We were lucky to catch up with Solia Sam recently and have shared our conversation below.
Solia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I believe my resilience comes from a combination of life experiences, inner strength, and the people who have supported me along the way. Over time, I’ve learned that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones to growth. Whether through personal struggles, professional setbacks, or moments of doubt, I’ve developed the ability to adapt and push forward. A big part of that comes from self-reflection, learning to trust myself, and understanding that resilience isn’t about never falling | it’s about always getting back up with a clearer vision and a stronger sense of self.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the founder and designer of Enki, a fashion brand born from my personal journey of defiance, self-expression, and resilience. My designs challenge societal norms, especially for women from conservative backgrounds, giving them a voice through bold, rebellious fashion. Fashion was once illegal for me, yet I pursued it with relentless passion, moving from Iran to Istanbul and ultimately to the U.S. to bring Enki to life.
What excites me most about my work is that Enki is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. It represents strength, rebellion, and the freedom to express oneself without limits. Each piece I design carries a deeper meaning, inspired by mythology, personal struggles, and the power of transformation. My goal is to create fashion that empowers women to embrace their individuality and break free from societal constraints.
Right now, I’m working with Philly Fashion Week to launch Enki, an important step in introducing my vision to a wider audience. I’m also exploring new designs that push boundaries even further, reflecting both my journey and the resilience of the women who inspire me.
For those new to Enki, I invite you to be part of this journey—one that champions self-expression, courage, and the belief that fashion is a powerful form of resistance. There’s so much more to come, and I’m excited to share it with the world.
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, I would say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge norms.
Resilience: Pursuing fashion in an environment where it was illegal, and later navigating the challenges of launching Enki in a new country, required an immense amount of perseverance. There were countless obstacles—cultural, financial, and emotional—but I refused to let them define me. For those starting out, my advice is to develop resilience by embracing setbacks as learning experiences. Every challenge strengthens you. Stay committed to your vision, even when the path feels uncertain.
Creativity: Fashion, for me, is not just about clothing; it’s about storytelling, self-expression, and rebellion. My designs are inspired by mythology, personal struggles, and the fight for freedom. Creativity isn’t just about artistic talent; it’s about perspective. To cultivate it, expose yourself to different cultures, art forms, and histories. Be fearless in experimentation—innovation comes from stepping outside of comfort zones.
Courage to Challenge Norms: Enki is built on the idea of breaking barriers, particularly for women from conservative societies. My journey started with defying restrictions on fashion, and today, my work continues to push against societal limitations. For those just beginning, I encourage you to question norms, redefine success on your own terms, and never shrink yourself to fit into expectations. True impact comes from daring to be different.
No journey is linear, and growth takes time. My advice is to trust yourself, seek inspiration everywhere, and keep moving forward—your story, your voice, and your vision matter more than you know.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning how to navigate the fashion industry in a new country while staying true to my vision. Moving to the U.S. and working with Philly Fashion Week has been a transformative experience—both professionally and personally. I’ve had to adapt to a new fashion landscape, understand industry dynamics, and build connections from the ground up. It hasn’t been easy, but it has pushed me to refine my business approach while staying rooted in my purpose.
Another major area of growth has been confidence in my own voice and creative vision. Coming from a background where fashion was once forbidden, I used to feel like I had to fight for my place in this industry. But over the past year, I’ve realized that my journey, my designs, and my message have value. I’ve embraced my story as my strength, not my limitation.
On a more practical level, I’ve also grown in understanding the business side of fashion—from production logistics to branding strategies. Creativity has always been my driving force, but I’ve learned that in order for Enki to thrive, I need to approach it as both an artist and an entrepreneur.
The past year has been about finding balance—between adapting and staying authentic, between art and business, between challenge and growth. And I know that Enki is only just beginning
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soliasam.com
- Instagram: soliasam
- Facebook: soliasam
- Linkedin: soliasam
- Youtube: soliasam
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