Elaina Jackson
Elaina Jackson, a senior Criminal Justice major with a minor in Forensics Investigation, has three small businesses inspired by her interests in fashion, health and web design. We asked her to talk about her experiences as a Black Muslim woman.
How and when did you develop an interest in fashion?
Being a Black Muslim woman in today's culture may be difficult... Having to deal with ignorance, strange glances, and nasty inquiries on a regular basis can be aggravating... I like to maintain a courteous demeanor and educate those who are uneducated of the subject at hand.
I've been interested in fashion since I was a child, but it wasn't until I was approximately 14-15 that I took it seriously. I discovered how critical it is to have a sense of fashion, even more so as a Muslim woman. Having fashion while remaining modest became a goal, which aided in my development of self-esteem and confidence in wearing Islamic dress.
Throughout my middle and high school years, I was renowned for my fashion sense and was always known for my intricate style. In high school, I was nominated and won the yearbook title for best dressed. When I dress, I constantly consider how I may be free while adhering to the precepts of my faith. There is no other style comparable to Islamic dress.
Can you explain the hijab's cultural and religious significance?
The hijab is a scarf worn by Muslim women to protect their modesty and privacy from men. The hijab is a sign of religious commitment, modesty and faith. The hijab is not just about the covering on your head; it is also about your demeanor while wearing it. My hijab is my salvation; it is my identity; it is the crown that I will never lose; it makes me feel proud, whole, and at peace each time I wrap it around me.
How did your Islamic fashion store come to be?
My sister Evelyn Jackson and I founded Glitz' N Glam store. As we recognize how difficult it is for Muslim women to buy modestly in today's generation, our purpose was to assist and make shopping simpler for one another. By increasing shopping opportunities for our covered sisters. Glitz 'N Glam's revolutionary style evaluations, which place a premium on assisting women in developing their own distinctive styles, will further establish our boutique's image as a genuinely unique destination.
You have two other businesses. Can you tell us about them?
I grew more focused on my physique and health throughout the pandemic and decided to bulk up, develop strength, and muscle. I noticed that my eating habits were not as healthy as they could be and that I was missing so many meals everyday, prompting me to eat fast food more frequently than necessary.
I began weekly meal prep for myself and quickly saw how much easier it made my life and how I began to notice a difference in my physical appearance. I found that meal planning allows you to prepare for the week without worrying about what to do for supper today. After seeing positive outcomes from meal preparation for myself, I received notes urging that I convert this into a company, which I did, renaming it Elaina's Meal Prep Service.
I also own a second business, Elaina's Editorial Service. I've always had strong computer abilities and chose to expand on them by constructing and designing websites from scratch for customers, as well as writing resumes and aiding with document preparation.
Are you confronted with any pre-conceptions or difficulties as a Black Muslim woman?
Being a Black Muslim woman in today's culture may be difficult; I encounter sterotypes on a near-daily basis. Having to deal with ignorance, strange glances, and nasty inquiries on a regular basis can be aggravating, but there is nothing that can be done about it. I like to maintain a courteous demeanor and educate those who are uneducated of the subject at hand.
Stereotypes such as muslim women being oppressed, muslim women being terrorists, muslim women lacking hair and others. I am certain that through peace, love, respect, and mutual understanding, Muslim women can encourage one another to challenge these prejudices and show them as incorrect.
Why did you pick your major and what are your plans after Stockton?
I picked my major because, as a child, I was always curious about the criminal justice system and how things worked. Choosing a major in which I was most interested was the best decision I made during my time at Stockton. After graduation from Stockon, my ambition is to work as a street police officer for a few years before transitioning to the FBI as a special agent.
This Voice was originally published in 2022. At the time of publication, Jackson was pursuing her degree in Criminal Justice. She has since graduated and is now an alumna of Stockton University.
