We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Solia Sam a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Solia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My brand’s mission is deeply personal, born from my own experiences of growing up in Iran, where women are treated as second-class citizens. Fashion was, and still is, illegal in Iran, so even as a child, the idea of becoming a fashion designer seemed impossible. But it was during my early teens when I first caught a glimpse of the fashion world—through an illegal satellite channel—that the seed of my dream was planted. At the time, I didn’t even know what fashion truly encompassed, but I knew that it was a form of art, and I was captivated.

Fashion has always been my form of rebellion, my way of standing up against the constraints that society tried to impose on me because of my gender. My journey hasn’t been easy—working underground in Iran, dealing with cultural expectations, and then migrating to the U.S. at 41, starting from zero—but those challenges have only strengthened my resolve to create something meaningful.

My mission is to empower women, especially those who come from conservative societies like mine, where their gender determines their worth. I want my designs to remind women—and everyone—that we are not defined by where we come from, how much money we have, our jobs, or our gender. We are all equal, and we all deserve to express ourselves fully.

Through my work, I aim to inspire people to break free from societal constraints, to embrace their individuality, creativity, and inner power. I want them to feel empowered when they wear my designs, to know they don’t have to follow the rules that have been imposed upon them by society. My hope is that they’ll break those rules in a way that brings them freedom, confidence, and self-expression—without ever harming themselves or others.

In many ways, my designs are a reflection of my own life. I draw inspiration from the darker parts of my past, and I believe creativity can emerge from those struggles. I also draw inspiration from ancient mythologies, particularly the Sumerian god Enki, because I believe that divinity exists within all of us. We all have the power to shape our own lives.

This mission is more than just about fashion for me. It’s about making a positive impact on the world by challenging societal norms and empowering those who’ve felt silenced to rise up and embrace their strength. My brand is for anyone who has ever felt trapped by expectations, but especially for women and all human beings who’ve had to fight to have their voices heard.

Solia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Solia, and my journey into the fashion world is anything but typical. I grew up in Tehran, Iran, where fashion is not only discouraged but illegal, especially for women who dare to express themselves beyond strict societal norms. I’ve always had a passion for creativity, and from a young age, I dreamt of entering the fashion world. But growing up in a conservative environment, those dreams seemed distant and unattainable.

My first glimpse into the world of fashion was through an illegal satellite TV channel when I was around 11 or 12. I watched fashion runways without fully understanding the language or the industry—it was the visuals, the art of it, that captured me. As I got older and gained access to the internet, I realized fashion was more than models on a runway. It’s an art form and a means of self-expression.

At 33, after working for 7 years at a company in Iran, I had only recently gained independence and needed a stable income to pay the bills. However, I made the bold decision to pursue my passion for fashion instead. That newfound independence was crucial because it gave me the courage to make a life-changing choice: I quit my job to follow my dream of becoming a fashion designer. It was a risky move, especially in a country where fashion is illegal, but I was determined to chase my passion despite the challenges.

Last year, I moved to the U.S. after spending two years in Istanbul, where I had to make the hardest decision of my life—shutting down Enki in Iran. This decision, though difficult, has opened up new possibilities for me. While I haven’t fully launched my brand here yet, I’m currently working with the Philly Fashion Week team to bring it to life. Financial limitations have delayed the process, but I’m confident that within the next year, my vision will take shape in the U.S., this time without the need to operate in the shadows.

What sets my brand apart is the deeply personal and rebellious nature of my designs. My work isn’t just about creating clothing—it’s about challenging the status quo and giving people the confidence to embrace their true selves. My designs are inspired by the darker parts of my life, which many people from similar backgrounds can relate to. They represent freedom, creativity, and strength. I also draw inspiration from mythology, particularly the idea that divinity exists within all of us, which I incorporate into my creative process.

I don’t create fashion that simply fits in; I create fashion that speaks to those who dare to stand out, who reject being followers, and who want to break the rules without harming themselves or others. My target audience is people who’ve had to fight for their place in the world—especially women. I want my clients to feel empowered and confident when they wear my pieces, knowing they are not bound by societal limitations.

My brand focuses on unique clothing designs that fuse art and fashion, catering to those who value creativity and individuality. My pieces are bold, rebellious, and unapologetic. While I’m still in the process of launching my brand in the U.S., I’m working to create designs that are accessible but maintain the avant-garde style I’m known for.

I’m most proud of the fact that despite the obstacles I’ve faced—whether it was working underground in Iran, starting over in a new country, or dealing with financial limitations—I’ve stayed true to my vision. I’ve built my brand on my own terms, with a mission to empower and uplift those who’ve faced similar struggles.
Working with the Philly Fashion Week team is another step toward realizing my dream, and while it’s not easy, I’m determined to make it happen.
My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most significant moments that illustrated my resilience happened in 2018 when I received an invitation from Oxford Fashion Studio to participate in the New York, London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks. This opportunity was a potential turning point for my career, especially since I had launched my brand less than a year prior. The excitement I felt upon receiving the invitation was immense; it validated my hard work and showed me that I was on the right path, despite the lack of information about fashion in Iran.

However, that excitement quickly turned to frustration and despair. Due to sanctions and the staggering costs associated with participating in such prestigious events—compounded by the devaluation of our currency—I realized I wouldn’t be able to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In that moment, I felt like I had lost my one chance to take my brand international.

While it was an incredibly disappointing experience, I chose not to let it define me. Instead of giving up, I continued to dream about seeing my designs on international runways and participating in global interviews. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: it’s crucial not to give up during the toughest moments of life. I learned that resilience is not just about enduring challenges but also about maintaining hope and pursuing your dreams, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that my dreams were unattainable due to the limitations imposed by my background and environment. This belief held me back for many years, and it wasn’t until I turned 33 that I realized I could take control of my destiny. I wish I had learned earlier that if I truly wanted something, I had the power to make it a reality. This realization inspired me to quit my stable job and pursue my passion for fashion, leading me to embrace my creativity and ambition without fear. It’s a lesson that has shaped my journey and continues to drive me forward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: enkifashionstudio
• Linkedin: soliasam

Image Credits

Photographer: Donya Mohammadzadeh
Models: Atoosa and Saba