Zahara Basir, one of the six wonderful women taking part in our Positive Threads campaign for our Bamboo Woven Print hijabs (and a new upcoming collection), is known for always #DoinTheMost. Or as Zahara says, “I live intentionally without limits.” Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Zahara is a social worker by training and works in the field of children and family services.

Although service to others is her life’s mission, traveling the world is her passion. Zahara recently completed her goal of traveling to 40 countries under the age of 40, often with her four young children in tow. She wants women to know that starting a family and having young children doesn’t mean that life and adventures end. She emulates the importance of self care, self preservation and living authentically out loud.

Zahara has recently embarked on her third business venture, connecting her love for travel with creating memorable experiences, always drawing upon her mantra of #DoTheMost. I spoke with her about longevity in being visibly Muslim, the beauty in being unique and why traveling with children isn’t as hard as one may think.

Tell us about being a visible Muslim woman – is it something you think about when putting on your hijab and entering the world, what it means to be visible?

It’s important for me to be a visible Muslim wearing hijab because representation matters. My hijab is like another layer of skin; it’s always been a part of me. From the time I was four years old, I wore hijab. My mother converted to Islam in the 1970’s. This was during the height of the Black Panther and Dar-ul-Islam movements. It was important to be visibly Muslim at that time as well. My mother took her Islam very seriously. As she began to have children, she decided that she wanted us to be visibly Muslims as well. It was a source of pride.

I’ve been wearing hijab for almost 34 years now. I don’t think about it at all. I’ve never hesitated or struggled wearing it. I understand that many people struggle with it, but that has never been my story.

I choose to be visibly Muslim for my nine-year-old daughter Anisa. I want to be an example for her. I want her to feel confident and supported in her decision to wear hijab. Ultimately, it will be her choice in the future to cover or not, however, I want to give her the foundation to feel supported.

I choose to be visibly Muslim because I’m proud to be Muslim. My hijab doesn’t limit me. It has never stopped me. At my last job, I worked at Delta Airlines. So many people stopped me in the airport and told me how amazing it was to see a covered Muslim woman working for a major airline. I felt so proud wearing my purple uniform with my black Haute Hijab.

I love the uniqueness that comes with wearing hijab. It sets me apart from others. I’ve never been a girl who wanted to fit in. I never wanted to follow the trends. My hijab has always kept me different from others. I grew up attending New York City public schools. I can count on one hand how many visible Muslims I saw. My hijab has always been my favorite accessory. My hijab has also always been a protection for me. I feel like people approach me with respect.

My biggest struggle with wearing hijab is finding the best color to match my outfit!

I want the Haute Hijab community to know that I’m determined. Never let your setbacks dictate your future. I am representing for all mothers out there. Life isn’t over once you begin your family; life is just beginning. There is so much beauty in motherhood. I want to change the way the world mothers.

A lot of mothers are hesitant about traveling with their children. I want to bring confidence to all mothers wanting to see the world with their children. Traveling with young kids can be overwhelming, but the memories created are for a lifetime .

I’m the happiest when I’m surrounded by my family and loved ones. This pandemic really showed me the importance of family. They are my lifeline. They keep me going on most days.

I have nine siblings. Three to four times out of the year we stop everything and meet up – all nine of my siblings and their children. We disconnect from the world and get lost in games, cooking and laughter. I’m truly at my happiest when I’m with them. I feel content when I’m surrounded by them.

I wish I had a great answer for this, but I definitely struggle. Before I had kids I would go to the gym and run. I would get on the treadmill and get lost in my thoughts. Other days I would swim. I would do lap after lap just listening to my heart beat. It was very grounding.

With kids, life isn’t that easy. I can’t get to the gym as readily as I could before. Now I reach for a chocolate bar or my favorite bag of hot chips to level out my mood. But, my down moments are a lot shorter. I don’t have the liberty with four kids to be down and out for long. This time last year my husband and I suffered a devastating miscarriage. One of the hardest things I had to do was immediately begin homeschooling my four kids and two nephews. I really just wanted time to stop.

I realized at that moment I had to keep pushing for them. I just took it one day at a time. I tried not to overwhelm myself. I avoided getting lost in my thoughts. I stopped thinking, what if? I really just started living for the present moment, one day at a time. For anyone struggling with loss or in a space that feels low. I would say take one day at a time!

I wanted to represent all the mothers out there. I feel like a mommy revolution is needed, LOL It’s weird. You go from young, vibrant college student to career-driven young adult. The next chapter is mom, and that’s it. It’s like, next chapter is grandma. I feel like once you have kids you go into this box of toys that’s never played with again.

I want the world to know there is life after motherhood. I want the world to know that we need representation as well. The everyday woman loves to dress up in nice hijabs. We still take pride in our looks. I had no idea what this campaign was going to be about, but I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to represent the “Everyday Woman.”

It’s so important. This “Positive Threads” campaign, in my opinion, had to include models who represent a variety of Muslim women. Despite all of the obstacles we face, we continue to be a source of positivity in the world.

So many clothing brands that I shop never have Muslim representation. They may sell modest clothes, but would never put a Muslim woman on as the face of the campaign. It’s beautiful to see Muslim women being portrayed in such a graceful way. I love everything I’ve seen so far.

Life is really moving for me right now. I feel blessed that the rain is slowing down; the sun is coming out. God Willing, I’m closing on my first rental property. My love for traveling and creating experiences have merged. I’ve always wanted a rental property that provides peace, tranquility and ease – a space where families and friends can meet. An intimate gathering spot surrounded with love. I can’t wait for the world to experience a #DoinTheMost movement. When given the option to be regular or #DoTheMost , ALWAYS #DOTHEMOST!

I want my legacy to be Amir, Anisa, Yasin and Yasir. I want my children to be the legacy I leave behind. My four amazing children becoming humanitarians is what I hope my legacy will be. I want them to be global citizens. I pray my children continue to do great work around the world. I want them to use their travels to impact others in a positive way.