A 22-year-old entrepreneur, Nabiha B, based in Newcastle upon Tyne has launched her own south Asian boutique, specialising in pret and party wear in her home city
Inspired by her days as an influencer on Instagram, working with Asian brands, with an intricate interest in Asian clothing, she decided to take her interest forward into business mode. Vvalahi, as the store is called, was also the old name Nabiha used as an influencer.
Nabiha said: “The word alahi actually means beauty. So, I thought it would be perfect to incorporate my old Instagram which already has a background with it.”
When asked, what inspired her to take the leap at such a young age, she said: “I think, I’ve always wanted to do it, I just didn’t know when. Obviously, I’m only 22, it’s a risk I’m taking but isn’t everything a risk? It’s a risk I can enjoyably take as there’s no failure for me here, it’s just an exploration of both my hobby, interest, and my business mindset.
“I just thought it’s a perfect time to start up and do something that I’ve always wanted to do, because the more you delay it, the more you lose interest in it. So, with that mindset, alongside working a 9-5, I was planning this as I always had an interest in fashion and beauty. So, I just thought let’s do it.”
Nabiha studied Biomedical sciences at University and Fashion at college alongside her A-Levels, but was always working in the background, with jobs that started as a waitress, to then working in a call centre and after finishing University, working for a property company.
The property job helped Nabiha put some savings aside, with which she is now able to launch VValahi.
“I’ve been able to achieve a lot already this year and I want this to end my year on a good note. The emotional support I’ve had from family and friends is how I’ve been able to muster up the courage, without their support I don’t think I could do this. So, I hope by seeing this achievement through, my friends and family can also feel a sense of achievement.” Nabiha told Asian Standard.
Newcastle upon Tyne is not often considered as an Asian fashion destination, with many travelling to places such as Bradford, Birmingham and even London for their Asian fashion shopping, which Nabiha has identified and wants to help propel the town’s fashion offering.
Nabiha explained: “Newcastle, doesn’t have many stores with a few of these businesses closing down, so I told myself, let’s make my hobby, my passion and I opened up a store.”
Nabiha prides herself for the store saying that it would be very different from other stores and it “won’t be the same thing every day.”
With wedding season still in full swing, Nabiha hopes to cater to bridal parties, bridesmaid and the wedding guests, later on she plans to expand to party wear too.
She has an extensive stock of clothes ranging from shalwar kameez, gowns, shawls and saris, something to suit every taste.
Asked about her vision and plan ahead for the shop, she says: “I don’t want to sell anything, I wouldn’t normally buy. My shop doesn’t look like a normal Asian shop. My vision is, you don’t just pay for the product, you pay for the experience.”
The store is situated at 19 Nunsmoor Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, Ne4 9AU and is open from 1pm – 7pm. For more information visit Vvalahi
