Today we’d like to introduce you to Youssef Abdelwahab.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Founder Story
Youssef was born in Cairo Egypt and grew up in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He taught Spanish in Washington DC for 5 years and currently works as a high school teacher in Philadelphia.
From brothers in his Washington DC neighborhoods to his students in the inner city, he learned of art and style of the wave culture. As all wavers know, waves are life and wearing the right Du-rag is an important decision we face every day, especially while in public.
Given his North-African cultural heritage, he’s been accustomed to wearing Keffiyehs on various occasions. However, their cotton material is not ideal for wavers since it sucks out moisture, causes frizz, and damages waves. He solved this problem by creating the A-rag, a product that functions as a premium Du-rag and provides the aesthetic appeal for the fashion conscious waver.
As an avid reader and consumer of good conversation with folks from a wide spectrum of cultures, he wanted to design a Du-rag that protected the splendor of a head of waves and made a fashion statement. AragApparel represents the historical and stylistic fusion of cultures that make up his collective cultural identity. Wearing an A-rag reconnects and reminds our communities of the legacy of these cultures (African American, African-diasporic, and Arab). He hand-designs each A-rag style to empower the individual with high fashion and a long rich heritage to hold one’s head and fist up high.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is easier than you thin. The most important thing is to just begin and take action steps. some struggles were figuring out how to convert my ideas until actual products. Another challenge is keeping prices low while still getting enough profit to run a legitimate and successful business. Thirdly, working with influencers and trying collaborations with people that let you down. Reliability is an extremely rare and valuable trait to find.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a full-time High School Spanish Teacher. I specialize in student centered instruction that brings the content material to live through student engagement and participation whether through sports, remixed academic rap songs or dance. I love to design lesson plans and activities that allow me to be the guide on the side rather than the sage on the stage. I let students to be the shinning stars illuminating the classroom with their energy, love of learning and intellectual curiosity. Creativity and knowledge of cultures are one of my strengths. This is what allowed me to come up with the ”A-rag” idea, the hero product of my company. Coming from a mixed cultural background, traveling the world, and minoring in cultural anthropology has helped me in the culture arena.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Passion is everything. You have to have a sense of passion in whatever you do. Getting money is great and all but there is nothing more satisfying than doing something that is very meaningful and impactful to both you and others. Ive learned this both as a Spanish teacher and as a business entrepreneur.
Getting second/third opinions and advice is important but you ultimately have to be the captain of your own ship. Same thing goes when seeking help or collaborating.
Pricing:
- Silky A-rag $20
- Velvet A-rag $35
- Shiesty A-rag $27
- Suede Skully $38
- Bucket hat $40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://AragApparel.com
- Instagram: AragApparel
- Facebook: AragApparel
- Other: TikTok: @aragofficial
