Halima Seemba, a young Emirati woman, excels as a Fashion Design Consultant Certified Global Trainer. As a pioneer, she co-founded Purple Bubbles Cosmetics, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her heritage. Her diverse skills and visionary leadership at Jaffair Art Company inspire others, reflecting the limitless potential of Emirati women globally.
Halima Seemba, Fashion Design Consultant Certified Global Trainer
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
Hello! My name is Halima Seemba, borned and raised in UAE specificlly in Sharjah City , and I'm the founder of several creative ventures including Purple Bubbles and Jafir Services. I have more than 15 years of experience in event management, protocol, PR, and creating activities and small gatherings. My journey in organizing events began in college, and it has shaped my career ever since.
I'm a certified trainer for Adobe Illustrator, offering one-to-one and group workshops for aspiring graphic and fashion designers. My training covers everything from pattern creation and fabric development to mood board creation, collection design, and marketing elements. I love sharing educational content through social media and am currently developing an online platform to make these resources more accessible.
In my personal life, I am deeply passionate about fashion and design. This passion was ignited during my teenage years, inspired by my stylish mother and creative father. I started designing at a young age, and my first piece—a black and white graphic dress with pink accents—was a pivotal moment for me. My family's creative environment greatly influenced my journey.
I also manage the marketing strategy for Purple Bubbles, dedicating around 40% of my time to this project. Additionally, I'm excited about a private label project for customers wanting to start their own makeup line, as well as working on new fashion collections and accessories set to launch by the end of the year. One of my current focuses is on fabric printing for scarves, aiming to meet market demand with unique offerings.
My latest venture is a project named '06', which provides comprehensive event services including concept and design, management, marketing, PR, and production. This project allows me to leverage my extensive experience in organizing diverse events, from fashion shows to art exhibitions.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching TV, and gathering together. I also enjoy traveling and relaxing at home with a good movie and popcorn, playing with my siblings like anyone else. As an influencer, I attend events that are scheduled in advance so I can promote them and discuss their projects.
Although I work a lot, I recently started Project 06 for event management to focus on making exhibitions and organizing events. This is a new project, but it aligns with my experience working with different people and activities. My hobbies include exercising and sticking to a routine, though I find it challenging. I love designing most of the time and enjoy being at home working on my projects.
I’m excited to continue growing my brands and sharing my passion for fashion and design with the world. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me better!
What inspired you to start the Halima Seemba brand, and how has your vision evolved since its inception?
My inspiration to start the Halima Seemba brand stemmed from my early fascination with fashion, sparked by my mother's stylish wardrobe and my family's involvement in traditional boat design. From a young age, I was captivated by the beauty and intricacy of my mother's outfits, which resembled the elegance designs. This admiration, coupled with my passion for drawing and creating, fueled my dream of becoming a fashion designer.
Over the years, my vision has evolved significantly. Initially focused on creating beautiful designs, I have since embraced sustainability and inclusivity as core principles of my brand. Understanding the importance of ethical practices, I strive to use eco-friendly materials and ensure my designs are accessible to a diverse range of body types and cultural backgrounds.
Moreover, my experience working with small Emirati brands and consulting with fashion instructors in London has refined my approach to fashion design. I've learned the importance of balancing tradition with modernity, leading me to create unique pieces that blend cultural heritage with contemporary style. My commitment to originality and creativity has deepened, as I aim to offer more than just clothing, but art that tells a story and resonates with people.
In summary, my journey from being inspired by my family's influences to becoming a dedicated fashion entrepreneur has shaped the Halima Seemba brand into a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. My vision continues to evolve, driven by a passion for pushing the boundaries of fashion and making a positive impact on the industry.
Can you describe the design process behind your collections, particularly the balance between modern trends and traditional elements?
Since every designer aspires to reach an international level and become a recognized brand, I understood that not every design automatically qualifies as a designer brand. To achieve this, I needed to develop myself and learn the correct processes. Initially, it was challenging because I couldn't find the right place to start and had to invest a lot in educating my team and workforce.
As I progressed, I developed various criteria and consulted with fashion instructors in London. This helped me understand what it takes to become a successful fashion brand. My vision involved not just sticking to the standard cut of the abaya but creating designs that would be desirable and wearable by every woman, not just Arabs. Recognizing that many women want practical yet stylish clothing, I set out to transform the traditional abaya into a modern, street-style garment.
I changed the fabrics and developed styles that were both modern and practical. For example, I created winter-style abayas with different graphic designs. This balance between a well-cut silhouette and modern style made the abayas appealing. They could be worn over jeans, denim, and casual T-shirts, which resonated well with many women.
I also incorporated headscarves in a way that wasn't necessarily traditional. Instead, women could pair the abaya with a cap, making it practical and versatile. By focusing on styling, I managed to create a fashion line that combined modern trends with traditional elements, making it more wearable and accessible for everyone.
How do you ensure the quality and sustainability of the materials used in your clothing lines?
Since I handle most of the processes, I focus on using less harmful fabrics and prioritize sustainability. Sustainability is a tricky element because not all customers prioritize it. However, I design in limited quantities and do not engage in mass production. When I use polyester, it's recycled polyester, which is difficult to source locally. While I'm not 100% sustainable, I strive to use fabrics free from harmful chemicals, especially for my printed fashion designs.
Being a non-fast fashion brand is a significant advantage. I use a lot of cotton, poplin cotton, and bamboo cotton for my abayas, which are amazing for modern fashion. Achieving this requires extensive research and hard work to find the right fabrics. Despite the challenges, I am successfully implementing these practices, focusing on creating modern, sustainable, and stylish designs.
What strategies have you found most effective in engaging with your customer base, both online and offline?
As a luxury and high-end fashion brand, it's challenging to participate in every show and exhibit for direct interaction. Interacting with customers isn't an ideal strategy from the beginning for any brand. Instead, I prefer online and social media marketing, especially with the right influencers. Influencer shout-outs can effectively establish a brand. Therefore, I focus on selling exclusively online, targeting people who seek high-end quality fashion.
Customer engagement isn't a primary part of my strategy. My goal is to build a strong online presence and sell directly through my online platform. I selectively choose specific events to participate in and involve customers through activities and influencer collaborations. The key is not to work with many influencers, but to find the right ones who can represent and become ambassadors for my brand.
Using live chat for personal styling consultations is also an efficient way to engage customers and drive online sales. This approach ensures that I maintain the luxury and exclusivity of my brand while effectively reaching my target audience.
I also incorporate myself wearing my own designs. As a designer, it’s important to inspire the audience by talking about and sharing the value of each creation. I find that social media is the most successful strategy for this. By showcasing my designs and sharing the stories behind them, I can connect with my audience on a deeper level and build a strong, loyal customer base.
Could you share more about the educational and training services you offer through your platform?
Currently, I focus on interacting through one-on-one or group workshops to train and educate aspiring graphic designers and fashion designers. As a certified trainer for Adobe Illustrator, I teach Illustrator design and share valuable information through my social media platforms. I'm also developing an online platform to consolidate all this educational content.
In my training services, I teach pattern making, fabric creation, and mood board and collection design. I aim to help designers learn how to start designing, create graphical patterns, and develop their own collections. Additionally, I provide guidance on the necessary marketing elements and offer consultations during these workshops. This comprehensive approach supports fashion startup designers in achieving their goals.
What future plans or upcoming projects are you most excited about for Halima Seemba?
I'm excited about developing my website, which I'm keeping as a secret for now. As the owner of Jafir services, I work on various branding projects for different clients under agreements. I'm particularly thrilled about my partnership with my sister, the owner of PurpleBubble. We are excited to engage with more customers and clients, especially through our partnership with the Thai brand, Beauty.
I'm handling the marketing strategy for PurpleBubble, dedicating around 40% of my time to this project. Additionally, I'm involved in a private label project with PurpleBubble, focusing on customers who want to start their own makeup line and need branding and packaging services. This project takes up more than 30% of my time.
The rest of my time is dedicated to my fashion branding, accessories, and new collections, which I plan to launch by the end of the year. I'm passionate about being a role model and example for other fashion designers through these projects and collaborations.
I'm excited about expanding into fabric printing for scarves, fulfilling market demand and offering unique products not widely available. This project is a significant part of my fashion services, and I look forward to launching it and sharing more details with fellow fashion enthusiasts and upcoming designers.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
One of my greatest career achievements so far has been successfully establishing and growing my fashion brand in the competitive industry. This journey has involved not only designing unique collections but also integrating sustainable practices into my business model.
Additionally, forming strategic partnerships, such as with my sister's company, PurpleBubble, and collaborating with renowned brands like the Thai beauty brand, Beauty, have been significant milestones. These partnerships have allowed me to expand my brand's reach and impact while also learning valuable insights from industry leaders.
Moreover, as a certified trainer for Adobe Illustrator, educating and mentoring aspiring graphic and fashion designers has been incredibly fulfilling. I take pride in sharing my knowledge and skills through workshops and online platforms, helping others realize their creative potential.
Each of these achievements has contributed to my growth as a designer and entrepreneur, reinforcing my commitment to innovation, sustainability, and artistic expression in the fashion industry.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
The issue of copying designs and promoting fast fashion undermines the creativity and artistry that should define the fashion industry. It's crucial for designers to focus on innovation and originality rather than replicating trends for quick profit. Fashion is indeed an art form that should be respected and celebrated for its creativity, craftsmanship, and ability to express cultural and personal identity.
I also believe in the importance of inclusivity, celebrating all body types and embracing diversity in fashion. Every individual deserves to feel represented and empowered by the clothing they wear. By promoting real fashion, we can encourage a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness that goes into creating unique and sustainable clothing.
Ultimately, fostering a mindset shift towards valuing creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity will not only elevate the fashion industry but also contribute positively to society and the environment. It's about creating meaningful connections through fashion and inspiring others to appreciate its artistic and cultural significance.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
A pivotal moment in my life that brought me to where I am today started with the inspiration I received from my mother when I was between 12 and 14 years old. My mother, who always had a keen sense of style sparked my fascination with fashion. One day, she introduced me to a tailor, and I designed my first piece: a black and white graphic dress with pink accents. This experience ignited my passion for fashion design.
Another significant influence was my father, who would often share stories from his past. These storytelling sessions were not only captivating but also educational. From him, I learned the importance of documenting experiences, which led me to start writing journals. This practice helped me develop a deeper understanding of storytelling and creativity, essential skills for a designer.
Our family gatherings were also filled with creativity. We would come together to make handcrafts and draw. These sessions with my siblings were incredibly inspiring and fostered a collaborative spirit in me. We would spend hours creating, experimenting with different materials, and pushing the boundaries of our imaginations.
These experiences laid the foundation for my journey into fashion. In 2010, I officially started designing, blending modern trends with traditional elements. The positive reception of my designs encouraged me to push further. By 2011, I had my own workshop and a team, and we focused on creating innovative abayas that combined practicality with contemporary style. This journey, supported by consultations with London fashion instructors and continuous learning, has been shaped by the lessons learned from my parents and the creative experiences shared with my family, bringing me to where I am today as a designer.
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