Introduce Yourself. My name is Asma Zaka Ibrahim and I’m the designer and founder of ZAKAA .

Tell me about your family. I was married on July 10, 2010 to Khalid Ibrahim. We have 2 little ones. My daughter Lily is 5 years old and has just started kindergarten and my son Dean is 1 and looks just like his daddy.

How long have you lived or worked in NoVa? What area do you live/work (general areas)? I grew up in the NoVa area. Went to Centreville High School (Wildcats), went to VCU school of Arts and George Mason University. I live in Loudoun County and have my designer flagship in the downtown One Loudoun Shopping Center.

What is your business? Bridal Designer/Brand

Tell me the story of how you got started/When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a designer? Ever since I was a kid, I used to love going to the fabric store and thrift stores. I saw beauty in things that others didn’t see. I always sketched as a child and always took many art classes even through high school. I decided to study Art and Visual Technology and knew my life would always be in the creative field. I do love anything that is delicate which is why I pursued the bridal fashion industry. “Lover of pretty things” to sum it up defines me. I love creative beautiful things and I love making women feel beautiful.

What was the biggest rookie mistake you made when just starting out? I don’t consider things mistakes. I consider them more of learning experiences which make you a stronger designer and a stronger business woman. Had I not seen obstacles I would not be where I am today.

Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to start your own bridal line? Family has been my biggest support. My husband and Family believed and me and have been the biggest support and drive for me to succeed.

Do you feel supported as a female entrepreneur/designer? Yes I do.

What role do you think social media plays in fashion today? I think social media plays a huge role in fashion today especially with Instagram.

What was your biggest fear when going out and starting your own line? How am I going to travel for business, do trunks shows and exhibitions and have a family?

What is the biggest obstacle you face as a working mother? Balancing business and family life. I feel guilty as a Mom when I need to travel for work even if it’s for 2 days and really miss the kids.

What do you do when you’re not working or being a mom? I like to swim and do yoga.

What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about being a mom? It’s the most rewarding and the most challenging journey in life. I get worried over every little thing and that worry won’t ever go away because I feel that I always need to protect them. I feel blessed to do what I love as my career but more so I feel blessed to be a mom of 2 little ones. It’s a love which you can’t describe but can only feel.

What do you do as a family on the weekends? Our weekends are Mondays and Sundays. We visit family, lots of outdoor activities with the kids. Both Lily and Dean are quite active so we are always doing something that involves both of them getting all that energy out. We do lots of swimming during the summer time.

What’s something you struggle with being in the NoVa area? Not enough creative minds.

What’s your favorite thing about this area (DMV)? I love the countryside.

Favorite local restaurant? Noku Sushi

What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the bridal industry? Stay consistent, determined, and don’t give up.

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you? I listen to folk music.

Xo, MomingInNoVa