This International Women's Day, and throughout Women's History Month, we're celebrating the #WomenOfTikTok community in Ireland, made up of inspiring women who are driving change on the platform and in their local communities every day.

We sat down with some of our favourite female creators to find out more about how they're using TikTok to foster connections and help build an inclusive community for women.

First up is @imankhamissa, a trailblazing lifestyle creator who is showing the world how to have fun with modest fashion. Iman spoke with us about why she started on TikTok, some of her favourite recent trends, and how she uses the platform to foster new friendships and a sense of belonging.


Q: What does International Women's Day mean to you personally?
A: It's a day to celebrate being a woman! That as a woman, you are capable of achieving anything - no matter what you want to do, if you put the effort towards it, you can make it happen.

But of course, International Women’s Day doesn’t have to be the only day to celebrate. I actually started a women's community here in Dublin called style & connections, where I host events for female expats here in Ireland. The aim is to support other female expats. It’s difficult to meet people and make friends when you’re an expat, so I started this community so that everyone could have a place to connect and make genuine friendships.


Q: What female creators on TikTok inspire you?
A: My older sister, @dr.azra makes her own henna! She’s basically modernising henna, but honouring the culture and incorporating traditional elements at the same time. She makes her own natural henna that doesn’t harm you, and smells great because she uses essential oils. And her henna designs are quite modern and artsy.

She’s made henna designs for big brands in Dubai like Piaget and Cartier. She’s killin’ it.


Q: What inspired you to start posting on TikTok?
A: I feel like people can be their true selves on TikTok, which was a big draw for me. On other platforms you have to be really polished, whereas TikTok, you can be more yourself.

And it's not just about doing dances or doing funny comedy skits. It's about showing your experience, showing your life, and connecting with other people who are going through the same thing, whether good or bad.

On TikTok, I’ve found I can reach a bigger audience than other platforms, and video content in particular does really well.


Q: What is your favourite recent trend on TikTok? A: All that work and what did it get me! Such a fun trend.

I also love that trend, I’m a [blank] of course I…"
I recently made a video about how “I’m a hijabi, of course I..”

@imankhamissa I am a hijabi… #hijab #hijabproblems #relateble #hijabtiktok #fyp ♬ original sound - Iman | Fashion, Beauty & food


Q: What's your favourite TikTok you've made to date, and why?
A: I made a three-ingredient brownie recipe that did really well, which just shows how you never know what content is going to resonate with people. I think that video’s success taught me that you should just post what you want, and let it be, because it’s difficult to predict what’s going to resonate with your online community, and what’s going to fall flat.


@imankhamissa Brookie: Brownie + cookie 🍪 Takes about 45min to make Preheat oven to 180C Step 1: make the brownie mix 3 eggs 450g Nutella 1 cup all purpose flour Mix eggs & nutella then add the flour Put in pan covered with baking paper And put some chocolate on top I used @Aldi Ireland dupe kinder bons Step 2: make the cookie dough 90g melted butter 1 cup brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 egg Mix it till mixture turns light in color - 5min Than ADD 1 1/4 cup flour 1tsp baking powder 100g milk chocolate chip And spread the dough evenly on the brownies Put in over for 25 min - you can put foil on top of the cookie is getting too brown then add more kinder bobs cut in half And place it on top! #brookies #brownies #chocolatechipcookies #desserttiktok #easyrecipe #asmrfood #foodtiktok #cookiesoftiktok #cookies #recipes #learnhowto ♬ Can I Call You Rose? - Thee Sacred Souls



Q: Can you share any memorable interactions or comments you've received on any recent TikTok content?

A: I don’t have anything specific but I will say that in general, the comments are so nice and it’s incredible how supportive the community on TikTok is. I was recently featured in the Irish Independent, and the comments were so sweet and kind about my recent achievement.