The story behind 'Fleur'

Hello everyone. I've been meaning to write a post about 'Fleur By Ash' because it's something so important and intimate to me. Fleur  is my little baby project of my own handmade tasbihs and it will always be one of the most meaningful things I've ever done in my life. Hence, I believe it deserves a post dedicated to it here, on my blog. 

A tasbih, is essentially an Islamic prayer beads, similar to a rosary. It's a tool a Muslim would use for prayers, to keep count of sacred recitations (Dhikr) in Islamic traditions. That's the definition I got online, and the best way to describe what it is to those who aren't familiar with it. 

First and foremost, I'd like to say that I wouldn't say that I'm someone who is well-versed in my own religion, or an exemplary Muslim. Based on how I portray myself online, I don't blame anyone who thinks I'm the furthest thing from being anything close to 'religious' or 'pious' based on how I look, or dress and the lifestyle I seem to have.

That's alright with me, because I've always believed that everything I do is between Allah and I, and people will think what they want to think, and say what they want to say, and that's out of my control. What's more important is what I can do within my control, and that is to continue to try to be a better Muslim, at my own time, my own pace, and for the right intentions- which is for Allah and Him alone. Like I said, I do feel like I still have a long way to go, but I believe in my own journey to get there.

I grew up in a family where my parents will never force us to live our lives according to their plans. My parents gave us the freedom to choose our paths, as long as we know what's right and wrong. My parents taught me how to live humbly, and to always be thankful with what we have. Even though we are a Muslim household, my parents educated us with what's necessary but will never force us beyond that. I think they have this mentality that when the time is right, we'll know what we're supposed to do. 

They are the most humble, simple, most pure pair of souls I've ever known in my life. Their love for our religion is so evident and so inspiring. They don't miss a single prayer in their lives, and will always be doing additional recitations of the Quran whenever they can find the time. And I can say that I know how unconditional love feels like because I grew up with parents like them who would truly put us before themselves. 

My parents deserve the world, and so much more. And the best thing I've ever done in this life is to help them fulfil their lifelong dream of performing Umrah pilgrimage. It was the happiest they've ever been.

The reason why I spent a little time telling all of you about my parents is because I wanted to be clear that who I am as I person, and how I am and especially the way I dress and my decisions in life, has nothing to do with bad upbringing because I know for a fact that my parents have brought me up the best way they can. 

Who I decide to be, and what I decide to do is all on me, and I take responsibility for all of that. Who I am as a person. No matter what, I am proud of the person I am because I know my heart best, and again, I stress, I truly believe that what truly matters is how true you are to yourself on the inside, and as long as you know and you're confident that your intentions are good, you'll be okay. 

The relationship that you have with Allah is something so personal, and it's only between you and Allah.

Every day I am aware of the ways that I'm sinning, but there's that definite belief I have inside of me, that my Creator is my Protector. And no matter what I'm going through, I have that strong belief in me that it is all part of my journey, and that if He brings me to it, then He will bring me through it.

When I was at my lowest, praying was my only solace. Then I realised that I never had a tasbih, but I had the intention to perform Dhikr, and my mother's prayer beads was right there. It was the simplest tool, but it helped me tremendously. 

I was also inspired by this amazing artist who paints Islamic Art, and creates the most beautiful handmade tasbihs. I wondered to myself if there's a way of creating something beautiful, caters to the masses, yet stay affordable so that became my driving force. I loved creating art, hence it was more of me trying to pick up a new hobby of beading so it's more of a past time thing than something I do to earn on the side.

The best moment I had with 'Fleur By Ash' is when a good friend of mine, Fi, who is the owner of 'Want Some Pies' invited me to join her booth for an event called Eid Souk by Mashal at the Visual Arts Centre. It was honestly the most special moment for my humble little business because it's a chance to put my tasbihs out there. The whole 3-day event was just such an exciting, new and incredibly humbling experience to me.

I don't have any major plans for this little business as of now, but to do it whenever I have free time with the very little days off I have from my primary source of income. However, every single time I have orders, I feel so thankful to still be remembered. I still really enjoy making tasbihs, it's still so very therapeutic for my soul. 

If I could do something better, I think I would love to be more consistent with my posting on @fleurbyash's IG account and make the effort to build up on followers. I think creating more content to be posted up would be a good step towards getting the name of the brand out there, and I'm also looking forward to creating new designs in time to come. 

To those who have purchased a tasbih from me and supported me in any way, thank you so much. Words cannot describe the way I feel each and every time I receive orders, and spend some quiet time creating these pieces for all of you- it's one of my favourite things to do because I feel so honoured to have the opportunity to create something so meaningful for all of you. Thank you, once again, for all your love and support. 

Click on link to visit my page: https://www.instagram.com/fleurbyash/

Love,

Ashhy