What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned from your mother?

My mom is the sweetest and most genuine person I know. From her, I’ve learned the true power of humility and kindness, and that being a good person is all that matters. Since working with her at the age of seven, I’ve also learned the importance of resilience and strength, and how crucial they are for achieving your goals.

Growing up, how did your mom’s sense of style influence you?

My mom has been in the jewelry business since 2007 and always wore pieces she designed herself. Naturally, this inspired me to create my own designs. She would take me to the production house, where I would sit with the jeweler, make my own pieces, and leave with jewelry I had designed. For fashion, as a child, she gave me complete freedom to choose what I’d like to wear. She never judged my fashion choices; she allowed me to be creative in my own way, which influenced me to make my own decisions as I grew up.

What are the rituals, routines, and relationships that define this season for both of you?

Moni: Ramadan is about family, faith, and togetherness. It’s a time to gather around the table with loved ones, strengthen our connection with God, and cherish time spent with family and friends.

Hiba: We gather as a family for Iftar, Suhoor, and prayers. Spending time with family is the most important part of Ramadan for us. We also make sure to think of those less fortunate. Before Ramadan begins, we plan how we can give back so that during the month, we can actively help provide food and support to those in need.

In what ways does your daughter inspire you?

My daughter inspires me in so many ways. Her strength, determination, and passion push me to grow every day. She keeps me motivated to take care of myself, from fashion to health. When it comes to jewelry design, Moni plays a huge role. She brings fresh energy and an understanding of what the younger generation wants, as she is part of that generation. She helps me stay on top of trends, ensuring that our designs are not only timeless but also relevant and appealing to them.

What’s the best thing about working together?

Moni: Our dynamic is a blend of experience and passion. My mom has been in the industry for so long, and her expertise is invaluable. Meanwhile, my strengths lie in marketing and business growth and development. That synergy naturally translates into our brand, making it an extension of our mother-daughter bond. The best part is getting to work with my best friend every day. My mom is a creative at heart, and designing jewelry comes so naturally to her, as it’s been her forte for years.

Hiba: Moni’s business development and marketing expertise have played a pivotal role in shifting the brand. I enjoy seeing my daughter, who has been helping me since she was only seven years old, return to work full-time on the brand and bring her identity into it. The brand is now a representation of my bond with my daughter, which I deeply cherish and trust.

What are the rituals, routines, and relationships that define this season for you?

It’s the time to realign our thoughts, plan with purpose, enjoy spiritual reflection amidst a buzzing urban life, practice communal worship, and engage with our communities.

How has your relationship with Bahrain and its cultural heritage shaped your design philosophy?

Being born and raised in Bahrain encouraged us to observe cultural heritage in the context of technological advancement. As an archipelago, it exposed us to Bahrain’s desert and sea cultures, triggering our design senses to explore ways to add value to the social, cultural, and environmental fabrics in which we live. 

How are you going to be celebrating this season in the city?

It’s unlike any season for us. As we pass through the illuminated streetscapes of our neighborhoods, we renew our relationships with our communities by engaging in social, cultural, and family gatherings. We often discuss what we learn and the unique encounters we have at work, and they sometimes inspire new ideas such as our ‘Mosque-in-a-box’ project, which was a response to help reduce assembly time, labor, cost, and space concerning typical portacabin mosques that we usually see in event spaces and refugee camps.

What impact has your inner circle and community had on your creative work?

The people around us challenge our ideas and broaden our perspectives, often sparking unexpected inspiration. These conversations act as reminders for us that architecture is ultimately about the relationships between people and the environments in which they sit. 

What are the rituals, routines, and relationships that define this season for you?

Slow and intentional—this month is busy, with so much happening, but there’s also a peaceful moment before breaking fast. I want this year to be calm, without rushing or cramming everything into the calendar, just moving at my own pace.

What are a few of your favorite things and places this season?

Dates from different parts of Saudi Arabia, paired with laban, a yogurt drink.

I’m oddly obsessed with Madinah mint, paired with agave and hot water.

Balad is charming during Ramadan.

Wearing matching kaftans with Aziza.

Al Nakheel on Jeddah’s Corniche.

Soup and samboosa.

Hydration.

The light of your life is your two-year-old Aziza. How would you describe her and her sense of style compared to yours?

Tears fill my eyes as I write this. Her sense of style is confident—she isn’t concerned about what others think or whether an outfit looks good on her.

What are her favorite things to wear at the moment?

She loves sets, maybe because she sees them as friends that stick together. She has a green Ralph Lauren cotton set, a yellow Bode set with embroidered cherries, and a purple Nike shorts-and-T-shirt set—she loves purple.

In what ways has Jeddah inspired and influenced your creative work? How do you celebrate this season in the city?

I think it’s nostalgia and memories—growing up in the city and seeing it through different eyes over the years. Just like people evolve, so do cities. They grow, they change, but they’re still the same, just an updated version. Jeddah during Ramadan is simply beautiful.