Brooklyn-based hijabis, it’s time to let your hair down

Photo: (Right) Huda Quhshi, Le'Jemalik, Brooklyn, USA

It all started when cosmetologist Huda Quhshi decided to open Le’Jemalik, a women’s-only beauty salon in the heart of Brooklyn, after several uncomfortable experiences as a hijabi in numerous city salons.

“I always knew that I wanted to open a salon. It was one experience in particular which made me even more determined,” said Huda. She vividly recalls the day she was at a salon for a hair appointment and a man simply walked in. “I had to throw my hijab over my wet hair and it completely ruined my day. It was then that I realised that women deserve to have any service they need without having to worry about men popping in. It was time for a comfortable and private space just for women, and that’s when Le’Jemalik came to fruition.”

Over 15 years of experience servicing the New York tristate area and working with big names like MAC and Benefit Cosmetics helped Huda realise that one can embrace one’s beauty while still being modest.

Photo: Huda Quhshi greets her guests at the recent opening of Le'Jemalik Salon and Boutique.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Huda is now putting her hard-earned experience and passion to good use by turning Le’Jemalik into every woman’s beauty dream. “Being a Muslim entrepreneur while being a wife and mother of three was no easy task,” she continued. “Trying to find a balance between family and business was a struggle, but my family stood by me all the way, and seeing them cry tears of joy at the ribbon cutting ceremony remains my proudest moment to this very day.”

Besides the typical services you’d find at any salon, like hair styling and manicures and pedicures, the salon also offers special Muslim-friendly beauty services like henna tattoos, halal nails, eyebrow trimming, and Monday-night seminars.

At a time when Muslim families in the U.S. (and the world) are facing discrimination, Huda has powered through. The American-Yemeni believes that the opening of her salon came at the right time, especially after Trump’s inauguration.

“Ironically, Trump brought everyone closer together. I have had numerous messages of support from all women, not just Muslim women, who love the idea of having an all-inclusive women’s private salon,” said the 37-year-old.

In its owner’s words, Le’Jemalik stands for women empowerment, and anyone who wants to support a women-only business should definitely stop by. From welcoming gifts and messages from neighbours to random messages from fans on social media, including women who don’t wear the hijab—all of this made Huda realise the example she was setting. “I have made my dreams a reality, and I hope that my journey has empowered other women to do the same.”

Photo: Guests at the opening of Le'Jemalik Salon and Boutique.

GIVING BACK

The “surreal” opening ceremony, which hosted over 600 guests (three times more than what Huda had expected) and had thousands of dollars’ worth of giveaways offered by sponsors, also featured a generous raffle prize in which 100% of the proceeds went towards the charity Yemen Aid. Her reason?

“Yemen is suffering, and I finally had an outlet to offer help. Any media attention for this war-torn country can help grant them the help they need.”

Despite being a hijab-friendly hair salon, Huda wants Le’Jemalik to become a beauty haven to women of all faiths, a place where women can come in and really let their hair down. The newly opened salon features a secluded reception/waiting area with an opaque revolving door (to separate her clients from the male gaze), plush interiors fitted with ornate frames, and a contemporary overall style.

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