BY JULIEN GODMAN
Our final awardee for Global Detroit’s flagship event, Tapestry, is Jeehan Nasir, who will be recognized with the Community Entrepreneur award. This award goes to an immigrant establishment that has had a significant impact on ‘Main Street’ or on a neighborhood.
This year, besides the Community Entrepreneur award, we are pleased to present the Emerging Talent, Corporate Leadership, and the Immigrant Impact awards, respectively. And with Tapestry only a couple weeks away, we invite you to explore what each of our awardees, and their ventures, are all about.
Originally from Yemen, Jeehan, our Community Entrepreneur, has grown up in Detroit since she was 3 years old. And her father, who has been in the U.S. since the 1960’s, was the motivating factor, the one she credits gave her the ‘entrepreneurial spirit’ to build her business.
Today, Jeehan is the Founder of Yalla Detroit, an Arabic-inspired high-end streetwear brand that blends the vibrant culture of Detroit with modern street fashion. Launched in 2021, Yalla Detroit is committed to empowering local communities, especially through creativity, authenticity, and social impact, while promoting the city’s unique identity.
“I started Yalla Detroit to create a brand that reflects the spirit of Detroit—its grit, creativity, and resilience. The journey has been deeply influenced by the diverse communities within the city. In particular my community in Southwest Detroit. My childhood and adolescent years are filled with beautiful memories of connectedness through shared stories, food, and music. The community support, feedback, and stories have been the foundation of our growth. I aim to represent this collective energy through each of our designs.”
How does your establishment contribute to the vibrancy and growth of the local community?
“Yalla Detroit is more than just a clothing brand; it’s a movement that celebrates local talent and fosters a sense of pride in our city. We collaborate with local artists and influencers to spotlight Detroit’s creative culture and bring attention to important social causes. Our goal is to give back by supporting local & international initiatives aligned with our values and creating opportunities for underserved communities.“
What strategies have you used to engage with and support the local immigrant community through your business?
“We ensure our brand’s voice reflects the diversity of Detroit by engaging with immigrant communities through targeted collaborations and storytelling. By showcasing the experiences of immigrants in our designs and marketing, we foster a deeper connection and representation within the city. Additionally, we actively hire and work with individuals from immigrant backgrounds, offering them a platform to contribute their unique perspectives. Finally, some of our designs sometimes reflect various cultural embellishments/embroidery.”
What do you consider your proudest achievement in your work related to immigrant inclusion or community building?
“Our proudest achievement has been the ability to connect with various communities and support causes which they care about through the proceeds of our sales.”
If you’d like to know more about Jeehan and Yalla Detroit, please visit https://yalladetroit.com/. If you would like attend Tapestry 2024 this November 14, please get tickets on the Eventbrite. And, if you would like to know more about any of Global Detroit’s programs, email us at info@globaldetroitmi.org.
Julien Godman is a multi-medium storyteller and communications strategist. He has over 15 years experience working in the Detroit creative nonprofit and philanthropic industries, with focus on equitability and access. His work in communications, specifically public relations, brand development, and social media, is further enriched with a background in writing and journalism, with dozens of articles and print published over the years.