An up and coming Muslim-owned halal nail polish brand, 786 Cosmetics, is taking on the Covid-19 pandemic whilst giving back to Muslim communities by donating a percentage of their sales towards charitable organizations that work to help refugees severely affected by Covid.
The initiative, which began in early 2020, is going strong and is raising funds for four different charities.
Halal nail polish and Muslim-owned brand 786 Cosmetics started in 2017. With great success within the Muslim beauty world, the brand continues to grow each year. 786 Cosmetics has always set its sights on helping those in need. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck worldwide in 2020, brand founders Ibrahim Ali and his wife Iqra Isphahani knew they could do more to help during and beyond the pandemic.
The husband and wife duo researched multiple ways they could help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and were particularly passionate about wanting to give back to refugees. As a result, Ibrahim and Iqra decided to donate a percentage of their profits to four non-profit organizations that focus on helping refugees worldwide.Â
When we asked Ali why they chose these organizations, he said:
 “We started this company with the intention to service Muslim communities across the globe that often get overlooked, knowing we can help these same communities during their times of crisis just makes sense.”Â
The following organizations all play an essential role in the fight against Covid-19. Each non-profit organization gives back to Muslim communities in need by providing critical services like healthcare and shelter.Â
UNRWA for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA)
UNRWA provides essential services such as primary healthcare and their Education in Emergencies program to help students at home. UNRWA launched a $94.6 million Covid-19 appeal in 2020 to help fight against the deadly pandemic. The appeal allows for registered Palestinian refugees in the program to receive aid in these challenging times.Â
USA for UNHCRÂ
USA for UNHCR helps and protects refugees and people displaced from violence, conflict, and persecution. With millions of refugees left displaced and stateless, the pandemic has brought more hardship for those in need. UNHCR is appealing for $924 million in 2021. The financial support will allow UNHCR to provide aid and help reverse some of the worst impacts of Covid-19.Â
International Rescue Committee (IRC)Â
IRC’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the IRC has provided several things to fight this deadly pandemic. Providing supplies for detecting, preventing, and treating Covid-19 has been an essential aspect of IRC’s fight against Covid-19. They are working to send immediate international assistance to countries in crisis.Â
Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA)Â
IRUSA is a non-profit humanitarian and advocacy organization. They work to provide relief and development regardless of gender, race, or religion and empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. IRUSA has provided more than $5 million of relief in the USA. IRUSA is working with more than 247 partners to help communities that are in desperate need of support.Â
We need your support
You, too, can help support refugees in need when you purchase from 786 Cosmetics. After asking Taylor Scholtens, COO of 786 Cosmetics, the reasons to help those in need, she said:
“The core idea behind 786 Cosmetics has always been to find a way to give back to those most in need. When the pandemic hit, we reevaluated our brand and searched out organizations that assist people who had been affected by Covid-19 the most.”Â
786 Cosmetics has made drastic moves within the beauty industry by globally supplying halal nail polish to Muslim communities. Picking organizations that have the same ideals was a no-brainer for the 786 Cosmetics team.Â
Scholtens said:
“It was an easy decision to donate to these organizations. Covid-19 is a global concern, and with our brand’s nail polish colors being inspired by cities around the world, it fits perfectly to help out people from around the world”.Â
786 Cosmetics creates halal nail polishes inspired by cities around the world. From cities like Agra, India to Tokyo, Japan, each nail polish is paired with a city name that inspired it. Every nail polish is tested and certified halal and water permeable, meaning water can penetrate through the nail polish allowing one to perform wudu and pray without removing it. Inclusivity was and still is one of the primary purposes behind the 786 Cosmetics brand.Â
To learn more about 786 Cosmetics and how you can give back to refugees affected by Covid-19, please visit our website’s dedicated refugee support page or the 786 Cosmetics Instagram page.
Photo credit: James A. Vitullo