About the Author:
Salsabil is a young mum to two adventurous boys, wife, student of Psychology with a focus of Mindfulness Therapy for children and adolescents. Her passion lies in children’s mental health, after having her own children she saw the importance of helping children with emotion regulation, positivity and instead of being consumed by them. She has a Bachelors of Honours in Psychology and several Continuing professional development is several areas of child development and special educational needs. She is now an entrepreneur, developing resources aiding muslim children with their mental health amongst Islamic values.
Biggest challenge in life so far:
My biggest challenge in life so far has to be back in 2015. I was in full time final year Bachelors year of University. Alhamdulilah, By the grace of Allah, He had bestowed me to have my first child in March of that year. As all final years of education, it is always the hardest, most pressured with deadlines around the corner, presentations to wrap up, and most importantly dissertation of around 9000 – 12000 words on my chosen project. This was all due in for April (only 1 month after the supposed due date of my son!) Being my first pregnancy, I was clueless as to what to expect… so all the morning sickness, aches and pains, heartburn and brain fog was all new experiences for me. All the months leading up to March, it was a tough strenuous uphill journey. How was I to complete all these deadlines with labour, recovery and a little baby to look after?! My mindset back then was not very firm, there was many a times I wanted to quit or delay my final year of university. The motivation to carry on with it all and Alhamdulilah all the support came from my parents and positive thinking. I did eventually give birth to a healthy baby, All praise to Allah. I am not going to sugar it up, there was a lot of sleepless nights, late typing and researching as getting used to breastfeeding and the whole bundle that comes with a newborn baby wasn’t easy. There was a need to balance these two aspects of my life at that time. I am glad I went through such a time back then as not only did it grow me stronger as a person but I really experienced real motivation and dedication to wanting something desperately, in my case a university degree. It reminds me of the verse Allah promises us: ‘“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…” (Qur’an, 2:286).
Insight of entrepreneurial journey:
I still remember the first time I ever took notice of the word ‘entrepreneur’. It was in the summer holidays after university finished. I was introduced to work under a company very flexibly. So what are the characteristics of an entrepreneur and how did I stack up against them? There had to be a motivation to succeed, passionate, driven, creative and persuasiveness. It was all new to me and developed along my journey.
Best advice for young mums in education start a work from home business:
My best advice for young mums in education looking to start a work from from business would be to say Bismillah and take the plunge! If you have the family support, readily accept it whilst you are launching your business as that takes time. In a way, when you’re a mum with small babies, the best thing would be to be your own boss whilst making a halal income. You control your business around your babies needs and demands so your priority always comes first. You dictate your own working hours! Alongside this, it gives your brain something different to focus on, a little change from all the constant feeding, burping and nappy changes…
What would you say to 16 year old you?
Bless others. Be a positive influence in any way you can. Even simple little helpful acts can make others — and you — much happier.
What message do you think every women should hear?
Honor your own experience. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. No one else needs to approve it or like it. Your thoughts, feelings, and choices matter just as much as anyone else’s. You are worth the effort. You are worth the time and energy needed for self-care. Just because you have children, parents, friends, or a spouse doesn’t mean they should come before your health and well-being!
Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration comes from reading magazines, blog posts, peoples experiences in my field. Also, attending events related to meet the top people who are doing it all is always motivating and inspiring. Sharing ideas with others
What do you do on a daily basis to grow and move forward?
Touch your business everyday! Even it if its for just 10 minutes! It will make a difference.
