March is the month in which we take a moment to appreciate our mothers, but we all know that love comes in many varied and wonderful forms. In this series of posts we meet three stylish influencers from MOJEH Issue 34 to find out more about a relationship they couldn’t be without.
Interview by Natalie Trevis
Jumana Al Darwish and her daughter Ayla, photographed by Michelle at The Factory ME at Bambah Boutique
Jumana Al Darwish, co-founder of The Happy Box, and her daughter Ayla
I was a workaholic before I started the Happy Box. Even though I chose a job in philanthropy and was working for the government, I still had long hours and would work overtime. I didn’t mind it because I loved what I did. But when I had Ayla, I started to realise that I needed to find a little bit of balance in my life. I’ve had amazing people work for me to help out with Ayla, but still I missed out on beautiful moments like her first steps. That’s when I realised that I wanted to spend more quality time with her, because even though I was with her after work, I would still be busy working on my Blackberry or answering emails. Starting this business has been the key to my happiness, to her happiness and to that of other families as well.
I had difficulty having children and was married for six years before I had Ayla. I had to go through IVF to have her. Nothing can ever prepare you for motherhood, no matter what you hear. The moment that she was born, she touched my face. From that moment on you realise that you are responsible for a human being, their well-being, their happiness, for them being alive. She’s the love of my life. She’s taught me to really appreciate the small things in life and to look at happiness through her spectrum. I want to teach her patience and that not everything has to be perfect. Learn to let go. Be confident. Appreciate life and its beauty and don’t listen to others. Listen to that inner voice, listen to it and just go with your intuition. I would love for her to do what she enjoys in life and I will fully support her in anything.
Jumana Al Darwish and her daughter Ayla, photographed by Michelle at The Factory ME at Bambah Boutique
