Agency founder. Global brand builder. Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30. Hadia Ghaleb has never been one to do things by halves. Her modest swimwear has caught the attention of women everywhere who refuse to choose between style and coverage.
Her latest stop? Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles Resort, where she shot her newest collection against a backdrop of white sand and endless ocean. We sat down with her to find out what drives her, what inspires her designs, and what a perfect day on the island actually looks like.
From Agency Life to Your Own Brand
Before the swimwear, you built Ghaleb Production House into an agency working with some of the biggest names in fashion and beauty. What is the best lesson agency life taught you that helped you build a swimwear brand of your own?
Building Ghaleb Production House gave me a front-row seat to the fashion and beauty industry. Working with leading brands taught me that a successful business is never just about a great product—it’s about storytelling, consistency, and understanding your audience. The biggest lesson I learned was how to build a brand that people can emotionally connect with. That experience became the foundation for creating my own swimwear brand and turning a vision into a global business.
The Modest Swimwear Moment
Your swimwear now sells in 30+ countries and has changed the way people think about modest fashion. What first sparked the idea, and what inspires your designs?
The idea came from identifying a real gap in the market. I noticed that women who preferred more coverage often had very limited options when it came to fashionable swimwear. I wanted to create designs that allowed women to feel confident, stylish, and comfortable at the same time. My inspiration comes from travel, different cultures, nature, and most importantly, the women who wear our designs. Every collection is created with the goal of making women feel empowered wherever they are in the world.
Collaboration with Avani
Of all the beautiful places in the world, you picked Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles for your latest shoot. What made the island and the hotel the perfect match for the collection?
Seychelles felt like the perfect backdrop for our latest collection because it represents freedom, beauty, and escape—everything swimwear is about. Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles stood out because of its stunning scenery, relaxed luxury, and authentic island atmosphere. The property complemented the collection beautifully and helped bring our creative vision to life in a natural and effortless way.
A Day Off in Seychelles
What would a perfect day at Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles look like for you, and what was your favourite thing to do? Beach, sunset, or something else entirely?
My perfect day would start with a peaceful morning walk on the beach, followed by exploring the island and enjoying the incredible views. I love watching sunsets, so ending the day by the ocean as the sun goes down would be ideal. One of my favourite things about Seychelles was how calm and inspiring it felt—it gives you the opportunity to truly disconnect and appreciate nature.
One Piece of Advice
Forbes Middle East named you to its 30 Under 30, which is no small thing. If you could give one piece of advice to the version of you just starting out, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to trust the process and not be afraid of challenges. Every setback carries a lesson, and growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Stay consistent, stay disciplined, and never underestimate the power of believing in your vision even when others don't see it yet.
Rapid-fire:
- What's your favourite colour for swimwear?
Black — timeless, elegant, and always empowering.
Ocean.
- What's one thing you'd tell a friend to do at Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles?
Watch the sunset by the beach and take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the island.
- What's your beach bag essential?
Sunglasses.
- What was your favourite moment from the Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles shoot?
Capturing the collection during golden hour with the ocean in the background. It was one of those moments where everything came together perfectly.
