Fashion Meets Tech to Empower the Underdogs: SSQRD founder Nabihah Ahmad
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
That's when I realized like this is something I want to democratize. This is something I want to change and obviously create a new precedent for the future of the industry. Where it's like you don't have to be super well connected or a Neppo baby to break into fashion. As long as you have talent, a vision, and skill, you can make it in this industry. And that's where tech really comes into it.
Hello, and welcome back to Fashion and Founders the Podcast. My name is Victoria Smith, and this week I'm joined with Nabiha Ahmad, the founder of S Squared. Nabiha graduated from Columbia University with a degree in computer science, but did not start out that way. In fact, she didn't even want to be in tech. Her dream was to be in fashion and make a true impact on the industry. She ended up teaching herself how to code and gets into the resources and tools. That she uses and has just launched S Squared, a platform where fashion meets tech to empower the underdogs. She shares her experiences working within the fashion and tech industries, how she broke in, and why she wants to rebuild the fashion industry using tech to do so.
If you haven't already seen one of her many breakdown videos sharing insights into fashion, I think you'll see how thoughtful and intentional she is in this episode. I can't wait to see what she continues to build with S Squared. Definitely go check out the website and let's get into the episode. And this week's brand highlight is Maison Reform, the modern destination for pre loved fashion, bridging the worlds of vintage charm and contemporary luxury. The founder Olivia shared with me the brand is committed to slowing fashion's pace and redefining what it means to invest in lasting style. Every garment is selected with the belief. That style should be enduring, not disposable. We encourage customers to shop intentionally, to invest in fewer, higher quality pieces that stand the test of time.
Each purchase represents a step toward a more mindful, responsible wardrobe. Our curation blends timeless staples with trend forward finds so customers can explore without ever turning to fast fashion. Maison Reform features pieces from heritage houses like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. Alongside modern labels such as Veronica Beard and Raganbone, each styled to feel both effortless and wearable. Maison Reform was created to make pre-love luxury feel elevated and to honor the integrity of designer pieces. The founder is committed to transform secondhand shopping after countless disappointing experiences, garments arriving damaged, poorly cared for, or inauthentic. With us, items are screened for condition.
And packaged with care so customers can shop with confidence, knowing every piece is a worthy investment. The pieces they have curated are so stunning. And I love this mission of making secondhand and vintage a really beautiful, elevated experience. Just like the designs and the pieces that they are selling. They are about to launch, and I think they have pieces that are perfect for a holiday party. I know it's gift-giving season, but I think these are some pieces that I would get for myself. You can follow them on Instagram and check out their website at Maison Reform M-A-I-S-O-N-R-E-F-O-R-M-E. Hi Nabiha. Hi, Victoria. I'm so excited that we get to do this. I've been following you and seeing your videos for I want to say years now.
Oh my god. But we met for the first time just like a month ago. Yeah. Wait, I did not know this. Well, I'm like, I'm gonna seem like a fangirl if I'm like But I feel like we both said that, like, okay, we've been following each other. Like
we're like on the same wavelength. Yeah. You know, we're in the same space, fashion tech. We're like I'm glad we met.
I know, me too. That event was amazing. And immediately we were like, we have to do a podcast together. So I'm really glad this worked out.
Yeah, me too. I'm so excited to be here. Should we tell them where we met?
Yeah, yeah. Do you want to at your launch event? You want to go into a little pre launch.
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Chapters
5 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–4:49
2
What inspired Nabihah to democratize fashion and start SSQRD?
4:49–21:45
3
How did Nabihah teach herself to code and launch her first tech projects?
21:45–28:18
4
What challenges did she face breaking into fashion without connections and how did she overcome them?
28:18–31:43
5
How does SSQRD use technology to level the playing field for underdog brands?
31:43–40:31
Speakers
1 identifiedMore from Fashion & Founders The Podcast
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