We had the good fortune of connecting with Khadijah Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Khadijah, what is the most important factor behind your success?
My company, Ramadan and Juliette, began sales in March, 2021. I provided holiday banners that are catered to the Ramadan season and Eid Holiday’s. My company is not by far ready for the Forbes list when it comes to profit haha, however I do have a pretty solid idea of how I see success at this time.

Staying true to my vision in combination with allowing for space to learning about myself, the audience I design for, and times we are living in at that given moment. I understand success to be not only the dollar amount I am making overall, but the impact that my work and goods have on those around me.

When I began drawing my designs, I had in mind a few things. Celebration, joy, and beauty. I wanted my products to represent just that. Ramadan and Eid are celebrated by more than a billion people worldwide. During this time, Muslims find deep meaning and connection in their lives coupled with joy, family life, and community. I wanted to be sure to capture this sentiment in my designs. At this moment, this is what success means to me. Being true to my vision, allowing myself to grow, and getting adequate value from the time and hard works I put in. I’m sure as I mature and grow in the business, this vision will improve and refine itself, but for now, this is my foundation of success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would like to world to know that Ramadan and Juliette is was created to served the community of Muslims around the world, but specifically here in the U.S. This Brand was created out of a lack of representation of my culture needs in large market places here in the states. Although there are over 1 million Muslims here in America, with $170 billion dollar buying power, only one major big box store has taken interest in selling a very limited style of goods that cater to the needs of Muslims in America.

I value my culture as a Black Muslim Women and celebrate it through the designs I’ve created that represent joy, beauty, and culture all in one. What sets my designs apart are, I didn’t rely on a factory or someone who has no understanding of Muslim culture and how we decorate during these holiday, to define decor for me. I used my life experience to do just that. The flowers you see so heavily in my designs are pulled from my love of floral centerpieces that my grandmother Bessie and Uncle Tommy made sure we had at every family gather since I was a child. The bold elaborate colors gave warmth to my soul. The patterns in my designs are inspired from my West African heritage and the lack of mosque and minarets in my design displays my understanding that during Ramadan and Eid, the Mosque is the place we go to for worship, but I don’t necessarily want it printed on my party goods that I’m using always. At Ramadan and Juliette, we seek to provide variety, color, and choice options for our customers always.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love to relax, enjoy good food, and have good discussion. These are my fav spot to do these things with my guest.

Foot Massage off Royal lane for starter. The combination Massage does it every time.
Rock’in Crab-The juice runs down my elbows each visit.
Spa Castle
Record Grill downtown is my favorite hole in the wall. The chicken fried chicken is the best!
Noodle wave Richardson is a classic and a must visit spot for every guest of mine in Dallas. My favorite is the cinnamon swirl dessert and the green crunchy chicken curry.
The AMC in the Irving Mall for a quick movie
85 degree bakery. We’d drive all the way there just for those Egg tarts.
Sul & Beans Korean Shaved Ice Dessert Cafe. This is a such a tasty and fun experiences.
Smokin’ Bones BBQ and I’d get the Brisket burger
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, drooling typing this.

These are my top favs!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My business advisor Cynthia, who is always there for me with her expertise and guidance. There is never a question too big or great for her. She always has a resource that she can pull from her pocket when she nor I have the answers. She is not scared of the big goals I’ve made for Ramadan and Juliette. She champions my visions. When I think small, she questions why. When I think big, she doesn’t bat an eye. She comes from success. She walked the road herself with her own businesses. I am grateful for her guidance and encouragement.

Website: www.ramadanandjuliette.com

Instagram: @ramadanandjuliette

Facebook: @ramadanandjuliette

Youtube: https://youtu.be/VnaEOQ3qn_c

Image Credits
Eid banners photo credits – AreejbashirPhotography Ramadan
Banner photo credit – AngelicamariePhotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.