Country: United Kingdom
Organisation Name: The Muslim Women Travel Group
Started in the Year: 2015
Position: Founder & Director
Website: www.themwtg.com
Personal Introduction:
I am a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, a lifelong learner, and an enthusiastic traveller. My journey began with a deep commitment to helping others, fuelled by my academic background in Early Childhood Development, Child Psychology, and Family Therapy. This foundation has shaped my understanding of human connection, growth, and resilience, guiding me in both my personal and professional life.
I come from a family of strong, inspiring women who have instilled in me a sense of determination, compassion, and the courage to pursue my dreams. Travelling has always been a profound source of joy and inspiration for me, allowing me to see the world through diverse perspectives, learn from different cultures, and cultivate a deep appreciation for global sisterhood. This love for travel, combined with my passion for supporting others, led me to establish a unique initiative for Muslim women, creating a space where they could explore the world safely and confidently, all while building meaningful connections.
Professional Introduction:
In 2015, I founded the Muslim Women Travel Group, the first of its kind, dedicated exclusively to creating safe, enriching travel experiences for Muslim Women. Driven by a vision to foster sisterhood and personal growth, the Muslim Women Travel Group has grown steadily and become a pioneer in the industry, setting the standard for female-only travel within the global Islamic economy. My goal was to create the kind of inclusive and supportive environment that I have been blessed with in my own life, ensuring that women could connect, share experiences, and explore new horizons together.
Since its inception, the group has empowered countless women to step outside their comfort zones, discover new destinations, and build lasting friendships. We have paved the way for other groups to follow, proving that Muslim women can travel the world with confidence and joy. Through our innovative approach, we have not only broken barriers but also challenged stereotypes, encouraging women to embrace their strength, independence, and sense of adventure.
Our achievements reflect our commitment to excellence and our unwavering belief in the power of community. From organising unique group tours tailored to cultural sensitivities to providing a platform for women to support each other and share their stories, The Muslim Women Travel Group has become a beacon of empowerment and connection for women across the globe. It has been my privilege to see this community flourish, and I am excited to continue building on this legacy, inspiring more women to embark on journeys of discovery and self-empowerment.
Interview Questions:
What inspired you to start your business in the Islamic Economy?
My inspiration came from a desire to fill a gap I noticed in both the travel industry and within our own community. As a woman who loves to travel, I often found myself searching for experiences that not only respected my cultural values and religious beliefs but also offered a sense of community and genuine connection with other like-minded women. I realised there was a significant need for a space where Muslim women could travel safely, comfortably, and authentically, without feeling like they had to compromise their identity.
I was inspired by the amazing women around me — those who were passionate, adventurous, and eager to explore the world but often felt held back by societal norms or lack of suitable options. I wanted to create a movement that allowed Muslim women to reclaim their narrative in the travel space, fostering confidence, camaraderie, and personal growth.
Starting the Muslim Women Travel Group was also about contributing to the broader Islamic economy in a meaningful way. I wanted to show that Muslim women are vibrant, diverse, and full of potential, eager to engage with the world on their own terms. By creating an initiative that celebrated this, I hoped to inspire more businesses to recognise the value and strength of Muslim women in the global marketplace.
It was about more than just travel; it was about creating a new reality where Muslim women could connect, support one another, and thrive. This initiative became a way to weave together my passion for helping others, my love for travel, and my commitment to uplifting my community — all while contributing to a growing and dynamic Islamic economy.
What were the challenges you had to overcome in the initial stages of starting your business?
Starting the Muslim Women Travel Group was both an exciting and challenging journey. One of the biggest hurdles was breaking into a niche market that was relatively unexplored. The idea of a travel group exclusively for Muslim women was a novel concept at the time, and there were many who were skeptical about its viability. I had to work hard to convince people that there was a real need and desire for such a space, and that Muslim women were eager to explore the world in a way that was safe, culturally respectful, and empowering.
Another challenge was navigating the logistics of creating travel experiences that catered specifically to the unique needs of Muslim women. From ensuring access to halal food, prayer spaces, and modest accommodation options, to designing itineraries that were culturally enriching and aligned with Islamic values, there was a lot of groundwork to be done. It required forging strong partnerships with local vendors, understanding cultural sensitivities, and building trust within the community.
There were also personal challenges. As a new entrepreneur, I was entering a competitive travel industry with limited resources. I had to wear many hats, from marketing and operations to customer service, all while staying true to the mission of the organisation. It took a great deal of perseverance, creativity, and resilience to get the initiative off the ground.
However, these challenges were also opportunities for growth. Each obstacle taught me something valuable and pushed me to innovate and adapt. The initial skepticism and logistical complexities ultimately strengthened my resolve and helped shape the Muslim Women Travel Group into what it is today — a thriving community that has paved the way for many others. Overcoming these challenges was not just about building a business; it was about creating a movement that inspires Muslim women to see the world differently and embrace their potential.
What is the most important thing you feel anyone needs to do to build a successful business in the Islamic Economy?
The most important thing for building a successful company or initiative in the Islamic economy is to genuinely understand and align with the core values and needs of the community you aim to serve. This means deeply respecting and integrating Islamic principles, ethics, and values into every aspect of your business — from the products or services you offer to the way you engage with your customers and partners. Authenticity and trust are crucial in this space, as consumers are not just looking for a product or service; they are looking for businesses that understand and honor their beliefs and lifestyle.
Additionally, it’s vital to be innovative and adaptable. The Islamic economy is diverse and constantly evolving, with a wide range of needs and preferences across different cultures, regions, and demographics. Being open to learning, listening to feedback, and adapting your offerings to meet those needs is essential for sustained growth and impact.
Finally, building a successful initiative also requires fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The Islamic economy thrives on the principles of mutual benefit and social responsibility. By creating partnerships, supporting other businesses, and contributing to the community in meaningful ways, you not only strengthen your own brand but also contribute to the greater good, which is at the heart of Islamic economic principles.
In essence, success in the Islamic economy is about more than just profitability; it’s about creating value that is ethical, inclusive, and beneficial to the community, building trust through integrity, and continuously striving to meet the evolving needs of Muslim consumers worldwide
What were the most important learning experiences you would like to share?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of resilience and perseverance. When starting the Muslim Women Travel Group, I encountered numerous obstacles — from logistical challenges and skepticism to building awareness in a new market. But these challenges taught me that resilience is not just about enduring difficulties, but about seeing them as opportunities for growth and innovation. Each setback pushed me to think creatively, adapt, and find new solutions, which ultimately made our organisation stronger and more dynamic.
Another key learning experience has been the importance of truly understanding the community you are serving. Building trust within the Muslim community requires more than just offering a product or service; it means listening carefully, engaging authentically, and ensuring that your values align with theirs. I learned the significance of empathy and cultural sensitivity, and the necessity of fostering a genuine connection with our clients. This understanding helped me to create experiences that felt personalised, meaningful, and respectful of our community’s needs.
I also learned that collaboration is a powerful tool for success. In the early stages, I believed I had to do everything on my own, but I quickly realized the immense value of building strong partnerships and seeking support from others. Whether it was working with local businesses to create unique travel experiences or connecting with other organisations in the Islamic economy, collaboration helped us grow faster and reach further than we ever could have alone. Sharing knowledge, resources, and support has been vital to our success.
Finally, I’ve learned the importance of staying true to your mission and values. In the pursuit of growth, it’s easy to get distracted by trends or short-term gains, but staying focused on why you started and who you’re serving is essential. This clarity of purpose has guided every decision I’ve made and has been the foundation of our organisation’s trust and credibility.
These experiences have taught me that building a successful initiative is a journey of continuous learning, growth, and adaptation. It’s about being resilient in the face of challenges, staying connected to your community, valuing collaboration, and remaining true to your purpose.
| Tourism is unique in that it has the potential to contribute to most – if not all – of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. When planned and executed responsibly, tourism provides jobs to some of the most vulnerable members of society. |
What advice would you give aspiring leaders in the Islamic Economy?
My first piece of advice is to lead with integrity and purpose. The Islamic economy is rooted in principles of ethics, fairness, and social responsibility. As an aspiring leader, it’s essential to build your business or initiative on these foundations. Make decisions that reflect your values, prioritise the well-being of your community, and stay committed to ethical practices, even when it is challenging. Your integrity will earn the trust and loyalty of your customers, partners, and stakeholders, which is invaluable in building a sustainable and impactful venture.
Secondly, I would encourage you to embrace innovation and think creatively. The Islamic economy is a dynamic and growing space, with evolving needs and opportunities. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo, explore new ideas, and take calculated risks. Innovation doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel — sometimes, it’s about finding new ways to solve existing problems or making traditional practices more relevant and accessible to today’s audience. Stay curious, open-minded, and willing to adapt.
Another crucial piece of advice is to focus on community and collaboration. The concept of “barakah” (blessing) in business comes not just from financial success but also from contributing positively to the lives of others. Build networks, seek partnerships, and support other businesses and initiatives in the Islamic economy. Collaboration fosters mutual growth, and together, we can create a more inclusive and robust market.
I would also stress the importance of understanding your audience. Know the unique needs, preferences, and aspirations of the Muslim community you aim to serve. Spend time listening, learning, and engaging with your audience to build a deep connection and create value that truly resonates with them. This understanding will enable you to offer products or services that are not only aligned with Islamic principles but also meet the real, practical needs of the community.
Lastly, always be prepared to learn and grow. The path to leadership is a continuous journey of self-improvement and education. Stay humble, seek mentorship, and be open to feedback. The most successful leaders are those who recognise that there is always room to learn, evolve, and improve.
Remember, leadership in the Islamic economy is not just about profit; it’s about creating meaningful impact, uplifting others, and being a force for good in the world.
