Category: Beauty

MADRE

A world unimagined by man. The heart's reunion with mind and matter. The very form of life that beats with a rhythm, unseen to the world. To only its mother. A wonderful creature; protecting her young infinitely. If she chooses to be a mother, she will rise to her faith - an all powerful state.

Saira Hussain
Tara Noelle

NOW SEEN IN MOTHER MUSE MAGAZINE

A warrior - One that I have yet to meet.

A time of bliss and wonders experienced by only a woman. A woman that gives her all to an infinite joy of life that spreads throughout the inner universe - her womb.
A story I was given the honour of directing of beautiful mama @tabiacharles.

Tabia is a strong willed woman. As an athlete prior to her career in Project Management, when I first connected with her it was through social media. Honestly, I was not prone to enjoy the direct messages but it is what is easiest when it comes to connection in our world today. I've always wanted to connect deeper, stronger and on a larger platform but not for anyone in particular. The inspiration behind this shoot was motherhood; a transitional period many women face even with the demise of human connection.

A physical, mental and emotional transition that I can only imagine through the beauty of art and sound. Tabia Charles had given me the opportunity to style her with Jaya & Co - a Toronto based jewelry company owned by two sisters who are also two beautiful mothers.

And then came you…

All I can do is smile when I think about my baby boy. He reminds me of how much I adore his father and how he was conceived in the utmost love.

Not just that “I love you” kind of love but that unspoken kind of love that you want to hold onto for a lifetime and share with the world.

Before trying to conceive, I knew what kind of woman I wanted to become before having children. I wanted to be a woman and mother that my son not only will love unconditionally but would also be proud of and can look up to.

My whole life, I have been constantly working towards becoming the best version of myself. I always knew there was something else driving my desire to be better aside from my personal goal. But it all makes sense now…The universe was inspiring me to become the best version of myself for my son…in which he will be so deserving.

Being pregnant is one of the best experiences of my life journey thus far. I never knew I could feel so fabulous 30 lbs heavier with a huge bulge for a stomach! I embraced the additional weight gain, the swollen feet, stretch marks and the mini moles that appeared on my face. I am so intrigued with this little miracle growing inside of me that I want to relish in every single moment possible during my pregnancy. I want to be able to share these moments of joy with my son when he’s old enough to understand.

These maternity photos are a celebration of me truly embracing motherhood and the anticipation of bringing beautiful life into this world. I feel that much more excited to meet my baby boy and I’m overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude that I have been chosen to be his mother.

Dear D’Angelo,
You will one day understand the hopes and dreams that I have for you and why I waited until this very moment in my life to have you. It will all makes sense to you some day.
Love, your mother.

- Tabia Charles
April 30th 2018 marks beautiful baby boy D'Angelo's 4th month birthday.
Congratulations to Tabia and her beautiful family.

As a first generation Canadian, my lens will always be full of colour. My perspective on life will be to always circulate around inclusivity; creating a world of my own. To provide a platform of expression to define society and it's elite.
Mothers are the elite.

No region, no language, no colour, no creed can ever define what Mothers do best. To our mothers, the mothers before us and to the ones of today - we honour you in light and darkness. We give you our every breath.' Comment below on the Art of motherhood if you are a new mother or a to be Mama.

I now style maternity shoots.
For more information, email Saira today.

Thank you

Tara Noelle
Dawna Boot Make up
Jaya & Co
Chandan Fashion
Mother Muse Magazine
Tabia Charles

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NOW SEEN IN PRINT
Must Be Kismet Magazine 2018
Photography - Divine Method Photo

'As an art director and stylist in Toronto, transitioning moods is more than just contrasting colours and cultures..' - Sarah Hussain.

Inspired by the love for culture, I had the pleasure of working with a team of industry professionals to create a love for narrative through travel and textile. Through pattern and texture; embroidery and prints, this editorial embraces a woman with dignity and elegance. Featuring Chandan Fashion, a Toronto brand that not only has an updated taste for Indian Bridal fashion but a youthful, inviting atmosphere.

This editorial is one that was inspired by the emotions woven into the garments for South Asian women. Particularly into their armoire of sensitivity during their ruksati (the third stage of a Bride).

StageONE,
confidence

Growing up in a household filled with the scent of cardamom, fried onions and mixed spices wasn't always comforting when walking out of your home. I never noticed the scent of my mother's cooking until I was fond of the dishes. Being raised in Ontario in the 80s, I found myself wearing patterns that coloured my world, similar to the medley of ingredients seen in a festering pot of bhiryani. As I grew older, my wardrobe aged with reason to style and I didn't simply purchase items because I wanted to; trends did not exist. My wardrobe began to weigh with responsibility and I no longer idealized a world of freedom of expression. My culture expressed my faith and style, which endlessly curated my family's respect towards me. My selections of lawn prints and saree fittings granted others a more than intimate gaze into my world because I was entirely confident.

NOW
Radiating
into my
30s

StageTWO,
w i s d o m

As I revolve around the sun for another chapter, I carry my weight with these words:

a letter to myself..
'Today the colours turn a tone closer to being a shade. My vows to the great accomplishments in
life, have shortened their distance in time. My culture-clock has brought waves of challenges that I can no longer use education as an excuse for an extension. I now belong to the 30 and above class on the surveys and grants are available to me for my best words and no longer my age. Listening to my voice is like listening to a broken cassette filled with Hope that an opportunity to be 20 again will arise. Marriage is now a phase I want to pass so I can officially live my life without boundaries. Trust is an exemplary token of appreciation I hold dearly.

Turning 30 today just got me in a hurry. Living life through my creations has justified that age really is like fine cheddar. The best portion of your life is not determined by your age but by your accomplishments.

StageTHREE,
p o s t u r e

Through this editorial, the images take a glance at each stage that a Bride is faced with. Challenges that may not seem challenging to the discourse that they are placed in. In societies of our own, immigrant families are given the authority to certify their daughters as quality goods for others homes. Why else are we groomed so hastily after ripening into the purest fruit?

Being bare-footed has never felt more liberating. Letting go of cultural reforms and breathing to my own rhythm has allowed me to travel through the doors of many homes. Having acknowledged that every daughter must be married and every woman must be given away, I conformed to marrying later than earlier. Similarly, I have accepted the act of marriage but willingly and to my own measures. I do not believe in the practice of perfecting a young woman as her youth allows her to mould her world into the one she wishes to have. Growth is a key element that refines the sanctity of marriage and with great conversation comes great friendship. We need to come together as a unit, an undying structure that guides our future with the culture that was implemented in our youth. Fortunately, my posture was never ideal and my mother was my backbone through my abnormalities. If we have more conversations about the yearning for sophistication in our daughters, parents will never have to see their daughters as furnishings in rooms filled with regretful family patterns.

StageFOUR,
Reflect- ION

Culture does not have a geographic location, it is a mind set and a practice of values that are of most importance to one's life. A spirited individual will share their stories with you because they believe life is full of blossoming possibilities whereas someone who has been surrounded by the preachings of others may silently confront similar feelings. Stage four is for reflection on your accomplishments and prosperity. What have you done that will diversify your relationship with your significant other; your family and your foot print? We speak of changing the system that we are a part of, a social experiment that exists now more than ever due to social media and our relationships with trends and reports. I have had such a difficult time rephrasing my story to better connect with the audience that I wish to voice my concerns to. My views become redundant and my readers become engulfed in a world that quickly confuses or leaves them asking for more. Which is why I come to this point, why does it matter if the post is complete? My reflection on the idea of marriage may not be yours but I do believe that the standards expected in our demographic is far too brutal for the young women of today. We bury far too much into the first born crevices of our dimples, weighing our smiles with expectations and patterns long gone from our wardrobe. This confrontation is for you to see that there was no set of five stages for a Bride; have no expectations when it comes to marriage or leaving home. Guide yourself with your bare feet and walk the steps of a strong woman; your mother. The poem below will free your spirit and guide you to a better understanding of yourself. Follow no trend.

StageFIVE,
liberat-ion

As every passing moment goes by, I allow another string on my heart to play a melody.
A tune I connect with the earth that rattled my mother's doors as I entered her womb.
The soil on the soles of my feet are from the warmer climates of the East where turmeric and sandalwood create a fine base for wisdom and social standards.
My roots still watered from the weight of hair in oils scented with hibiscus and mustard seeds.

My spine overlooking the sea towards the West. With eyes as sharp as the eagle's flight. My age is marked with entitlements to knowing the finest silks and hand cut glass. Carvings of sand and wood cut creases in between the cushion of my toes as I traveled into the storms of the unknown.

Inferior to this land, I am a woman with an adventure pierced into my back. The adornments I wear are now my reflections and experiences. I forever travel light with trunks filled with certainty and liberation.

These are words from me to you to guide you in the awareness of yourself. The journey that must take place by stepping out your front door. The gaze through your windows will only take you so far, so if this written aids you in your adventure than please write it on your heart. Liberation is a part of who we are; humanity. We live to seek for the love of ourselves in others and when patience grows weak, we succumb to the voice of our surroundings. Be aware of your spirit and acknowledge its worth for she will live infinitely when she hears your voice.

Credits:

Art Direction & Styling/Story: Breath of Henna
Wardrobe: Chandan Fashion
Photography: Divine Method Photo
MUA: Beauty by Bu
Jewelry: RJS Company
Flowers: Your Occassion Flowers
Rugs: Kasra Persian Rugs
Location: Lovt Studios
Publication: Must Be Kismet

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Eminent love

10/9/2017

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EMINENT LOVE
The value of friendship

Surrounded by the scents of jasmine as she graced the sacred steps towards her love, her lace intricacies casted shadows alongside her own. A calling of friendship interrupted her heart beat for a moment to establish a new chapter of her liking; true love. Her heartfelt desire to be with him was her dream come true. Alisha was ready to start her life but before I tell her story, allow me to elaborate upon her bridal henna diary. Grandmother, her mother and best friend were conversing in the early morning of Alisha Lalji's mehndi moments. Her aftercare was being prepared as she went for an adventure starting with a hairdryer. I arrived to Whitby, Ontario on June 27th while being greeted by her very intrusive cat. What a bumble and bee. This kitty was nonchalant about her wedding as well as very much interrogative while she lay there wherever we would be. When it came to adorning her feet the desire to have some space was persuasively interrupted by an adorable meow-sigh of 1, 2, 3..there was much more.

Alisha - definition (Sanskrit) protected by God.

How beautiful. So, she was a blessing bestowed on her family. How perfectly woven she was within her family and friends. She had approached me online while I was in London, England last year and we scheduled in an online consultation at 1 am - Toronto time. As an entrepreneur one is always excited to establish good relations with their clients. In addition to that, I was going through a hard time sleeping when I knew my family in Toronto was celebrating the sun's rays and of course my significant other who I couldn't bare to be a part from. The vows of friendship started to call on old memories.

It took me some time to render her design as she is also an Artist; a creative individual, a visionary, a possible critic and most importantly a valued artisan. I knew that I had to envision a pattern that would evoke not only her own stories but an exceptional rendering of fine lines and filled filigree that would adorn her hands with lush greens and florals. The vines which encircled her ambient friendship and eternal love churned a wine of reds and deep mahogany on the insides of her palms and crawled curiously throughout her arms and feet. When I received these beautiful photographs from photographer Gillian Williamson I was moved by the modesty in the ornamental details seen in her diary once again.

As I hold my breath and let it relax throughout my ribcage, I feel the need to talk to love. As love is my truest friend and comes in all colours. To love, this is what I wrote today:

"Love with all its thoughts on you.
Devouring its subtle glances as you moved.
I was there, inquisitive for every detail that made you, you. Tranquilized by labour and the day's work, I let go of my every sorrow and turned to you with kindness and forgiveness. Never to forgive myself for the pain that I brought to you. You were always delighted and I shared my pain with you. You never uttered a word of sympathy and congratulated my motive. Each notion paid tribute to my undying note of orchestrating chaos. You still loved me love. You quote my beauty with verses of great voyage and deliver a beautiful smile. I am loud and independent, yet, I cannot fathom any commitment without your consent. I wish to become you as you desire me.

Her Bridal Henna Diary was a tribute to an old love story, the oldest in the books. An entry that was written in the stars of when friendship married; true love.

When we find ourselves, we find our other. A reflection of ourselves but in another. It is a beautiful union of universal matter and an orchestra of emotions. Alisha found her true love and followed the trace of opportunity that was written for her. Being in a world, predominantly accessed by digital media we tend to miss out on opportunities surrounding us. Read my next blog post REAL . GOOD on self discovery.

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TRANSIENT WAVES

1/30/2017

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Styling this editorial has made me confront the urge to style beneath this beautiful sky. The blanket of clouds protects us from our doubt. What we forget to understand is that that very doubt is created when we wish for a blanket or any form of protection. Free yourself this February with love's tranquil bliss. Love yourself again and give this very existence the ode to life.

Among mountanious rainfalls
Embedding her palms
In emerging crystal banks
Afloat

Gentle strokes along her limbs
Along crevices that bloomed once again
She stood humbly as florals drifted along her skin
Time

Give birth to a being rendered in light
She bares herself
Reigning in crystals delight
Air, water, white
She danced

Written by Sarah Hussain
Photography by Melissa Matheson

SOMETHING FOR THE SELF
Midnight to living at 29
By Sarah Hussain

As I converse with my inner light today, I hadn't the idea of the pain she had been afraid to admit. It wasn't an ordinary form of frustration but a transition that she was asked to submit herself to. She needed a calling but what she didn't know was that her soul was the one calling out to her. It was as if an alarm was going off constantly but being silenced every time it tried to wake her up. Her slumber was nonexistent to the people around her, her voice would vibrate off her surroundings and then come back to her. Not one individual could hear her speak because they didn't care, they would intoxicate her rise with sultry smog and diffuse her glow with their own anxiety. Then one night, she was confronted by a task that was pending and she thought, "if I combine healthy choices with productivity maybe this will finally complete itself." She took back a step and reminded herself that the work needed to be done by her. Herself. Loving herself.
No one can make you feel good about yourself better than yourself.
29 - to each and every being in your life craves your energy. Note to self, learn to be selfish for yourself. Everything is temporary.
Changed
Awakened state - 2017

Stylist/Henna/Direction: SarahHussain (@breathofhenna). www.breathofhenna.com

MUA: JenelleForde (@jenelleforde). www.jenelleforde.com

HairStylist: ChristinaGomes (@christina_gomes). www.suprememobileandspa.com

Photographer: MelissaMatheson (@melmath)

Wardrobe: MonaLisaBridal (@mona_lisa_bridal_gallery)

HairAccessories: IlienaGeorge (@ilieanageorge). www.ilieanageorge.com

Model: JennaBorisevich. www.peggilepage.com/models/jenna/

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CROWNING OF THE VEIL - Raasta

12/17/2016

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The weight of THE
VEIL

Pulling away the layers of the embellished fittings from around under my bust. I couldn't breathe. As soon as I exhaled my head leaned backwards to straighten my spine. I could not fathom the weight. I felt as though, heaven's greatest had forgotten to take His mighty hand off the crown of my skull. My surroundings were muted by the silence of colours escalading through the corners of my eyes as when the sun's rays would highlight the cerulean waters of the ocean; the veil dropped. I fixed the trinklets hooked onto my bangles and ran a sliver of skin down the side of the embroidered bands to the crevice of my breasts. My fingers poised upwards as my gaze lowered, and I started to walk.

The circulation in my waist was concealed and the fluidity of my hips began to sway along the weight of my skirt as I caught a glimpse of her. She looked gently and recited, 'chasm-e-badoor' (to ward off the evil eye). I acknowledged her graciously with a smirk. Alas my neck, which had no meaning; as though it never existed, began to let go of its poise. Gravity showed no mercy as I sauntered towards my reigning throne.

Photography: HENNYGRAPHY

O' Eyes of despair why are you lurking through the windows of my soul.
This is my awakening and I have wished for this ever so dearly.
The details were ideally a dream, a miraculous world woven of the finest silks and the warmth of the lavender incense had the room glowing. I could not see the aisles of leisure and freedom.

I was raised on the mountains where the birds nurtured me with freedom and my relentless behavior gave heed to the winds of the storm. I never even tied my hair. My locks would surround my body as a void of protection and wisdom; virtuous.
My veil, the veil you have so well defined as my best also came with a world that you never did tell me as I slept. A world of perplexed thinkers, a surrounding of voices in constant turmoil; one where I would never find peace. Truth is that, you; she, her, you never made it clear or found a reason to exist within the turmoil. You simply lived. Did you?
You're probably reading this entry thinking about the stereotypes behind women who are of culture, of belonging to a realm of traditional cultivated thoughts. Minorities? No. We all exist in the world of discomposed thinkers and segregating activists - within our own homes. I love my husband, I truly do but to acknowledge him as my complete that isn't one-hundred percent true. I hasten my ordinary every day without a doubt, my sleep is no longer filled with intrinsic adventures. It is no longer my own.

You once recited a dream, a story of warriors and if I recall, it went something like this...

Creatures that blossomed from an unearthly
Incomparable union of sacred rituals and blessings.
Bred in silk-spun wombs
Their spines inhaled the nectar
They bathed in the syrup of that very nectar
Where branches of saffron blended
Together with the milk of almonds
As the nelumbo nucifera carried them afloat;
The Indian lotus.
They were raised as warriors
Their hands soft as the belly of a hummingbird.

They were voices
Once.
Without pain or cries.
There was once a time
When all was countless
Spirited and free.
Thankfully there is still a mother,
I wish to be.

As I raise my head, the floral garlands on my wrists revive the glow overlooking my view. The glow that one believes to exist when in union with harmony. It was him all along. My grasp is liberated to unfold this very letter that was embedded in my soul. I had been immersed in the depth of his presence, as he held my hand, he looked into my eyes and his smile opens up another portal. I now recall those dreams that you so generously gifted me as a child, "O' love of mine, your being is to be with the very best. The all vital state of your existence is when you know yourself and he accepts you true."

Stepping on the stage to be crowned, as his wife, with him, a man - his name was announced. This was your letter and my day is today. Your recitings before I left home were to protect but to also instill the very teachings you were taught. The veil is of a prevailing state. Laughter of a blooming household; a shelter for the traveler, a mirage of passage through cultural narratives. I was the center of my home. The veil was my power and I wore it as my crown. A veil is worn by a Bride on her wedding day, an entitlement not every woman can carry forth.
She is a warrior and life is her battle.

Credits for the work seen in the highlighted editorial within this written response:

STYLE/DIRECTION/HENNA: @breathofhenna
WARDROBE: @chandanfashion
HAIR: @rachelrenna
MUA: @oliviahabeauty
JEWELRY: @stelladot_toronto
MUSE: @itsnikaneeks
Thank you Genna of Loft 404 for allowing me to bring my verses to life.
@loft404

An excerpt from a letter I wrote:

"I humbly accept this union of tranquil bliss and flourishing friendship, devotion and sentiment. This, now, here is infinite as I have waited for this time of the awakened state. I am aware of your delightedness and as I too am delighted. We are aware of the challenges that will grace us with their hindering ventures. But, you and I both know there is nothing that we have not advanced through. We are OK. My friendship will coexist with my love for you as you are what defines my state of being a woman. I hope you can say the same or at least that this moment acknowledges our harmony together. You bring challenging discourse to our times of union as do I and we are still here. We all possess baggage and we need a state of revival - when I met you, you revived me. You shower me with endless opportunity and you are aware of what whirl winds I attain. Let me be open to you, I will guide you and astonish you with remarks but to cherish you as heaven's greatest gift is to not say the least. You are that presence I had seeked for; a longing I had wondered about since the first marriage I attended. I was ecstatic about the trinkets of embellishments and what love was. The veil, if it may weigh heavy, we will pull through. Never to let go of your hand in times of distraught. You are what defines great men and I have been so very privileged to have you in my life."

- HUSSAIN

I hope you all have enjoyed another written piece by me and will comment below. Again this is a personal blog. If you would like to further discuss the symbolism that is behind this piece, please do send an email: breathofhenna@gmail.com. Thank you for reading this.

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MADRE

And then came you…

'The Bedouin Bride'

NOW SEEN IN PRINT
Must Be Kismet Magazine 2018
Photography - Divine Method Photo

NOW
Radiating
into my
30s

StageTWO,
w i s d o m

Credits:

Art Direction & Styling/Story: Breath of Henna
Wardrobe: Chandan Fashion
Photography: Divine Method Photo
MUA: Beauty by Bu
Jewelry: RJS Company
Flowers: Your Occassion Flowers
Rugs: Kasra Persian Rugs
Location: Lovt Studios
Publication: Must Be Kismet

Eminent love

EMINENT LOVE
The value of friendship

TRANSIENT WAVES

CROWNING OF THE VEIL - Raasta

Saira Hussain

Archives

Categories

MADRE

And then came you…

'The Bedouin Bride'

NOW SEEN IN PRINT Must Be Kismet Magazine 2018Photography - Divine Method Photo​

NOW Radiatinginto my​30s

​StageTWO,w i s d o m

Credits:Art Direction & Styling/Story: Breath of HennaWardrobe: Chandan FashionPhotography: Divine Method PhotoMUA: Beauty by BuJewelry: RJS CompanyFlowers: Your Occassion FlowersRugs: Kasra Persian RugsLocation: Lovt StudiosPublication: Must Be Kismet

Eminent love

EMINENT LOVEThe value of friendship​

﻿TRANSIENT WAVES

CROWNING OF THE VEIL - Raasta

Saira Hussain

Archives

Categories

NOW SEEN IN PRINT
Must Be Kismet Magazine 2018
Photography - Divine Method Photo

NOW
Radiating
into my
30s

StageTWO,
w i s d o m

Credits:

Art Direction & Styling/Story: Breath of Henna
Wardrobe: Chandan Fashion
Photography: Divine Method Photo
MUA: Beauty by Bu
Jewelry: RJS Company
Flowers: Your Occassion Flowers
Rugs: Kasra Persian Rugs
Location: Lovt Studios
Publication: Must Be Kismet

EMINENT LOVE
The value of friendship

TRANSIENT WAVES