THE ELITE 100: Retta: The Journey of a Modest Fashion Icon and Entrepreneurial Powerhouse

In the fast-paced world of social media and business, Retta has carved out her own unique space as a trailblazing influencer, entrepreneur, and businesswoman. Her professional journey is one of passion, resilience, and the determination to inspire others, particularly women, to pursue their dreams. With a career spanning over a decade, Retta has amassed over a million followers on social media, launched a successful marketing agency and beauty brand, and collaborated with globally renowned brands. Her story is one of breaking barriers and redefining success in an increasingly competitive world.

From Modest Beginnings to a Global Influence

Retta’s rise to fame began in 2013 when she started posting modest fashion ideas, showcasing daily outfits and hijab styles. In an industry largely dominated by Hollywood celebrities and supermodels, Retta saw a gap in the market—a space for women who wanted to express their fashion sense while maintaining modesty. She set out to provide something different, something relatable for women who sought style inspiration within the framework of modesty.

In the early days, she treated her content creation as a hobby. But over time, she realized the potential of what she was building. “When I took it seriously and committed to creating content that reflected my personality and passion in a unique way, that’s when I grew huge numbers,” she explains. Her consistency and dedication to her craft led her to grow an audience that today reaches well over a million followers across social platforms.

Major Milestones and Brand Collaborations

One of the highlights of Retta’s career has been her work with some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Nike, SHEIN, Mac, and Sephora. Her ability to connect with her audience authentically made her a natural fit for these collaborations. However, one of her proudest achievements was a recent campaign for Dubai’s first Korean skin lounge, Tups, which was prominently featured across City Walk Screens in the heart of Dubai. Her influence has also been recognized by the wider community, earning her a spot on the “Most 50 Influential Women in the Middle East” list.

Her reach extends beyond social media. Retta’s growing influence has garnered mainstream media attention, with appearances on major TV networks like MBC, Abu Dhabi TV, Skynews Arabia, CNN, and features in prestigious magazines like Sayidati. This mainstream media exposure has been pivotal in establishing her credibility and solidifying her position as not only an influencer but also a serious entrepreneur. “Being featured on these platforms amplified my brand and helped attract new clients,” Retta says, crediting these opportunities with opening doors to even more collaborations and expanding her business reach.

The Birth of IQON Marketing Agency

With years of hands-on experience in promoting brands, Retta saw an opportunity to help other businesses succeed in marketing. That’s how IQON Marketing Agency was born. Based in Dubai, the agency offers a variety of services, including content creation, influencer campaigns, business consultancy, and full-scale business setups.

Her goal is simple: to help businesses stand out and achieve measurable results, much like she has done with her own brand. “I’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t when it comes to marketing,” she notes. IQON serves as a vehicle for her to share her expertise, helping businesses navigate the complexities of modern marketing and branding.

Beauty by Retta: Empowering Confidence

Retta’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop with marketing. She also ventured into the beauty industry with the launch of her own brand, Beauty by Retta. In an industry filled with endless products, Retta wanted her brand to be different by focusing on simplicity and results. One of her most popular products is a home laser designed for hair removal and skin care, a convenient solution for women looking to achieve flawless skin from the comfort of their own home.

“For me, beauty is about confidence. It’s about feeling empowered in your own skin,” Retta says. Through Beauty by Retta, she aims to make self-care accessible and effective, giving women the tools they need to feel their best. Her focus on practicality, paired with an emphasis on empowerment, sets her brand apart in the crowded beauty space.

Helping Others Go Viral

Another key pillar of Retta’s business ventures is her role as a mentor and business consultant. Through her “Go-Viral Masterclass,” she has helped countless entrepreneurs and influencers elevate their online presence and grow their businesses. “The workshops have had a 100% satisfaction rate,” she proudly shares. Her clients often see instant increases in reach, engagement, and even sales after applying her viral growth strategies.

The masterclass isn’t just about growing an online presence—it’s about creating a sustainable digital marketing plan that will serve clients for years to come. The joy Retta feels when clients message her with their results is evident. “The best part is when they’re so excited to share their success stories,” she beams.

Balancing Life as an Entrepreneur and Family Woman

Managing multiple business ventures and maintaining a thriving influencer career would be challenging for anyone, and Retta is no exception. She candidly admits that finding a healthy work-life balance is still a work in progress. “I’m passionate about my work, so it doesn’t always feel like work, but that can make it easy to overwork myself,” she shares. Retta remains mindful of the need to recharge and take breaks when necessary, something she continues to work on.

Her family, however, plays a significant role in helping her manage the many demands of her career. “Having strong bonds with my family and their support has had a huge effect on my success,” she says, crediting them with providing the encouragement she needs to keep pushing forward.

Giving Back and Creating Impact

As a successful entrepreneur and influencer, Retta understands the importance of giving back to the community. Through her business consultancy and workshops, she is helping entrepreneurs take control of their financial futures. “I want my businesses to create a lasting impact by empowering both individuals and communities,” she says. Retta’s contributions go beyond just business success; she’s passionate about fostering confidence and independence in others, particularly women.

One initiative particularly close to her heart is supporting women in business, especially those from underserved communities. Retta is dedicated to providing mentorship and accessible resources to help women achieve financial independence, something she considers a key factor in her own journey to success.

A Message to Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs

As someone who has faced societal and cultural barriers, Retta knows firsthand the challenges women encounter when breaking into the business world. Her advice is clear: “Believe in your vision and don’t let doubt or fear hold you back.” She encourages women to seek out supportive mentors, build strong networks, and take small, consistent steps toward their goals. “Persistence is key,” she emphasizes. Success, according to Retta, doesn’t happen overnight, but with resilience and a strong support system, any obstacle can be overcome.

What’s Next for Retta?

With numerous projects on the horizon, Retta’s journey is far from over. She is expanding Beauty by Retta with new product lines designed to make self-care even more accessible. Additionally, her IQON Marketing Agency will soon launch more in-depth workshops for entrepreneurs aiming to scale their businesses.

Perhaps most exciting is her plan to launch a mentorship program for women, with a particular focus on empowering female entrepreneurs in the Middle East. Through collaborations with influential women and business leaders, Retta hopes to provide the resources and guidance needed to help women thrive in business.

Retta’s story is one of relentless passion, community impact, and the pursuit of empowerment for herself and others. As she continues to grow her businesses and influence, there’s no doubt that her legacy will inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs across the globe.