السلام عليكم

Meet the Designer

about maya

Assalaamu Alaykum!

Welcome to my about me page :)

My name is Sumaiyya (Maya), I am a Canadian Muslim Entrepreneur, and I am passionate about instilling hijab love in our young Muslim girls by creating positive hijab experiences for them :)


I am half Italian and half French Canadian :) I am a mother of four beautiful children ages 14, 12, 8, and 6!
I have a very alive, very busy household alhamdulillah! I am from a big family of 6 sisters and 2 brothers, so I am very used to the chaos :)


I love children, I have a way with them as most can tell, I think it is because I am quite silly!


Saudi

My daughter and I in Makkah.

My family and I travelled to Saudi on scholarships to study the beautiful Arabic Language! I remember having made dua to Allah swt regularly for Him to increase me in knowledge and understanding of Al-Islam. So studying in the city where it all came about to learn the language of our most sacred texts seemed to be a most gracious answer!!! Alhamdulillah for the experience, I am truly grateful :)


While living there for about 7 years, I graduated from the Arabic Language Institute of Umm al Qura University in Makkah (this was the most unforgettable experience of my life).

I then went on to complete one year of University in Dawah and Islamic Culture before returning to Canada which after only one month, Covid hit..

Becoming Muslim

I grew up in downtown Toronto and accepted Islam around the age of 17!

I honestly think that when we are at our loneliest or saddest, it can be an incredible blessing for us, because that is where I was able to deeply recognize and appreciate Allah and His Presence.


I have a deep appreciation for hijab. Any scarf or cloth that covers our head for the sake of Allah.


I actually started wearing hijab before I became Muslim.

I read many books about Islam and as I read about the hijab, I began wearing it. I remember thinking, how special :) Learning that Allah asked this of us, out of love like an extra care for us. It made me feel cared for.  It somehow felt like a piece of Him wrapped around me. It brought me immense comfort. Imagine someone beyond description, beyond incredible, full of love for you, and you for them, tells you to wear this necklace, you will not only wear it but cherish it. In this case it is a shawl.

Becoming Muslim

I grew up in downtown Toronto and accepted Islam around the age of 17!

I honestly think that when we are at our loneliest or saddest, it can be an incredible blessing for us, because that is where I was able to deeply recognize and appreciate Allah and His Presence.


I have a deep appreciation for hijab. Any scarf or cloth that covers our head for the sake of Allah.


I actually started wearing hijab before I became Muslim.

I read many books about Islam and as I read about the hijab, I began wearing it. I remember thinking, how special :) Learning that Allah asked this of us, out of love like an extra care for us. It made me feel cared for. It somehow felt like a piece of Him wrapped around me. It brought me immense comfort. Imagine someone beyond description, beyond incredible, full of love for you, and you for them, tells you to wear this necklace, you will not only wear it but cherish it. In this case it is a shawl.


Saudi

My daughter and I in Makkah.

My family and I travelled to Saudi on scholarships to study the beautiful Arabic Language! I remember having made dua to Allah swt regularly for Him to increase me in knowledge and understanding of Al-Islam. So studying in the city where it all came about to learn the language of our most sacred texts seemed to be a most gracious answer!!! Alhamdulillah for the experience, I am truly grateful :)


While living there for about 7 years, I graduated from the Arabic Language Institute of Umm al Qura University in Makkah (this was the most unforgettable experience of my life).

I then went on to complete one year of University in Dawah and Islamic Culture before returning to Canada which after only one month, Covid hit..

The Idea

My first hijab charm sample.

I had a lot of free time, along with a dream and a folder of sketches I had drawn up while in Saudi. I decided to give it a try. To create a hijab line for young girls that will make their experience with hijab in the West a positive one. Instilling hijab love by allowing them to feel how special hijab is, and how special they are to Allah.

I thought the first thing would be to consider their age when creating the line. Girls at this age love bows, clips, barrets, headbands etc.. however after alot of trial and error I decided to create a special hijab accessory solely for hijabs, removable for washing, and undamaging to fabric, cute, fun, and girly.

I came up with hijab charms :)

They are the perfect way for girls to express themselves and allow their personality to shine through with all the cutest choices and varieties!

Creating

Hidaya by Maya

My brand has slowly grown into itself alhamdulillah. From the quality fabrics which I handpick myself, Bamboo being my ultimate favourite!! To the hijab design which I spent quite a bit of time figuring out, as well as having to develop new sewing skills for! To.. the incredibly loved charm concept :) 

Everything I create is full of love and care, and setting up our booths has really allowed me to gage what our girls love, as well as to perfect the sizes and observe their choices. I always make sure to ask for their opinions in order to have this hijab line reflect them, their age, and their personalities :)

I love adding to their experience with Hidaya by Maya by making it interactive, fun, and full of honest love.

My brand is them, they are my brand. I will try for as long as I can, to create positive hijab experiences for them inshallah. May Allah swt help, love, and keep us all ever so near to Him Ameen.