Salam my name's Haleema Saheed; I'm a journalist based in West Yorkshire and the creator of Hijabi Culture- a platform that celebrates Hijab wearing women and hopes to empower the next generation of Muslimahs.
I started Hijabi Culture as a university project, when I saw Hijab labelled as a disability in a job application- employers thought it held Muslim women back, limited their progression, they were only able to climb the career ladder so far before they had to stop and I couldn't believe this.
As a Hijabi who was studying Journalism at the time and wanted to go all the way, to writing for major newspapers and becoming a correspondent it felt like silliest thing- how could employers compare a piece of cloth to a physical disability? I decided I was going to start sharing stories of Hijabis who were smashing glass ceilings, challenging the status quo and promoting a positive notion of Hijab and the message 'We are more than our Hijab'.
I've interviewed nearly 40 women across Europe and the US on my Podcast and Instagram platform. Each time I start a conversation, I'm blown away by how incredible the women on the other side of the camera or phone are. Every single one of my guests has said they feel empowered in their Hijab.
As someone who's worn Hijab from a young age, I've been reflecting more on what it means to me, especially when I'm the only person like me in most rooms that I find myself in. Each day, when I tie my Hijab, whether I choose to throw it over my shoulder or take it over my head, I renew my Intention, that this is for the sake of Allah (swt). Hijab is courage, Hijab is strength and Hijab is the reason for my success, because when you make a sacrifice for Allah, there’s no way he's going to let you down.
My first Hayaa The Label Hijab was gifted to me by a friend who has impeccable standards and great taste, so I knew it was going to be part of my forever collection. The quality of the scarves is incomparable and the stitched edges add to the polished look. My favourite part of the entire Hijab is the embroidery logo, it adds an element of luxury and a true sense of belonging. In a time where modest fashion wear companies are plentiful, Hayaa The Label has excelled in perfecting the basics and creating capsule pieces that stand the test of time, which is why I purchased three more jersey hijabs with matching undercaps that i've worn on repeat for the past six months.
The Hayaa The Label seasonal box, is the perfect way to add a touch of colour to your everyday look: a colour for every season, mood and outfit.
We're going to stand out with our Hijab anyway, so why not have a little fun and be the most authentic version of you, with a small touch of colour. Gift the Hijabis in your life Hayaa The Label and they'll forever be grateful.
Let's connect on Instagram @HijabiCulture_ to see how I style my Hayaa The Label scarves and listen to my Podcast on Spotify, Apple and Amazon music.