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

Hi Fatima, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Chammeli was born out of frustration more than anything. For many women in the world, fashion is not frivolous but a means to balance style in a manner consistent with personal values. Traditional retailers lacked modest options for many of us and the modest brands out there just did not fit the lifestyle of many women I know.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Chammeli is a retailer offering a range of modest styles, giving women more control over what we choose to wear. Chammeli means jasmine in Urdu. The name is symbolic of many things: beauty, a fusion of cultures, and confidence in one’s unique identity. Our curated assortment of sophisticated and stylish pieces instills confidence in the women who wear them.

I am personally invested in Chammeli because the pain points my customers experience, I do too. I know what it’s like to find the perfect skirt, only to see a thigh high slit in it. I also understand modesty exists on a spectrum and that we all have different reasons to dress as we do. As such, Chammeli has a variety of styles with various amounts of coverage so women can choose what feels most comfortable.

I am most excited about the future. I see Chammeli as the destination for all things modest for females of all ages. It’s fun to dream and figure out plans for the future.

It has been a challenge to get over my own expectations. As a recovering perfectionist, I sometimes still fall into the habit of expecting everything to be right and be the best. I’m trying to change my mindset into one of growth and learning. My mantra these days is this quote from Nelson Mandela: “I never lose, I either win or I learn something.”

The greatest lesson I have learned on this journey of entrepreneurship is know thyself. Sometimes you get caught up in the typical advice for entrepreneurs – secure funding, scale quickly, test and pivot…but you must stop and think, is this right for me? Is this the model that works best for my business?

The next lesson, which was so hard for me, is ask for help. However the support from women in my network has been incredible and Chammeli is better because of their help.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I actually have family coming to visit for a week, so this is the perfect exercise for me! I love the diversity of Houston, and the best part of this diversity is of course the food. Food halls like POST and Railway Heights have great open spaces to relax with family along with some really unique restaurants.

If we were celebrating a special occasion, I’d make a reservation at Bludorn. Their food and service are great. Plus, they have spiritless cocktails!

In Sugar Land, there is a food truck park on Highway 6 and Voss that provides some very interesting people watching and Halal food. You almost feel as though you are somewhere in South Asia when you’re there.

Our family really enjoys riding our bikes along Buffalo Bayou. The trails are easy for most ages and there are some pretty stopping points along the way.

The McGovern Centennial Gardens are another favorite of mine. I’m not a gardener myself, but I do appreciate them, and this one is so beautiful.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful to have such a loving and supportive family. First and foremost, I must thank my mom. She is my angel investor, and I could not have gotten Chammeli up and running without her. My husband has always supported me in pursuing my passions and is very hands on in helping this business succeed. My kids have also been there to help out when I do popup markets. It really is a family business!

Every woman needs a tribe, and I am blessed with the best. My friends have been there to help with everything – from graphic design to photography to modeling.

Website: https://chammeli.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/chammeli_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-mukhtar/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/chammeliboutique

Image Credits
Maria Petersen

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