Deenpreneurs

In this episode, Michael Corning from Seattle shares her powerful journey of faith, identity, and entrepreneurship. She opens up about her childhood on a Washington ranch, her early fascination with languages and cultures, and the first seeds of Islam planted by Muslim neighbors and friends.

Michael reflects on her path to conversion in the late 1990s, the challenges of wearing hijab just before 9/11, and the discrimination she faced in corporate America. These struggles pushed her to leave the corporate world and create something different—an inclusive space where women could thrive on their own terms.

She talks about founding Baraka Beauty Collective, a women-led hub blending nonprofit and for-profit businesses, supporting Muslim women, refugees, and allies through beauty, wellness, and cultural entrepreneurship. Michael also introduces her sustainable modest fashion brand Michaeling, which uses overstock fabrics to produce heirloom-quality pieces while providing fair local employment.

This conversation dives into faith, resilience, community building, and what it means to create spaces rooted in authenticity and service.

Watch the entire episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIpnUbn9ANc