CHICAGO—Rosebud’s Reflections celebrated their 10-year anniversary with a grand opening and new location featuring The Blue Rose Showroom. On November 4, the shop located at 623 East 67th Street in Chicago became home to the modest yet fashionable women’s clothing boutique.
Modest fashion is described as loose-fitting clothing, knee or ankle-length dresses and skirts, and tops that cover the chest and arms. All selections offered at Rosebud’s Reflections meet these criteria.
“What inspired me to start this business was that I wanted the sisters to look really beautiful, so I started selling jewelry and handbags,” Dora Muhammad, owner of Rosebud’s Reflections, said. “We sell modest yet fashionable attire because we believe that all sisters should be covered as well as look good. We offer handbags and jewelry. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan gave me his blessing.
I started small by setting up a table at the Salaam Restaurant. From there the business started to grow. The business expanded with me selling garments (Nation of Islam women’s attire), and then general modest clothes. Outside of the boutique here in Chicago, we offer shipping throughout the United States,” said Dora Muhammad.
“The Blue Rose Showroom is for VIP members. Patrons can become a VIP by spending over $100, in-person or online. VIP members have access to all the latest styles first before the general public. The store will be open Wednesday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays are appointment only and (we are) closed on Sundays.”
Dora Muhammad’s husband is excited about the new location too.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be in this location, as there are other Muslim-owned businesses in this strip,” Barney Muhammad said. “My wife started with a humble beginning with a table at the Salaam Restaurant, then doing pop-ups all over the city, then with her knowledge, she is what we call a ‘fashion scientist’ because she not only sells the clothes, but she shows the sisters how to wear them. I am extremely proud of my wife, and I continue to admire her gifts, skills, and talent every day.”
Customers are also pleased with the experience at Rosebud’s Reflections.
“I have been a patron of Rosebud’s Reflections for a few years, and I am always very impressed. All the clothes and accessories are so beautiful, high quality, modest, fashionable, classy … the store is warm and inviting. It is always a pleasurable experience, and I do mean experience when you come into her establishment. It is wonderful to have someone who is part of our Nation who has this level of class and professionalism,” stated Ra’afah Ali Muhammad.
“Sister Dora’s business is providing a wholesome environment for women to be able to come to a safe environment and the camaraderie of sisterhood. As the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad taught us to dress modest; our modest attire dignifies us as women,” she added.
Staff members echo positive sentiments. “I have been working at Rosebud’s Reflections for three years and I love it here,” said assistant manager Charnise Ali. “Modest attire is our protection, and from my experience, it is so important not to just be modest in the attire but what we wear changes how we think and behave. When we are dressed modestly, others treat us differently, and that is very important, and it is also important to be fashionable.”
Juliah Pious, customer service representative, stated, “This is my first day here on the job, and I am happy to be here. I have been dressing modestly for about four years, and I noticed that Sister Dora had an opportunity for me to be present in this space, and I am thankful. I embrace women’s femininity and I believe dressing modest is a show of respect for ourselves. We can still look beautiful wearing clothing that pleases God.” For more information, visit rosebudsreflections.com or Rosebud’s Reflections on Facebook.
Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at [email protected].
