Fariba Sharifi

Fariba Sharifi owns Ayna Modest Boutique in Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge.

There are plenty of stores to choose from when it comes to women’s clothing, but a local entrepreneur has found success with her designs.

Fariba Sharifi, who owns Ayna Modest Boutique in Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, said she and her sisters wanted to dress modestly to honor their religion, but had trouble finding the right clothing.

So they started making clothes that quickly became popular with other women, first with an online store and, now, with a brick-and-mortar location.

“Right now, 60% of my customers are non-Muslims,” said Sharifi. “There’s so many women that are looking for clothes that are modest.”

“Every time I would wear the outfits, I used to get a lot of compliments,” she said. “People would ask me, ‘Where did you buy it from?’”

Sharifi says that sparked the idea for the business. At Ayna, she works with several designers who make clothing that is fashionable, but not skimpy. “Our style — the fashion, the fabric, the colors that we have — it stands out,” she said.

Sharifi said her journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. In fact, she’s been so successful that she plans to open a second store in another major area mall this summer.

“I cannot describe the feeling, it’s the best feeling when you work hard and you see the result,” said Sharifi.

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(6) comments

Genocide Joe

It's no surprise women are looking for more modest wear. With the pedo-POTUS getting 81 million votes, apparently, there are a lot of predators out there.

John Dutko

So glad you brought up this topic.

"What Were You Wearing" is an exhibit that show the outfits of the women and girls who were raped: https://dovecenter.org/what-were-you-wearing-exhibit/

When you make comments like you did, it shows that there needs to be more education on the subject rather than victim blaming.

Take this as a learning opportunity and a chance to empathize with women.

Janet Smith

Why don't you tell your audience that this clothing is very very warm in Summer, like heat stroke inducing. Also, I don't need or want a adherent of a religion that's completely controlled by men stating what's appropriate and not appropriate for American women to wear.

Tom Manson

Big surprise that Janet would take issue with another culture's standards. Congratulations to this store owner for filling a.niche in the face of local monoculture advocate Janet Smith.

Trumpy Bear

Also, I don't need or want a adherent of a religion that's completely controlled by men stating what's appropriate and not appropriate for American women to wear.

Miss Sharifi clearly stated in the article:

“Right now, 60% of my customers are non-Muslims,” said Sharifi. “There’s so many women that are looking for clothes that are modest.”

"Why don't you tell your audience that this clothing is very very warm in Summer, like heat stroke inducing."

You looking to sue her because each article of clothing she sells doesn't come with a warning label as it relates to climate control?

[lol][lol]

We call these.comments SoapBox comments, with no audience members in attendance. She runs a successful business and designs clothing while you run your mouth.

John Dutko

"Also, I don't need or want a adherent of a religion that's completely controlled by men stating what's appropriate and not appropriate for American women to wear."

That's the bulk of religions. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (the big 3) all dictate fashion sense straight outta 100B.C. (or 40 AD or 610 AD; the point is that it is old).

If people buy the clothing, great!

If not, great!

Fashion is subjective and the buyer has the freedom to make their own informed decisions when purchasing clothing. This entrepreneur happened to find a niche market that caters to those that don't go for gaudy or revealing wear.

However, you should check with your congressmen with regards to legislation pertaining to women's clothing; y'all be tempting men too much and stirring up feelings of the devil!

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