From Refugee Camp to Miss Cosmos: The Khadija Omar Story

From a refugee camp in Kenya to the international stage of Miss World and Miss Universe, Khadija Omar has spent her life shattering glass ceilings. In this powerful episode of the Oasis, host Haqq Islam sits down with the groundbreaking model and entrepreneur to discuss her incredible journey of resilience, faith, and fashion.

Khadija opens up about her early years in a refugee camp and the transition to life in Canada at age nine. She shares how she navigated bullying and identity struggles to become the first hijabi woman to represent Somalia on the world stage.

You will learn about her transition from a high school shooting guard to a pageant queen, and the unwavering support from her parents that fueled her courage. The conversation also dives into the business side of pageantry and Khadija's entrepreneurial spirit.

She discusses the launch of House of Hooyo, her custom couture brand dedicated to her mother, and her work as an ambassador for humanitarian causes like Smile Train Africa. Khadija also speaks candidly about her personal growth, her decision regarding the hijab, and her upcoming quest for the Miss Cosmo crown in Vietnam.

This interview is a masterclass in building confidence and turning your unique story into your greatest strength. Chapters 0:00 Intro and Welcome to the Oasis 2:50 Life in the Kenyan Refugee Camp 6:45 Moving to Canada and Overcoming Adversity 11:15 From Basketball to Beauty Pageants 15:30 The Journey to Miss World Ontario 19:00 Representing Somalia on the International Stage 24:10 Competing in Puerto Rico and Placing Top 12 28:30 Character and Confidence Behind the Scenes 32:00 Making History at Miss Universe Mexico 3 6:15 Entrepreneurship and the Launch of House of Hooyo 40:40 Faith and the Evolution of Personal Identity 44:00 Miss Cosmo Somalia and Humanitarian Goals 47:13 Final Thoughts and How to Connect Make sure to RATE & REVIEW and subscribe to the podcast channel.