This reflection is from a sister who used to run a store that was catered for Muslims. She eventually had to close it after losing her money and health to cope with non-supporting Muslim consumers. Nothing interesting in that part of the story, but what follows is interesting:
Well here is the thing… I now work part time in an American store where I am happy doing things that I love and with the energy and enthusiasm that I love to give. I am sorry brother but I don’t think that I would ever open a store that catered to our community alone again. That is what makes me sad. Now let me tell you the other thing when the customers who used to come to my store, come to the American store that I work for they are just wonderful. You see it actually makes me MORE sad because they are willing to be on their BEST behavior with the non Muslim. That is why that I decided it is best for me and my Eeman to play in a game that I understand the rules and can be the best I can be physically, mentally and spiritually. That’s the thing people don’t understand…is I lost all of that, I was physically sick….at my Islamic store. May Allah guide us all.
What do you think? How can Muslim businesses thrive as a minority community? Any suggestions or experience?
Nahyan (6)
hibahmac (5)
Ibtisam (5)
Anonymous (3)
Koorosh Vahabi (3)
#1 by Sakina Design at November 23rd, 2009
| Quote
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullah,
I think it’s depend on how you market yourself within your market niche. If we position our business correctly and responds to what the market needs, we should be able to success. Just don’t be discouraged. But I am glad the sister is happy with where she is now.
#2 by Kawthar Ijai at December 1st, 2009
| Quote
Assalamu Alaykum,
Sister I think the point may have not been conveyed. It’s not about being successful. It’s about having the desire or drive to continue to be successful within this community. I do not have the desire because of all that I have endured to continue to sell to our Ummah. We had a nice business, classy, organized. We had comments all the time that it was the best Islamic store they had ever seen, good variety, etc. The point I want everyone to know is manners, manners, manners. We are lost as a community on how to deal with each other. I mean quick example…in the American store…7 out of 10 people will TRY to put back the clothes they try on..or at least put them on the hanger. It was a rare sight when when of my muslim customers would do that…as a matter of fact it was so amazing that I usually thanked them profusely when they did just to encourage them to continue. It’s just a matter of if you are strong enough to deal with it. I think that I just had enough. We were dealing with all walks of life in our store from non english speaking refugees to professionals. So I don’t feel its enough to position our business correctly and respond to what the market needs. I think we need a focus on manners in our society or we are never going to thrive as a community. If we don’t learn to come together we will remain in this condition. Allahu Alim.