Meet Ayesha Ibrahim | Fashion Designer & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayesha Ibrahim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayesha, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Growing up there was a motto we had to recite everyday before class, well there were many, but this one stuck with me, “Try, try until you succeed and if you don’t, try again.” So as that quote stuck with me, I have applied it to every venture in my life; I put my best foot forward this includes my business which also as a result includes taking risks, financially and emotionally. When it comes to taking risks, I always ask myself if it is worth it. Then my nagging passion comes to mind and the answer is yes. I say “nagging” not in a negative light but to express how much from a very early age my passion… my business stays on my mind, with this in mind then the risks are worth it. As I look at my daughter who is my constant motivation, she reminds me to take those risks, even on the days I doubt myself, I look at her and I know regardless of the risks I need to push on and I believe one day they will all pay off. My daughter is my reason, my business is for her, for her to always remember to follow her dreams, to put her best foot forward and to continue to try. So, to answer the question you asked, taking risks play a major role in my business, every action, every thought, every dollar spent needs to be thought through critically however as I push on towards my goal, I’ll repeat my belief, when it comes to your passion, loving what you do then these risks are worth it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What can I say about my art? Well it is my passion, I’ve always had a passion for fashion and creating. It it hard for me to say what sets me apart from others because I have such an appreciation for other artists, our work has our own unique quality; however, in my case I infuse my background, my culture in my creations. I focus on headwear and womenswear, my background is African-Caribbean with my father originally from Tanzania, Africa, myself and my mother is from Barbados. I moved to Florida at the age of 19. In every design I create my culture shines through, it takes over and I want to share it with the world. The name of my brand is ASMI, this is actually my initials, the road to building my brand has not been easy and I have taken a few mental breaks throughout the years but I am on a journey, my goal is to share my brand not only locally but internationally and with that goal in mind I keep going; it is my motivation.
There have been many lessons learnt along the way, and I am still learning, especially when it comes to financial decisions, trust, various business ventures, but these lessons must be taught, one has to learn, that is the only way we can grow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Beach of course, this is Florida! Say a friend was visiting for the weekend the minute they arrive Friday we have to make it to a Friday evening Happy Hour or get together, The Wharf Fort Lauderdale has a great a Happy Hour menu!

Saturday we have to spend the day at the beach, preferably Pompano Beach Pier or Las Olas, Saturday evening we definitely have to hang out possibly at Tap 42 (they have the best Tuna Tartar). Finally Sunday before hitting the beach we must brunch at The Foxy Brown located in Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to shout out the local markets and fairs. As a small business owner the Covid was a hard hit, not only money was lost but also motivation and inspiration. Thanks to the many of these markets it gave small businesses a change to get back out there, connect with customers, promote their brand and of course focus on new beginnings and growth. With that being said a great big shout out goes to markets such as Indie Craft Bazaar, they have been organizing festivals throughout Florida since 2009 and West Palm Beach Antique Show and Flea Market where on Saturdays they turn Clematis Street in West Palm into a Small business Extravaganza!

Website: www.asmidesigns.shop

Instagram: @asmi.n.z

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ASMIdesigns

Youtube: www.youtube.com/ASMIdesigns