Purpose-Driven Fashion: The Vision Behind Modest Apparels with CEO Smana Perjuste
It’s a sunny Friday morning at 11:30 AM, and I’m on the phone with Smana Perjuste, the powerhouse behind Modest Apparels, who’s calling in from her peaceful North Carolina home. The warmth of the spring sunlight pours through her window as we talk. In her yard, fruit trees gently sway in the breeze, setting a serene tone for the conversation. Smana’s outfit reflects the calm yet purposeful energy she exudes: a two-toned maxi dress, a perfect mix of comfort and style. “I work from home while running a business, so I just slip into something easy—today it’s a fun, maxi dress,” she says with a warm, inviting laugh.
Smana’s voice is the kind of soothing and grounded tone you can’t help but trust. And when she speaks about her faith and her business, it’s clear that Modest Apparels isn’t just a fashion brand—it’s a calling by God.
“I work from home. Plus, I run a business, so I’m just wearing a maxi fun dress,” she says, her voice warm and inviting. She’s wearing a dress that reflects her personality—comfortable yet stylish, with a top and bottom of contrasting colors that tell the story of a woman who knows how to mix ease with beauty. Smana shares that she loves one-piece outfits, especially when working from home. There’s a perfect harmony in her choice of attire—modesty and fashion wrapped in one. She’s an embodiment of the brand she’s built, a true advocate for purpose-driven fashion that doesn’t compromise comfort for style.
Modesty in fashion has long been a topic of discussion within the Christian community, but for Smana, it’s a calling—a purpose she’s been divinely led to fulfill. As she speaks, it’s clear that her journey goes beyond clothing; it’s about empowering women to embrace their true selves with confidence, knowing that modesty isn’t just a choice, it’s a lifestyle rooted in faith. She founded Modest Apparels with a vision to create clothing that is stylish, affordable, and—above all—modest, a space where Christian women can find attire that aligns with their values and celebrates their femininity in a meaningful way.
But like most purpose-driven entrepreneurs, her path wasn’t always clear. When asked about how she navigates the challenges of running a business that’s deeply intertwined with her faith, she pauses thoughtfully before responding. “It’s two things,” she begins, “and I don’t mean to sound cliché, but it’s two things. These two things brought us to where we are now.” Smana shares that, at one point, she was a lukewarm Christian, unsure of how to include her faith in her business. But it was through diving deep into the Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide her that everything began to shift.
The Holy Spirit, she says, is the driving force behind every decision. From design to the smallest business decisions, Smana ensures that the Word of God is her foundation. “The Holy Spirit will guide you. It’s about approaching it not with a business mindset but with a ministry mindset,” she says with a sense of conviction.
“Every little detail matters. It’s not about making a profit, it’s about serving a higher purpose. We pray over every decision, every design, and trust that God is leading us.”
And this approach has shaped Modest Apparels into something that goes beyond fashion. It’s a ministry. “Modesty is important, and having the space to talk about it without shame is vital,” Smana says, her voice filled with passion for the work she does. “When I hear clients share their stories, how they feel confident and comfortable in our clothing, it warms my heart. They know they’re not just buying clothes—they’re buying into a vision of empowerment and purpose.”
Smana’s mission has always been clear: to create a space where women can come together, feel confident, and not feel the need to compromise their values for style. She speaks often about the impact of the community she’s built, especially in the wake of moving from Florida four years ago. “When we were in Florida, we had a space where people could come in person, sit down, and talk with us,” she reflects. “Now, even though we’re in North Carolina, hearing those testimonies, knowing that people feel they have a safe space to express themselves, that’s what keeps me going. It’s more than business—it’s about ministry.”
What I appreciate most about Smana’s perspective is her humble yet bold approach to entrepreneurship. She recognizes the power of faith, but she also speaks with the authority of someone who has been called to make a difference in the world of fashion. Modesty, for Smana, is not just a style choice—it’s a reflection of her spiritual journey. “I believe that when you allow God to lead you, everything will fall into place,” she says. “The clients we serve, the designs we bring to life, it all comes from a place of obedience and trust in Him.”
As we continue our conversation, Smana shares more about her vision for the future of Modest Apparels. She’s not just content with creating clothing for the everyday woman; she has a dream that one day, Modest Apparels will be the go-to choice for women seeking attire for any occasion—whether that’s a wedding, a trip to the beach, or an evening banquet. She envisions a world where modest fashion is accessible, stylish, and—most importantly—affordable. “Right now, if you want modest apparel for something like a wedding, there aren’t many options. And the few that exist are overpriced,” she says.
“We want to change that. We’re working on offering options for women who are going to events where modest attire is required but also want to look chic.”
Her vision is bigger than just selling clothes. It’s about creating a legacy—a space where future generations of Christian women will look to Modest Apparels as a symbol of empowerment, elegance, and faith. When I ask Mana what she hopes her legacy will be, she shares, “I want women to think of Modest Apparels and know that it’s more than just a brand. It’s a movement. A way to say, ‘I can be modest, fashionable, and true to myself.'” She continues, “I want people to look back 20 years from now and know that we were a part of making modest fashion mainstream.”
Smana’s dedication to her faith and the vision God has given her is evident in everything she does. She’s not just building a business; she’s laying the foundation for something that will impact women for generations to come. And she’s doing it with grace, humility, and a steadfast commitment to the Word of God.
Before we end the conversation, I ask Smana for one final message she’d like to leave with the women reading this. With conviction in her voice, she says, “God’s got you. Even when the world doesn’t understand your calling, just know that He does. Don’t give up. Whatever it is, keep going. Trust that God is with you every step of the way.”
We want to hear from you! How has modest fashion shaped your faith journey or empowered your confidence? Whether you’re embracing it boldly or just beginning to explore what it means for you, your story matters.
