KADIJAH GUMANEH – English 2100 Fall 2023: What Goes Unsaid?

Islamophobia(Last Blog Post)

A subject I hold dear to my heart is one that evokes strong emotions due to its misrepresentation. The portrayal of the Muslim community as criminals, terrorists, and a threat to society is not only false but also contributes to a distressing surge in hatred. Recent events have sadly witnessed acts of violence against children of the Islamic faith, further exacerbating the issue.

The aftermath of 9/11 remains a pivotal moment, fostering a widespread misconception that Muslims are inherently tied to terrorism. Regrettably, the ensuing prejudice has persisted, manifesting in personal encounters where I, as a young woman wearing a hijab, have faced hostility. Instances such as having my hijab pulled in public or encountering individuals who overtly display discomfort are not isolated incidents.

Media reports detailing the tragic deaths of Muslim children due to their faith baffle me. The notion that a piece of cloth, like the scarf on my head, could be perceived as a threat is bewildering. In my earlier years, fear compelled me to avoid leaving my home without a guardian, given the potential harm directed at a young girl solely based on her religious identity.

This environment of adversity, however, has played a pivotal role in shaping my resilience. Over time, I developed the strength to stand up against prejudice, adopting a more assertive stance. As I mature, I aspire to dismantle misconceptions about Islam and foster understanding. My hope is to contribute to a future where education can bridge the gap between my community and the world, promoting peace and unity.

Kadijah Blog Post

For today’s blog, I wanted to discuss my henna business and the world of side hustles. I launched my henna business, Allure N Galoure, in 2021. If you’re not familiar, henna is a form of art commonly used in Islamic cultures. It involves creating temporary tattoos that typically last on the skin for about 1-3 weeks. In African cultures, henna is often used for various occasions like weddings, baby showers, and the Eid holiday.

Surprisingly, it didn’t take me long to reach my desired clientele. Given the high demand for henna artists during Eid, many were already fully booked, making them open to newcomers like me. This opportunity allowed me to refine my craft, and I ended up serving a total of 100 clients over three days, earning $2,000 in the process.

My journey into the world of side hustles began in middle school when I started selling candy to my classmates. Eventually, I ventured into selling slime. It might not seem like big money, but that’s often how it all begins – starting small and gradually discovering more effective strategies. I can’t pinpoint exactly what motivated me to start making money, but you could say I was rather “money hungry.”

Growing up with limited resources, you learn how to make money from a young age, whether it’s through legitimate means or not. Side hustling holds significant importance, and, truth be told, I’ve never really envisioned myself working a traditional 9-5 job. The moment I earned my first $1,000, I realized that you have to take control of your finances if you want to meet your goals. Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing wrong with a 9-5 job, but it’s often not enough.

If you’re genuinely interested in boosting your income, it’s crucial to have something on the side. This could involve selling products like beauty items, clothing, or e-books, or providing services such as hairstyling, nail care, or eyelash extensions. I’ve dedicated a lot of time to expanding my henna business, and I hope it will eventually lead me to where I want to be. Surprisingly, I’ve built connections and achieved milestones more rapidly than I initially expected.

You can find me on all social media platforms: @allurengaloure

Introductory Post

Hi my name is Kadijah and I am a Finance major here at Baruch. I was born and raised in The Bronx. My parents were born in Gambia which is in west Africa. I am the oldest of four siblings. Growing up in The Bronx has taught me so much. I’ve grown learned how to stand my ground and keep my guard up. In a world where everyone is just trying to meet their goals you have to understand how to put yourself first. Staying away from anything that might get in the way of your success is key. I’ve always loved math since I was a little girl. Math has to do with a lot of critical thinking and trying out different methods on accessing data. I own a small business called “Allure N Galoure” where I provide henna services for events, holidays, or for people who just want to get it done. I promote my work through instagram and TikTok. My henna business has changed the way I view my future. I’ve been introduced to the world of business and I love the idea of satisfying a clients need. Everyday I’m looking for new techniques on how to improve my business and expand my clientele. Being apart of peoples lives is something I plan to do long-term. Whether it’s providing financial help of creating generational wealth, I plan to always stick to be a supportive system to those who come to me and helped them build the life they want.

I chose this image of my business logo because it is my blueprint. I plan to build upon my business and use it to my advantage. In the next few years I hope to grow something more than what I already have. My future is in the hands of this business and my impact on the community will be based of “Allure N Galoure”.