Searching for fresh independent fashion labels but not sure where to start? SSQRD is gathering all the small, standout brands in one place.

Intro to the Founder

Born and raised in Queens, NY, 21-year old Columbia graduate and now founder, Nabihah Ahmad is on the mission to empower the underdogs of the fashion world. With a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and her extensive technological background, Ahmad is harnessing the power of technology to spotlight often overlooked creators in the fashion industry.

Your Algorithm for Ethical Fashion

SSQRD is a search engine discovery platform that helps you shop brands that align with your values. It’s a search engine that guides you toward fast-fashion alternatives and connects you with independent, ethical brands. SSQRD partners with local brands to empower creators that follow ethical practices, prioritize transparency, fair labor, and eco-friendly processes.

Rooted in honesty, integrity, creativity, SSQRD is building a fashion ecosystem where small brands can thrive—and where your purchase has real power.

From Problem to Solution

Ahmad has witnessed firsthand through her own family members in Bangladesh the harsh realities faced by garment workers: exploitation, unsafe conditions, and the cycle of poverty that continues to trap them. Ahmad’s personal experiences in both the tech and fashion landscapes showed her a problem no one was solving; transparency in manufacturing procedures and honesty in ethical business practices. Behind every “ethical” label was a corporation still playing by the old rules. So she decided to write her own.

During her time at Columbia, Ahmad found a friend that shared the same passion for fashion and desire for change. Co-founder and COO, Anisa Ahmed, with her background in Operations Research and Financial Engineering at Columbia University, joined the mission—turning frustration into innovation.

SSQRD Is Live

SSQRD officially launched this week—but they’ve already built an audience of over 116k followers on Instagram alone. That’s before a single sale. Showing the behind the scenes, educating on their discovery of the dark secrets of the fashion industry, and revealing a piece of product, SSQRD was building excitement among Gen Z followers. With over 116k followers on Instagram (again BEFORE their launch!), the team of women behind the platform are creating a movement with their business.

Their beta catalog features 2,000+ products—outpacing many established brands. The platform is easy to use, visually stunning, and built with both consumers and creators in mind.

A known fact about Gen Z, they are creators and GENIUS at marketing. The founding team behind SSQRD is no exception.

Their movement is rooted in educating their audience. Highlighting the puppeteers of the industries we consume from. SSQRD is sharing their personal takes on their substack. Is it controversial or just honest?

Making New Tables

Nabihah and Anisa are living proof that Gen Z doesn’t wait around for someone to hand them a seat at the table—they’re building new tables. They are not relying on a billion dollar company to let them make an impact, they are using their platforms, resources, and determination to create the change they want to see. They’re calling out the status quo, educating their audience through raw Substack essays, and empowering everyday people to shop better. SSQRD is more than a product—it’s a rebellion with a search bar.

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