We had the good fortune of connecting with Rasha Abdel Reda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rasha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have been involved in fashion and home décor since I was young girl. Growing up, I always helped my mother decorate the house or play dress up with my sisters. During college my friends always sought my opinion in selecting their outfits. It took a while after I finished my Bachelor’s to make the decision to get into business for myself. Initially I started by sourcing clothes to close personal friends and family members. After getting an influx of requests, I decided to start my first online business. I mainly focused on clothing and fashion. The business was a success but then I decided to slow down to give attention to my boys. Around the end of 2017, I started @mynameisrasha as an IG page. It was initially for fun but then I started to get a large numbers of organic followers who repeatedly asked for insights and advice about home decoration and organization. When I reached around 80K followers, I decided to restart my fashion business which is primarily fashion curation.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I started my Instagram Page @mynameisrasha, my goal was not to become popular. I did it out of fun and passion to fashion. I started to share some of the outfits that I wear on a regular basis. After getting enough followers and requests from my followers, I put my business hat on and went off to the races. I promised myself that I will only buy and sell items that I myself would wear. I did not want to fill my online store with items that I am embarrassed to show off. On the contrary, I always wear what I sell. In other words, I practiced what I preached. I learned many things through my journey. Firstly, it is not easy to run a business and maintain work life balance. Secondly, listen to your heart and do not get discouraged regardless of the many set backs you go through. To briefly describe my brand, I would say it is personal curated fashion for the smart woman. I am on a mission to find beautiful, unique, stylish, and affordable fashion for both the everyday outing and the dressy occasions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The beautiful thing about San Francisco, the city that I love, is that it small yet rich with culture, food, and touristic spots. Here is what I would do: – Day 1: A visit to the Golden Gate Bridge is the number 1. After spending the morning around the Golden Gate area, we would continue to Sausalito, a small coastal city north of San Francisco. After eating lunch at one of many great restaurants, we would return to San Francisco specifically to Pier 39 where a short stroll allows my friend to enjoy the spirit of San Francisco. – Day 2: The day would start by a visit to Filoli Historic House & Garden. Filoli, also known as the Bourn-Roth Estate, is a country house set in 16 acres of formal gardens surrounded by a 654-acre estate, located in Woodside, California, about 25 miles south of San Francisco, at the southern end of Crystal Springs Reservoir, on the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains The day would finish by visiting and pinkening in the Golden Gate Park where we would enjoy the greenery and the amazing breeze of the Pacific Ocean

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe it mainly to my followers who repeatedly encouraged me and pushed me to take the first step. Being of Middle Eastern decent I always strived to change the image portrayed about women in general and Middle Eastern women specifically. I wanted to prove to many that being a woman does not reduce you. It has been said that behind every great man there is a woman. While this saying is true, I am firm believer that it is the opposite. If it weren’t for my husband’s true support and encouragement I would not have been able to achieve what I have done so far. Bottom line, believe in yourself and surround yourself with people that spray you with positive energy and support.

Website: www.mynameisrasha.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mynameisrasha

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyNameisRashaofficial/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MynameisRasha

Image Credits
@mynameisrasha

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