Today we’d like to introduce you to Khadijah Muhammad.
Hi Khadijah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started Designs By Dij as a handmade greeting card business, creating detailed 3D cards by hand during long nights as a new entrepreneur trying to build something meaningful. What began with stationery eventually grew into an art-driven lifestyle brand after I realized my work deeply connected to themes of natural hair, identity, and Black beauty.
I expanded the brand into umbrellas, tote bags, wall decor, pillows, and other statement pieces that celebrate natural hair and culture in bold, artistic ways. My umbrellas especially became standout products because people saw them as wearable empowerment art — not just accessories.
Through vendor events, community engagement, social media, and consistency, I built Designs By Dij into a recognizable brand known for celebrating identity unapologetically. I also created the Curls N’ Convo Natural Hair Summit, expanding my influence beyond products into conversations and community around natural hair and self-love.
Today, Designs By Dij is known as a creative empowerment brand that blends art, culture, fashion, and representation into products that make people feel seen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. Like many creative entrepreneurs, I had to build Designs By Dij from the ground up with a lot of faith, trial and error, and persistence. One of the biggest struggles was simply getting people to understand the vision early on. Designs By Dij was never a “typical” business. It blended art, culture, natural hair representation, and fashion in a way that many people had never seen before. There were long nights handmaking products, fulfilling orders alone, investing money back into the business, and trying to balance creativity with actually learning how to run a company. There were moments of low visibility, inconsistent sales, slow seasons, and trying to gain traction online while watching other brands seem to grow faster. Another challenge was carving out space as a Black woman-owned brand centered around natural hair and identity. Sometimes the very thing that made the brand unique also made it harder to fit into traditional retail spaces or get immediate recognition from larger platforms. I also had to learn: branding, marketing, social media strategy, SEO, wholesale, website management, and event coordination largely through experience. And like many entrepreneurs, there were moments of discouragement, self-doubt, burnout, and wondering if all the hard work was really paying off. But one thing that kept Designs By Dij moving forward was the emotional connection people had to the products. Customers didn’t just buy an item — they saw themselves in it. That connection is what helped the brand continue to grow despite the challenges.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the founder and creative force behind Designs By Dij, an art-driven brand that specializes in products celebrating natural hair, identity, culture, and self-expression. Through original artwork, I create statement pieces such as umbrellas, wall decor, tote bags, pillows, greeting cards, and lifestyle accessories that empower people to embrace who they are unapologetically.
I especially am known for transforming everyday items into meaningful art experiences. My umbrellas, in particular, have become standout signature pieces because they blend fashion, functionality, and representation in a bold and memorable way. Many people recognize my work for its vibrant imagery of natural hair and Black beauty that is often underrepresented in mainstream spaces.
Beyond products, I am also known for creating the Curls N’ Convo Natural Hair Summit, a platform centered around conversations, empowerment, and community within the natural hair space. Through both my brand and my events, I have built a reputation for using creativity as a tool for connection, confidence, and cultural celebration.
What I am most proud of being able to create is products and experiences that make people feel seen. Hearing customers say they finally saw themselves reflected in art, fashion, or design in a meaningful way has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
What sets me apart is authenticity. Designs By Dij was never created by following trends. The brand was built from personal passion, artistic vision, and a genuine desire to celebrate identity through art. My work stands out because it is deeply intentional, emotionally connected, and rooted in representation, storytelling, and culture.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One piece of advice I would give about mentorship and networking is to not wait until everything is “perfect” before putting yourself out there. A lot of meaningful connections have come simply from showing up consistently, attending events, introducing myself, and being genuine about my work and mission.
For me, networking has worked best when it happens naturally through shared passion and community rather than trying to force relationships for personal gain. Creative spaces, natural hair events, social media, and collaborations have all helped her connect with people who aligned with her vision.
I also believe mentorship does not always have to look traditional. Sometimes a mentor is someone you observe from afar, someone whose journey teaches you through their example, or someone willing to share a few valuable gems during a conversation. Being open to learning from many different people has been important in my growth.
Another thing that has worked well for me is letting the work speak first. When people connect emotionally to the brand and see the passion behind it, opportunities and relationships tend to grow more organically.
Most importantly, I would encourage others to stay authentic. Networking works best when people can genuinely feel who you are, what you stand for, and the heart behind your work.
Pricing:
- Afro Hair Wall Art- starts at $36
- Umbrellas- $35
- 3 Piece Sets- $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.designsbydij.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/designsbydij
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/designsbydij
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@designsbydij
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@designsbydij
