In a world saturated with fast fashion, fleeting trends, and surface-level activism, SoulTies stands as a bold and necessary disruption. More than a brand, it is a movement—one born out of purpose, sustained by action, and rooted deeply in faith and community. Behind this powerful initiative are two young founders—Zaeem Siddiqui and Hiba Saeed—whose lives, values, and personal journeys converge in a shared mission: to transform consumer culture into a force for global good.
The Architect: Zaeem’s Journey from Hustler to Humanitarian
Zaeem has never been one to sit still. A builder at heart, he’s driven by a relentless desire to create and contribute. From founding his own marketing agency, Brillion House, to launching SoulTies, his journey is defined not by a master plan, but by an unwavering commitment to action. That action, he says, is rooted in the quiet generosity of his parents—immigrants who gave freely even when they had little.
“I don’t believe in waiting for the perfect moment,” he says. “If something needs to be built, I’ll build it. If something needs to be fixed, I’ll fix it. If I don’t know how? I’ll figure it out.”
This mindset has become the backbone of SoulTies: a refusal to wait for someone else to solve the world’s problems, and instead stepping up to do what can be done—now.
For Zaeem, SoulTies isn’t just a brand—it’s a choice. A decision to channel creativity, community, and compassion into something that means something. It’s about giving people a way to wear their values and take tangible action through what they purchase.
The Heart: Hiba’s Vision for Faith, Fashion, and Resistance
Hiba, a 23-year-old Pakistani American Muslim hijabi, brings deep emotional resonance and intentionality to SoulTies. Raised in Pakistan, she was shaped by a deep awareness of suffering and the belief that even small acts of kindness could change lives. That empathy only deepened when she moved to the U.S., where she navigated the challenges of being visibly Muslim while holding firm to her identity.
“Wearing the hijab came with stares and whispers,” she shares, “but it was never just about the cloth—it was about standing for something.”
That desire—to visibly represent one’s values—was the seed from which SoulTies grew. Watching the genocide in Palestine unfold from afar filled her with helplessness, but also lit a fire: “SoulTies wasn’t a brand at first—it was a cry against complacency.”
What began as a small effort to raise funds through meaningful merchandise has evolved into a recognizable symbol of solidarity, with each collection designed to spark awareness and provoke action.
SoulTies: A Mission Stitched with Purpose
At its core, SoulTies is a nonprofit brand using fashion to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian crises. But its mission goes far beyond merchandise. It’s about creating a lifestyle of giving, where everyday purchases become avenues for compassion and justice.
Mission:
To bridge the gap between consumer culture and meaningful giving.
Purpose:
- Support global humanitarian relief efforts.
- Use fashion as a vehicle for awareness and resistance.
- Cultivate a community grounded in empathy and action.
Vision: A world where giving isn’t reserved for special occasions—it’s woven into daily life.
The Seeds of Purpose: Fashion as Resistance
Their latest collection, Seeds of Purpose, marks a turning point. What started with bracelets has grown into bold, unapologetic statements in the form of clothing and accessories. The message: every small act is a seed planted. And with care, intention, and faith, those seeds can bloom into real change.
This collection isn’t about trends—it’s about truth. It’s about wearing your beliefs, not just speaking them. And it’s about turning fashion into a conversation starter, a protest, and a declaration of solidarity all at once.
Where Every Dollar Goes: Transparency & Real Impact
SoulTies is grounded in financial transparency. Every dollar of profit from its early collections went straight to Palestinian relief efforts. The founders partner directly with grassroots organizations like:
- FAJR Scientific – providing medical aid and evacuation.
- Bridge to Baladi – delivering emergency supplies and support.
- Other grassroots efforts supplying food, medicine, and shelter.
They’re not here to slap slogans on T-shirts for aesthetics—they’re here for impact. Every sale is documented, every donation is accounted for, and every campaign is guided by purpose over profit.
The Road Ahead: Scaling Impact Through Community
SoulTies is just getting started. As they look to expand support to other regions—including Pakistan and Sudan—they’re also calling on the community that has carried them this far.
“We’re building something bigger than us,” says Hiba. “But we can’t do it alone.”
Volunteers, creatives, organizers, and everyday advocates are welcome. Whether you bring time, talent, or just your voice, there’s a place for you in this movement.
SoulTies Isn’t a Brand. It’s a Stand.
In a landscape of performative activism, SoulTies is an outlier. It’s a space where faith meets fashion, where statements are sewn into every stitch, and where action speaks louder than aesthetics.
Founded by two visionaries who refused to wait for permission, SoulTies is living proof that a spark—when guided by purpose—can ignite global change.
Because at the end of the day, as Zaeem puts it, “I don’t want my life to be measured by money or status—I want it to be measured by what I built, who I stood by, and the impact I left behind.”
And that impact? It’s only just beginning.
Learn more and join the movement: https://www.soulties.us
Volunteer or contribute: https://www.soulties.us
Wear what you believe in. Build what matters.
Beena Yusuf
Editor in Chief
www.shemagazineusa.com
