Resilience takes centre stage at ABCC Eid festival

The power of resilience and creating a brand were the key talking points at the Eid Business Celebration yesterday, organised by the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.

Hosted by ABCC board member Trina Tiernan, the event took place at The National Conference Centre and welcomed over 120 guests.

Eid-al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic holidays.

It commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Celebrated around the world by Muslims, it involves special prayers, charitable giving, and the ritual sacrifice of an animal (often a sheep, goat, or cow), with the meat shared among family, friends, and those in need.

It also marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

During the event, a panel discussion was held exploring resilience and creating a brand.

Panellists included Sana Saddique, founder and director of Collective Law Solicitors, Saima Duhare, founder of It’s Halal, and Allia Khan, founder of Mansion 28. The session was chaired by Omar Rashid, the honorary chair of the ABCC.

Saima Duhare shared her powerful story of perseverance in the face of adversity.

She launched Halal Fresh to bring healthy, nutritious halal meal kits to her community, but faced a 2.5-year legal battle brought by HelloFresh, which she ultimately lost on paper.

Undeterred, she went on to found It’s Halal, a platform dedicated to clean, tayyab eating rooted in Islamic values and community wellbeing.

Saima said: "When I started Halal Fresh, I only had my faith to guide me.

"I was resolute that my mission wouldn’t change. The resilience came from the faith I had. Even though I knew I was in a losing legal battle, there was a fire inside me—and that faith paid off in the end."

"We’ve lost our connection to food with the rise of fast food. I’m not part of that world. I’m creating something with impact, carving my own path."

"My legacy is about change, courage, and consciousness. Take your space. Stand strong. Have courage—and absolute faith."

Allia Khan, a respected legal professional and founder of fashion brand Mansion 28, spoke about her own path from private practice to entrepreneurship.

Mansion 28, known for its bold and elegant modestwear, donates most of its profits to charity.She is also a Krav Maga instructor and a lead member of Woman in Wheels—the first all-ladies luxury car club in the UK.

Sharing her story, Allia said: “Through my business, I wanted to make modesty accessible to all. With Mansion 28, we donate most of our profits to charity—that was always part of the vision."

"Resilience for me began as a lawyer in private practice. It’s about how you pick yourself up when things go wrong. It’s built through consistency and relationships."

Allia is also among the top 5 LinkedIn legal influencers.

She continued: "I wasn’t on LinkedIn for years. But once I started sharing my thoughts and journey, I saw how powerful it could be. Just start. Share your ideas. Add value. Be visible."

"I want to leave behind a message of faith and consistency. Modesty is for everyone. If you’ve got an idea, just do it. Explore your faith, understand it, and live by it."

Sana Saddique, founder and director of Collective Law Solicitors, brought her own unique perspective to the conversation.

A driven legal professional and entrepreneur, Sana has built her career with purpose and integrity, and she continues to challenge the status quo through her work.

She said: "Faith is absolutely integral to who I am. It governs how I practise law and how I run my business. It’s more than just a business—it’s a platform with purpose.

"Resilience has been the theme of my career.

“As a Muslim leader in a male-dominated industry, I’ve always wanted to show what’s possible—regardless of what you look like."

"When you build a brand, you have to be clear on the principles it stands for. I wanted to be myself—and for my brand to reflect that.

“Social media is powerful, but there’s no hiding. People have judged me based on how I look. But I won’t be ashamed of who I am."

“Be unapologetically yourself and inspire others to build brands and businesses that reflect their true selves."

The event also included remarks from Helen Davies, group business development manager at the National Conference Centre, who shared information about the venue and its unique setting - home to the UK’s largest collection of British motorcycles.

Pictured from left to right: Trina Tiernan, Allia Khan, Saima Duhare, Sapreena Kumari, Omar Rashid, Neelam Afzal, Sana Saddique, Helen Davies, and ABCC director Anjum Khan