She Turned Her Father’s Harlem Store Into a Modest Fashion Movement

She Turned Her Father’s Harlem Store Into a Modest Fashion Movement

Author: theoasishaqqislam November 21, 2025 Duration: 57:29

Step into this heartfelt episode of The Oasis where Haqq sit's down with Kadjahtou Balde, the passionate force behind Modify Thrift- A Harlem based pre love thrift shop. Kadjahtou's story begins long before she ever opened her own shop—it starts with her father, a Harlem staple who ran his store in the neighborhood for years. When she stepped in to carry that legacy forward, she wasn’t just taking over a business she was continuing her family's legacy.

In this intimate conversation, she opens up about the moment she asked herself, What can we build with low overhead that still allows us to thrive? That question sparked the birth of Modify Thrift, a unique space offering modest, sustainable, pre-loved clothing for all women Her mission is rooted in sustainability, accessibility, creativity, and honoring the community that raised her.

You’ll hear how her upbringing shaped her identity, how sustainability became a core value, and how she turned her father’s Harlem hustle into a modern, purpose-driven business. This episode dives deep into themes of family legacy, faith, resilience, entrepreneurship, and reimagining what thrift culture can be. If you’re navigating your own path, dreaming of building something meaningful, or simply love a good story of grit and growth—you’re going to feel right at home here.

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#thriftshopping #harlemcommunity #modestfashion #muslimfashion #fashionhub

CHAPTERS:

01:07 - Intro

01:59 - Her Early Life

04:02 - College Experience

06:20 - First Job Insights

09:47 - Her Dad’s Business Journey

15:35 - Understanding Modify Thrift

17:43 - Dad's Reaction to Thrift Store Idea

21:10 - The Light Bulb Moment

24:09 - Green Light from Dad

27:50 - Meaning of Modify Thrift

30:34 - Sharing Her Journey Publicly

32:30 - Her Dad's Coolness

34:04 - The Modest Closet Refresh

42:09 - Curating Your Clothes

45:36 - Personal Insights

48:40 - Balancing Responsibilities

50:54 - The Muslim Community Impact

53:25 - What's Next for Modify

 

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Each week on The Oasis with A.Haqq Islam, host and music industry veteran A. Haqq Islam creates a space for dialogue that feels both necessary and rare. These are conversations that move beyond surface-level headlines, delving into the tangible influence of Islamic faith and Muslim individuals within the most dynamic sectors of modern life. You’ll hear discussions exploring how faith intersects with creative and professional worlds, from the rhythms of Hip Hop and the narratives of film to the strategies of business, the innovation in technology, and the expressions of fashion and sports. This podcast consistently highlights the stories of Muslims who are actively shaping culture, yet whose contributions are often overlooked within mainstream narratives. The tone is intimate and refreshing, offering a perspective that consciously challenges narrow, stereotypical views, whether domestic or international. By focusing on real impact and personal journeys, the series builds a more nuanced understanding. It’s not about preaching, but about presenting a vibrant, multifaceted portrait of engagement and identity. Tuning into this podcast means accessing a forum where spirituality, ambition, and cultural commentary meet, all guided by a host with deep roots in the industry he discusses. The result is a compelling blend of personal insight and broader cultural analysis, making each episode a point of connection and discovery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 57

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