Starting a modest fashion brand is exciting — but the journey comes with hidden lessons. In this post, I’m sharing the mistakes I made as a modest-wear business owner in UAE, from investing in the wrong things to following bad advice. If you’re building your abaya brand in the UAE, read this before you launch — it could save you time, money, and energy
Mistakes I Made as a Modest-wear Business Owner in UAE (and What I’d Do Differently)
1. Collaborating with Influencers Too Early
One of my biggest early mistakes was assuming influencer marketing would instantly drive sales. I spent time and product on creators who didn’t align with my brand — and got almost no return.
What I learned: Wait until you have clear branding, a polished website, and the right audience. Then, choose creators who truly connect with modest fashion — not just those with big followings.
2. Investing in Inventory Before Building Demand
I was excited. I bought stock before I had even validated my designs. Some pieces never sold.
Tip: Start small. Test 3–5 pieces, and build based on demand. Consider dropshipping in the UAE or local made-to-order production to reduce risk.
Mistakes I Made as a Modest-wear Business Owner in UAE (and What I’d Do Differently)
3. Trying to Look ‘Perfect’ Instead of Being Relatable
I focused too much on having a perfect feed, professional photos, and clean aesthetics — and forgot to show the journey. The result? People didn’t connect with the brand.
What works now: Behind-the-scenes content, sharing struggles, showing my process at local markets — that’s what built real engagement and trust.
4. Overthinking My Brand Image Too Early
I thought I had to look like a luxury label from day one — like a modest version of Burberry or Dior. But I didn’t even have the resources to maintain that image.
The truth: Your brand will evolve. You don’t need a $10k brand identity on day one. Just be clear, consistent, and real.
Mistakes I Made as a Modest-wear Business Owner in UAE (and What I’d Do Differently)
5. Not Creating Educational or Shareable Content
In the beginning, I only posted product shots and lookbooks. What I didn’t realize is that people want value first — before they trust you enough to buy.
Now, I create content like:
- “How to Start an Online Abaya Business in the UAE”
- “Modest-wear Trends for 2025”
- “Mistakes I Made as a Modestwear Business Owner” (like this one!)
This content builds engagement, saves, shares, and trust — especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, But Start Smart
Running a modest-wear brand in the UAE is rewarding, but it’s not easy. Every mistake I made came from rushing the process or trying to copy what other brands were doing without knowing what worked for me.
These are just a few of the mistakes I made as a modest-wear business owner in the UAE — and I’m still learning. But sharing them might help you avoid them.
If you’re just starting your journey, I hope this helps you skip a few bumps in the road.
Have you made any of these mistakes too? Let me know in the comments or DM me on Instagram. I love connecting with fellow modest-wear founders.
