Zayneb Abdullatif

1. You are a wife, mother, and a designer creating beautiful, sustainable Islamic Homewares – you juggle quite a few amazing roles! What does a typical day look like for you and your family?

We're all early birds, so our day starts at Fajr. Yep, my children are awake too! I use this time for Qur'an journaling and to complete my important tasks. My boys have their Qur'an lesson with their dad or play with their puzzles. By 7am we prepare breakfast and eat together. My mornings are usually reserved for my boys. So we play, read and do some practical work until midday. Around this time, my toddler naps while my preschooler plays independently. This is when I work and it usually lasts between an hour or 2. We then prepare our snacks and read a little more. Half an hour before Maghrib it's clean up time while I prepare dinner. The boys will usually clean halfway then join me (and eat all the raw veggies!). After dinner, the boys will play and read for an hour or so then prepare themselves for bedtime. I stay up a little longer to spend time with my husband, then I switch off for the night.

2. How did your interest in designing Islamic homewares begin?
I grew up with parents who reuse and repurpose almost everything, so my passion for designing and making things started very early in life. In 2011 when I was finally being relieved from a hardship, I decided to turn my pain into purpose. I combined my love for design and the beauty of my faith together to remind myself and others about Allah.

3. How has creativity helped you throughout motherhood?
It's definitely helped me grow in so many ways! It's helped me redefine who I am. I've learned to be efficient with my time, multitask and prioritise. It's helped me overcome many challenges with the kids. For example, when my child refuses to read Qur'an, I get both boys to play pac-man style games answering questions related to their surah. They love it and their Qur'an session gets done!

4. How did you manage to keep your creativity going during a challenging season, such as the past year with the Pandemic?
In all honestly, I don't think the pandemic affected me as much as I thought it would. My life wasn't disrupted. Yes there were changes (i.e. husband working from home) but I kept going. I took it slowly, day by day. I put my trust in Allah and continued to give my best.

5.What is something you are most proud of as you look back at your growth as a mother and a creative? How are you seeing the fruits of your hard work show up in your life today?
Investing time in my children has been a major highlight for me. As a mother it's helped me slow down and try to become a more conscious parent. As a creative, they inspire me everyday which helps me develop new business ideas. Alhamdulillah, they are joyful fun loving children which makes life a lot easier.

6. What advice do you have for other mothers who want to create or work on a passion project alongside motherhood?
Before starting understand your 'why'. This will help you understand your purpose and helps keep you motivated. Make dua, say bismillah and start! Don't wait until your children get older, just start and use what you have. Make mistakes, learn from them and improve. Oh, and when you have started, do not compare yourself to anyone else. Stay focused on YOU!

7. What inspires you as a wife, mother, and creative?
As a wife, it's my husband's support, encouragement and wisdom. As a mother, it's my children finding joy in the moment and it's my mothers willingness to work hard and keep moving forward. As a creative, it's the beauty of my faith and nature that surrounds me.

8.Is there an ayah, quote, or affirmation that gives you comfort as you navigate motherhood? What about a favourite book or resource?
"Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear..." (2:286). This ayah helps me get through my toughest days. Something else that comforts me is understanding that Allah has placed me exactly where I'm supposed to be. At the moment, the book would have to be 'The Conscious Parent' by Shefali Tsabary.

9. What is something you've learned from your children that helps you in your creativity?
To slow down and find joy in the moment.

Connect with Zayneb: Website // ZedandQ // brb_raisingkids