Today we’d like to introduce you to Rawan Espeah.
Hi Rawan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
CrownsUp Hijabs started from my living room — and from a feeling deep in my heart that hijab deserved to be seen differently. I wanted to show that modesty can be powerful, elegant, and full of identity.
As a proud Palestinian woman living in Raleigh, I often struggled to find hijabs that matched both my values and my sense of style. So, I began creating my own pieces — simple designs made with love, inspired by my culture and the women around me. What started as a small creative outlet soon became a calling.
Each hijab I made carried a message: your hijab is your crown. Seeing women wear my pieces with confidence reminded me that this was bigger than fashion — it was about representation, pride, and empowerment.
From selling my first hijabs at local events like NC State’s Packapalooza to connecting with amazing women in our community, this journey has been about faith, growth, and believing that small beginnings can lead to something beautiful.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but that’s what makes the journey meaningful. My biggest challenge wasn’t just financial or logistical; it was the fear of starting. Taking that first step felt overwhelming, especially with limited capital and so many responsibilities on my shoulders.
As a mother of five and a wife, balancing family life with the dream of building something of my own was never easy. There were moments of doubt, long nights, and plenty of learning along the way.
But every struggle came with a lesson. I realized that growth often begins right after fear — and that even small, steady steps forward can lead to something beautiful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
CrownsUp Hijabs is more than just a modest fashion brand — it’s a message of pride, identity, and empowerment. We specialize in creating high-quality hijabs made from natural, breathable fabrics that blend elegance with everyday comfort. Every piece is thoughtfully designed to reflect both modern fashion and the timeless beauty of modesty.
What truly sets us apart is our purpose. CrownsUp was created to remind women that their hijab is not something to hide behind, but something to shine through. Each piece carries that message — that modesty can be powerful, stylish, and deeply meaningful.
As a proud Palestinian-owned brand, we weave our heritage into our work. Beyond hijabs, CrownsUp has started designing unique, modest school uniforms for local Islamic schools, helping them establish their own cultural and professional identity. Seeing students wear uniforms that reflect both their values and confidence has been incredibly rewarding.
We also use fashion as a form of expression and solidarity. During the war on Gaza, we turned art into activism by illustrating scenes of resilience and hope, then screen-printing those artworks onto T-shirts. It was our way of saying that fashion can speak — it can carry a message, raise awareness, and give strength to a community in pain.
At its heart, CrownsUp Hijabs is about more than fabric — it’s about faith, identity, and the power of wearing your story with pride
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The modest fashion industry is growing faster than ever, and I believe the next 5–10 years will bring even more recognition, creativity, and innovation. We’re seeing a real shift — modesty is no longer viewed as “different,” but as a powerful form of self-expression.
I think the future will be all about inclusivity and technology. From smart fabrics to vending machines that make hijabs easily accessible, brands will continue finding new ways to meet women’s needs while respecting their values.
There’s also a growing appreciation for authenticity — people want to buy from brands that have a story, a mission, and a heart. That’s where I see CrownsUp Hijabs growing: staying true to our message, but evolving with modern design, sustainability, and cultural representation.
The world is starting to listen to what modest fashion has been saying all along — that elegance, confidence, and faith can exist beautifully together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crownsuphijab.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crownsup_hijab
