Redefining Comfort and Style for Families
In a world filled with toys and furniture options for children, Ariel McGean and Bhu Dhami, based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, found themselves facing a common parenting challenge. They struggled to find a cozy yet stylish seating solution for their kids' playroom, which would not only fit into the space but also be cost-effective and easy to maintain. This predicament led to the birth of their innovative business - Kiddie Couch.
Read full storySpecial Connections to the Colorado River Basin
The Colorado River Basin holds immense ecological, cultural, and spiritual significance for the tribal nations that have inhabited the region for centuries. The spiritual motivation to conserve and utilize water from the basin is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of these indigenous communities. However, the challenges posed by endangered fish populations and the historical exclusion of tribal participation in water management decisions have strained the relationship between tribal nations and the Colorado River.
Read full storyHow Muslims Are Motivated by Islam To Approach Climate Care and Climate Action
Since in Minnesota where Tribal nations are facing off against the Canadian oil giant Enbridge Energy, which is building a massive pipeline, known as Line 3, that originates in Canada, continues through North Dakota, enters Minnesota in Kittson County, and terminates in Superior, Wiscsonsin.
Read full storyThis South Asian photographer makes room for moms
In light of AAPI month, there is one photographer in the Chicagoland area that deserves recognition for her work: Kiki Khan. Khan is a wife and mom of two, one girl and boy. When she's not tending to family, Khan is usually working on her passion- photography. Khan is a South Asian photographer who specializes in visual storytelling focused around motherhood and infants. She is an artist and well-attuned to the needs of the communities she works with as majority of her clients come from backgrounds that Khan is aware of.
Read full storyThe inspiration behind Teni and Tayo
Omobola Imoisili was born and raised in Nigeria and was always surrounded by people that looked like her. Now she's raising two young daughters in California where they are a minority. This is partly what led her to her venture, Teni and Tayo.
Read full storyFree clinics to help the underserved
Across the United States, Muslims have opened free medical clinics to treat uninsured and low-income patients of all backgrounds. American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP), a national non-profit organization focused on professional development, mental health, and advocacy for underserved communities is leading efforts to create the Muslim Free Clinics Council. These Muslim-run free clinics allow those that are unable to afford healthcare to seek care without having to worry about the cost. Ultimately, they serve to relieve the burden on so many people across the US of healthcare affordability while providing high-quality care. Especially during the time of COVID-19, where many people are suffering from job loss or financial issues, the Muslim-run free clinics enable people to get the treatment they need.
Read full storyPlanting trees for strollers
Joolz was created in 2004 when the founder, Emile Kuenen, witnessed his friends becoming parents and struggling with strollers on the canal bridges of Amsterdam. He saw an opportunity to create super comfortable and ergonomic strollers for both parents and children. He named the company Joolz, inspired from the word “jewels”, because he hoped the product would be equally precious to parents.
Read full storyBreast cancer awareness efforts
Niamh Hogan has used her combined passion for the healing power of plants and a wish to bring joy into people lives. She was intrigued by the effect simple aromas of essential oils had on her clinical clients and started to research how these ingredients could be incorporated into everyday use. Thus, she was opened up to a wealth of information on plants and plant ingredients and their benefits, particularly to the skin. What started out as a simple quest to make people feel a little better became Holos Skincare that nourished both the skin and the wellbeing.
Read full storyPanjeri: A way of healing
According to Aisha Siddiqui, Panjeri Bakery’s story started when she was first pregnant with her first child. Siddiqui was given a mixture of seeds and nuts for the first time by her mother and mother-in-law called Panjeri. They told Siddiqui that this mixture has been given to women in Pakistan and India for centuries and that the mixture would help her heal during her postpartum days.
Read full storyOleosphere technology use in baby creams
Founder Florence Nacino has more than forty years of experience as a global health and beauty researcher, chemist, and regulatory specialist for leading worldwide companies. When her granddaughter was born, she saw a need for creating a holistic baby-friendly line of products. That gave birth to Earth Baby.
Read full storyA mission to reduce single-use plastic
We had a chance to get some insight from Jon Fox, CEO of U-Konserve and EcoVessel. "EcoVessel has always had food storage on our product road map, so when the opportunity arose we jumped on it. U-Konserve and EcoVessel are aligned in our mission to reduce single-use plastic and in designing best-in-class products," Fox explains what made him eventually want to acquire U-Konserve, a way to reduce waste.
Read full storyUsing clean ingredients for sustainability
Being a stay-at-home mom allowed Affton Coffelt-Shouse, the CEO of Broken Top Brands, to engage in creativity. "I’ve always enjoyed having candles burning in my home and as gifts for friends and family, but didn’t have the budget to go out and buy luxury products. After noticing a lot of my favorite big-name brand candles contained harmful chemicals and paraben wax, I figured I would try my hand at making my own. To align with the health and safety standard I want in my home for my family, they were made with soy wax and plant-based ingredients," Coffelt-Shouse tells us.
Read full storyCreating ways for positive change
We all know how the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the world. Nevertheless, there has been some positives including the fact that it has caused many people to reflect and spark a plan of action to make positive health changes in their lives. A recent press release suggests that according to 350 health-oriented individuals that were surveyed:
Read full storyA look into how one individual is developing children's books
Michael Girgenti is very big on intuition and gut feelings. This is how the company Strawberry Pencil Magic (SPM) was formed which is a colorful children’s picture books that allow a child’s imagination to flourish.
Read full storyProviding refugee relief
The world has watched in dismay at the events taking place in Afghanistan in the recent weeks. As the United States prepares to welcome Afghan refugees, it is clear that Afghan families may have adjustment issues that are not properly addressed during the resettlement process. Consequently, the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) has formed the Afghan Refugee Task Force (ARTF) to look after the unmet needs of Afghan families who will be resettled in the Chicago area. There is a need for community social service agencies, mosques, health centers, food pantries and civil rights organizations to participate.
Read full storyAmerican Girl making strides in representation
According to the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) press release, they are happy to share a win for inclusivity and representation, cornerstones of CAIR-Chicago's mission. CAIR-Chicago is one of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group,
Read full storyHow a young woman pursued baking
Reema Hamadeh always had an interest in baking new desserts, trying new recipes, and experimenting with flavors of cake, macaroons, etc. She started trying out recipes and sharing them with her friends and family. Hamadeh used family events as a chance to try new designs or recipes she had in mind. The more she practiced, the more she learned through trial and error. Unfortunately, there weren’t enough family events to try out all the designs she had in mind. Thus, HamadoughSweets started as a creative outlet. It was a chance for her to try new types of desserts, as well as get creative with cake designs, that she wouldn’t have a chance to try otherwise.
Read full storyWhy the Children's Museum of Oak Lawn is special
For Adam Woodworth, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, this place is special. He believes children's museums provide a much needed space for children to learn and explore since not all children can learn by reading a textbook.
Read full storyA solution for families to continue operations
Like many areas, the Ronald McDonald House Charities Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI) have been impacted by the pandemic. Every year, thousands of children and families travel to receive care at one of Chicago’s world-renowned hospitals. Through the Ronald McDonald House and Family Room programs, they have been by their side since 1977, providing a caring and compassionate environment where families can rest and find support while remaining close to their hospitalized child. In addition, through the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program, in partnership with Advocate Children’s Hospital, staff members provide medical care to children in under-served areas throughout the Chicago area. The RMHC-NI mission exists so families can get better together; they envision a world where families can better together.
Read full storyInnovating sweets for all
Sweet ReserveCourtesy of Sweet Reserve by Maha Studios. Sumaiya Vahora and Humera Rauf are partners in beginning their venture, Sweet Reserve. Vahora worked for over ten years in the education space teaching math while Rauf worked predominantly in the business world helping small businesses grow. When Rauf went back to teaching, she met Vahora.
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