Meet Sulieman Alhazma

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sulieman Alhazma. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Sulieman, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Growing up as a Palestinian refugee, my journey has been shaped by resilience and the strong sense of identity instilled by my family. Confidence and self-esteem didn’t come naturally—it was something I had to build through challenges, cultural pride, and a commitment to preserving our heritage.

One of the defining moments in my journey was starting Palestinian Elegance with my family. It began as a dream to share the beauty of Palestinian culture through modest fashion. Initially, I faced self-doubt. Would people appreciate our vision? Could I balance my studies, family responsibilities, and the demands of a new business? These questions often lingered in my mind.

However, I found confidence in our purpose. The rich history and artistry of Palestinian embroidery became a source of strength. Every kaftan, kuffiyeh, and bridal dress we designed was a story—a piece of our heritage that deserved to be shared with the world. Seeing our customers embrace our work with pride fueled my belief in our mission.

I also leaned on my family for support. As a family-owned business, we worked together, celebrated small wins, and learned from our mistakes. This collaborative environment gave me the courage to take risks, like opening new store locations and expanding our product line.

Over time, I realized that confidence isn’t about being fearless; it’s about embracing challenges with determination. Every obstacle, whether it was understanding the complexities of running a business or navigating cultural misconceptions, was an opportunity to grow. Through persistence and a deep connection to my roots, I developed a sense of self-esteem rooted in purpose and pride.

Today, I’m proud to lead a business that not only celebrates Palestinian culture but also inspires others to stay connected to their heritage. Confidence, for me, is about staying true to who you are and using your unique story to make a difference.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At Palestinian Elegance, we are deeply committed to preserving and celebrating Palestinian culture through modern modest fashion. Our family-owned business was founded with the vision of sharing the beauty and heritage of Palestinian embroidery with the world. We offer a curated collection of high-quality products, including kaftans, abayas, jilbabs, kuffiyehs, and accessories, all designed with a contemporary twist while staying true to our cultural roots.

What makes Palestinian Elegance special is our dedication to authenticity and craftsmanship. Every piece we create tells a story of resilience, tradition, and artistry. We collaborate with talented Palestinian artists and designers to ensure that each product reflects the rich history and vibrant culture of Palestine. From custom bridal dresses to ethically made everyday wear, we aim to deliver elegance and heritage to our customers.

One of the most exciting aspects of our journey is seeing how our products resonate with people from all walks of life. Whether it’s a customer wearing a kuffiyeh to show solidarity or someone discovering the beauty of Palestinian embroidery for the first time, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that we’re making a meaningful impact.

In terms of what’s new, we’re thrilled to announce the opening of a new store location in Plano, Texas, on February 2nd, 2025. This expansion is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow and bring our products closer to our customers. Additionally, we’re working on launching new product lines that blend traditional embroidery techniques with modern fashion trends. We’re also planning to expand our international reach and connect with more customers who share our passion for preserving and celebrating culture.

At Palestinian Elegance, we don’t just sell products—we share a piece of our heritage and our story. We invite everyone to explore our collection and join us in celebrating the timeless beauty of Palestinian culture.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities and skills that contributed to my growth were resilience, a strong sense of purpose, and effective collaboration.

Resilience:

As a Palestinian refugee and entrepreneur, resilience has been the foundation of my journey. Challenges are inevitable, whether they’re personal or professional, but the ability to adapt, learn, and keep moving forward has been essential. For instance, starting Palestinian Elegance came with uncertainties and obstacles, but staying focused on our mission to preserve and share Palestinian culture kept me motivated. My advice for those starting out is to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and to never lose sight of your goals.

A Strong Sense of Purpose:

Having a clear “why” behind what you do is incredibly powerful. For me, that purpose is preserving Palestinian heritage through modern fashion. This sense of purpose has not only guided my decisions but has also inspired others to connect with our mission. I encourage those early in their journey to identify what truly drives them and let that purpose guide their path. When your work aligns with your values, it becomes more meaningful and fulfilling.

Effective Collaboration:

Building Palestinian Elegance has been a family effort, and collaboration has played a key role in our success. My mother, who leads our design team, ensures that our products reflect our cultural values, while other family members contribute their unique skills. Surrounding yourself with people who share your vision and complement your strengths can make a world of difference. For those starting out, I recommend building a supportive network and learning to communicate and collaborate effectively.

Advice for Developing These Skills:

Resilience: Practice self-reflection and learn from setbacks. Celebrate small wins, and remember that progress is a journey.
Purpose: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you and how you can align your work with your values.
Collaboration: Invest in building relationships, listen actively, and appreciate the strengths of those around you.
By focusing on these qualities and skills, you can create a solid foundation for your journey and navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The most helpful people in my journey have undoubtedly been my family. As a family-owned business, Palestinian Elegance was built on the foundation of shared values, mutual support, and collaboration. My mother, in particular, has been a constant source of inspiration. Her deep connection to Palestinian culture and her passion for design have shaped the vision of our brand. She has taught me the importance of staying true to our roots while embracing innovation.

Additionally, my siblings and extended family have played key roles in overcoming challenges. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas, managing operations, or providing emotional support during tough times, their contributions have been invaluable. They’ve helped me develop essential skills like resilience, teamwork, and adaptability.

Beyond my family, our community of customers and supporters has also been instrumental. Their feedback, encouragement, and shared passion for preserving Palestinian culture have motivated me to keep pushing forward, even when faced with obstacles.

For anyone starting their journey, I would emphasize the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. A strong support system can make all the difference in navigating challenges and achieving success.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Palestinian Elegance Team

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