, how it benefits your audience, and why it’s unique. Value-driven content helps build trust and keeps followers engaged.
Use Visuals That Resonate – People are visual by nature, so make sure your content is aesthetically pleasing and tells a story. Whether it’s through high-quality images or relatable videos, visuals are a powerful tool to connect with your audience.
Be Patient and Stay True to Your Brand – Building an audience takes time. Don’t get too caught up in comparing your journey to others. Stay true to what makes your brand special, and the right audience will find you

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Staying in Touch with Clients & Fostering Loyalty Building loyalty at ModestybyMariama goes beyond just selling products—it’s about creating real connections. I stay engaged with my clients through social media by responding to comments, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and starting conversations. I also send out email newsletters with updates, offers, and early access to new releases to make them feel part of the ModestybyMariama family.

One of my favorite ways to build loyalty is by including personalized handwritten notes with every order. A small, thoughtful message makes clients feel appreciated and valued beyond the transaction. I also take customer feedback seriously, always striving to improve and make my clients’ experiences better.

How I Foster Loyalty:

Personalized Communication – I remember details about my clients and their preferences.
Exclusive Offers & Rewards – I offer special deals and early access to products.
Customer Care – I make sure every client feels heard and valued.
Engaging Content – I share styling tips and customer stories to keep them connected.
Handwritten Notes – A simple thank-you note with every order shows my appreciation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.modestybymariama.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modestybymariama/