TALK WITH RADIA from iRadia.be

The founder of iRadia.be shares her views with us on Modesty and how she started blogging. Radia was very kind to give us her true piece of mind on these matters! This interview helps you to understand the story behind both iRadia.be and Radia herself.

---

What is Modesty for you?

My definition of modesty is very simple:

- Keep your clothes loose.

- Cover all the parts that should be covered.

- Avoid see-through fabrics.

- And don’t look like a traffic light.

I think if you follow these guidelines, you’ve already come a long way. And according to me a hijabi can wear every western piece she wants IF it answers to the guidelines mentioned above.

"Be the best you can be."

"Starting my blog kind of happened very unexpected. I graduated and was looking for a job. While looking for a job, I had a lot of free time. So I decided to do something I always enjoyed doing. Amusing myself with religion, fashion, beauty and much more. I shared my personal tips in those areas and I really loved it and still do love it.

I started with my blog ‘Radia’s Tips & Tricks’ on Facebook. Everything went well, but few months later I decided to continue studying since I couldn’t find any job where they would accept me with my hijab. That was also the time I got very ill, so I declared my blog ‘being in a coma’ hahaha.

Then I got better alhamdoulilah and decided to come back with an international online blog. That’s when iRadia.be was born! By popular demand I started blogging in English so everyone can read it. Facebook was for me an important way to reach my audience. And later on I got hooked on Instagram! Another addiction, sure, why not?”

Upcoming YouTube Channel

"After years of being obsessed with YouTube videos, I asked myself ‘Why not start making videos too?’ I’m sure I’ll love making the videos as much as I enjoy watching them. And I find videos much more fun to watch than reading articles. I will be vlogging about the ordinary subject: Hauls, Monthly Favorites, OOTD’s, … But I’ll also have something special in store for my sisters. I’m afraid I have to keep that a secret until my project is completely finished. But I can tell you that my very first video will be uploaded on Friday night December 27^th in-sha-Allah. I’m so excited!”

iRadia in five years

"In 5 years I’ll be 29 years old in-sha-Allah. That’s basically being 30. So I really would want some things to be achieved by then. I hope I’ll have a secure job by then. I’m aiming for a job as an independent entrepreneur. Something that has to do with my blog and helps Muslim women of the Western society. 

Concerning my personal life: I hope to be married by then (never thought I would ever say that, but I guess it’s a part of my deen I just HAVE TO fulfill). And I also sincerely hope that my imaan will be increased (a lot) by then in-sha-Allah.”

"Oversized, baggy, edgy and sometimes elegant, romantic and chic. I am a real chameleon if you ask me about my style. I change my personal fashion style very very often. It really depends on my mood and the stage of life that I am at.

I do think that style comes to you naturally. I don’t try to force any style on myself and I only have 2 guidelines: My religion & my mood! Sometimes I feel ‘tough’ and I express it through my army boots, boyfriend jeans (or as I call it, the husband jeans – let’s keep it halal) and the color black. But on the other hand, I can feel very romantic and wear girly dresses and flower prints. But that doesn’t happen so often anymore because I quickly get bored of that style."

If we were to go shopping tomorrow and you had to take me to the best shop/store you know, where would we go?

"Well, lately I catch myself shopping very often at New Look. I find nice shoes and skirts over there. My second favorite store is Beau-Tique. It’s this adorable boutique in Antwerp, that sells top notch fashion items! I stop by the store at least 3 times a week and I even became friends with the owner. She’s such a beautiful soul! So chances are you meet me there one day hahaha."

Is there something you hate in fashion?

"Don’t get me started! Hahaha. No, actually I don’t really ‘hate’ any trends. I just ask myself why does there has to be so much skin showing nowadays? I might like a certain trend, but not in the way it’s been worn. Some items are only suitable in your own home in front of a certain someone (if you know what I mean :p)."

What’s the one designer bag you’d like to own but don’t?

"You might never expect me (as a fashion addict) to say this, but there is no designer bag I would want to own. Will I ever have a designer bag? Well, if somebody gave me one, I would hahaha. But I really don’t see myself buying one. Because I think it’s absurd to spend so much money on a bag that according to me isn’t even that gorgeous to start with. There are very few designer bags that I thought were sooo pretty. But the love between me and the bag wasn’t big enough, otherwise I might have bought it anyway."

Your dream destination?

"This might sound so cliché, but the answer would be Mekkah. When I hear my mommy who went there a few times speak about it, I really want to go there so bad and experience what she experienced. After that I really want to visit Asia and stop by Malaysia. And I secretly fantasize about moving to the UK."

----------------------------------------------------

Some tips and tricks from Radia

"Never ever allow society to decide what you have to wear! They have us thinking that Islam oppresses us by telling us what to wear. While they have magazines telling the world what to wear. And that isn’t called oppression, right?

Therefore, do not always go with the flow. Stick to your norms and values. And never sacrifice your religion to be accepted. People need to take you as you are. And if it happens to be a fully covered girl who has her own way of living, so be it.

Okay, this might sound a bit harsh but it’s my frustration speaking. I really think it’s awful that nowadays people don’t get accepted, hired or seen as equal person just because they have other beliefs.

But I don’t want to end with a negative note, so to all my sisters, stay strong! Allah does not place a burden on a soul greater than it can bear.”

Much Love, Radia

———————————————-

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Radia a bit better! Don’t forget to share this interview on your social media sites! 

 Follow Radia on twitter and instagram

- THE BLOGGERS TALk -

2014