Photo Instagram / @artby.aiesha
South Africa – Yesmien Khota Touffie, the Founder of Covered Official, offers guidance to aspiring young women looking to make a difference in their chosen fields. Her advice centres on cultivating self-belief in one’s abilities, pursuing one’s passions, and maintaining a genuine love for one’s endeavours while disregarding external criticism.
“Don’t be tricked by all the superficiality in the media industry, and just love what you do. Love your passion and take the step. Find your creativity and put it out there … Don’t be afraid.”
Covered Magazine stands as a prominent platform for Muslimah literature, delving into various subjects about women and featuring the work of modest fashion designers.
The Covered Official website states, the company’s objectives include becoming a globally recognised media outlet that highlights and unites diverse modest communities steeped in culture and tradition, primarily through fashion, art, and creativity.
How Did Covered Official Come to Be?
In addition to her role as the founder of Covered Official, Touffie has held diverse positions in her career, including a former stint as a fashion model, ownership of a casting agency, and, perhaps most significantly, a devoted mother.
Touffie embarked on her journey in the media sector as an intern at Blush Magazine. Her enduring passion for fashion remained constant throughout her career’s twists and turns. However, her relationship with the fashion industry shifted significantly after adopting the Hijab.
This transformative experience led Touffie to feel disconnected from the fashion world. She attributes the inception of Covered Official to this pivotal decision to wear the Hijab, as it empowered her to take a bold step and pursue her passion.
“It started off as a hobby and then grew into what it is now … It’s just taken on a life of its own. I feel like being in a Hijab was actually what sparked the idea. What actually empowered me to get into the role of creating my own magazine.”
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Stylish While Being Modest
Touffie believes that women who wear the Hijab can explore a wide range of stylish options without compromising their modesty. The essential factor is for them to uncover their authenticity and allow it to manifest naturally.
She sees Covered Official as a platform aimed at empowering and inspiring modest Muslim women, urging them to pursue their excellence and emphasising the importance of discovering inner beauty.
“No one’s stopping you from being glamorous in whatever you wear, not only in your Hijab. Once you find your persona and you find who you are, it comes naturally. When you find your essence, your authenticity, everything just flows.”
