"I've chosen it... I ran for cover" - Aashia Hendricks
As it is with most of us Muslim women, living in a western country where the assumption linked to the wearing of hijab is "taking away your beauty", where we are controlled to love the skin baring, skinny and shameless women who in our opinion "rule" and most of all the emotionally draining feeling of "not fitting in" or feeling ugly.
Personally I've had this, the wearing of hijab, instilled from a young age, although never perfect I have made, and still make mistakes. However, constantly striving to be better, to live better and most of all to become more Allah concious every day, there is still that daily "internal battle" I face.
I drew inspiration and some form of guidance from the internet, local fashion blogs mostly, where Muslim women were dressing fashionably yet still modestly and within the guidelines. After stalking many of these blogs, I had the yearning to start one of my own, though not confident enough by far to face the camera and the public myself, I requested local Radio and TV presenter, Aashia Hendricks, to be represented in this blog in association with our photography company and (much to my liking and in my favour) she agreed.
With this blog I want to get to know her better as an individual and maybe get a sneak peak into her behind the scenes moments! As a wife, mother, hijabi, muslimah and career woman, she is an exemplary role model for our youth and for woman in general. We will be showcasing her personal style as well as what attracted her to Radio and TV presenting. As the face of "Freshtake" on iTV (channel 347), I will try and bring you never before seen footage on episodes of the show, behind the scenes, set-up, as well as all the niggles of being a presenter. Most of all this blog aims to depict the beauty of Islam, and inspire woman who wish to dress more modestly and show that this can be done effortlessly. We will provide advice, support and tips as to how she manages her family/career time and still ends up looking as fabulous as she does!
Shoot 1 with the Freshtake Crew
Our first location took us to the Habibia Girls Orphanage in Rylands Cape Town, where Freshtake in conjuction with the Boundless Hearts Foundation hosted a little tea party for the lovely girls of the home and got many sponsors to spoil these deserving woman and teens! I loved that the focus was on the girls and the aim was to make them feel special and loved, and most of all to show them that there is more to life and you can be whatever/whoever you want to be if you put your mind to it, irrespective of where you come from.
They felt special and one could see the light and love on their faces as they sat along the table and enjoyed the snacks that were sponsored by really kind people :). One thing that was also mentioned is the lack of funding they recieve at the orphanage.... it's quite sad to think they get no funding from the Government although standing for some odd 18 years already!... But alhamdulilah they still survive. Therefore I would like to urge everyone where possible, even if it is just your time (time to spend with the girls to talk to/mentor them, to give them advice etc) where/when you are able to lend a helping hand to the less fortunate please do so, you will get rewarded Insha Allah! As the saying goes "one man's trash is another man's treasure" ... something we think is small or insignificant can mean the world to these little girls. I feel truly blessed to have been part of this event, the overall joy experienced is indescribable! A huge heartfelt thank you/shukran to our sponsors:
Boundless Hearts Foundation
CT Angels
1 Up Cash and Carry
Fresh Harvest
SAYYL (Rania Carr)
Unikem Pharmacy Rylands
She Bakes Cakes
Oranges and Lemons
Harris Caterers
Capturing Concepts
Without your support and generosity the event would not have been such an astounding success! May your businesses prosper and continue to grow Insha Allah (God willing).
Lastly we will be incorporating a little "lookpost" as well as a "tip of the week/month" with each of our posts :).
Outfit details:
Shoes - Woolworths
Jeans - Vintage
Tule dress - The Lot
Beige coat and scarf - China Town
Make-up - Ralo Cosmetics
Tip of the week: Layers of clothing can be pretty awesome! Tule over denim? Rocks! The Modest SJP!
Thank you for taking the time to read the first of our posts! I've only added a few of the pictures taken at the event, I will however be adding another post, a continuation of this one, as an "event in pictures" post. I hope you enjoyed and look forward to reading your comments.
Until next time...
Assalaamu Alaikum
Rasheeqoh
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| Aashia and Ingrid setting up the IPad before they started filming |
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| Team discussion before first scene shoot - with Ghaironesa (one of the caregivers of the home) |
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| Fatima Razzaq (CT Angels) with the two Ghaironesa's - both are caregivers at the home |
