We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Tamimi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“It’s not how big you are, it’s how big you play.”

As someone who experiences chronic pain, this quote has helped me along the way. Your definition of “playing big” is your very own. We shouldn’t compare our achievements with others. When I am experiencing pain or running low on energy, I promise to ‘just do one more thing’, then I rest. For me, this is playing big.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

At Tawheed Treasures, I design pieces for the minority. Muslims are those who follow the religion of Islam and they don’t have access to faith inspired décor and toys in mainstream shops. I set out to fill this gap. There is also a significant population of Hispanic and Spanish-speaking Muslims in Houston and other areas that don’t have access to Spanish faith based pieces. Last year I held a contest to gift a “Feliz Ramadan” woodsign to a lucky winner and they were incredibly appreciative and surprised to even see such an item exist! Along the way I also helped schools create customized learning materials, created art for #BLM, #FreePalestine, and other causes.

I make my pieces mostly from simple materials like wood and metal. My items range from wood signs to out-of- the-box décor that’s eye-catching and thought provoking. I make them for the person who seeks to deepen their connection to the Creator and build steadfastness in a fleeting world. It’s shocking to find out how words on your wall or how shelf décor can uplift us or turn our mindset in a better direction in an instant. Words are powerful. Art is powerful. Ultimately I hope to help others have the remembrance of God showing inside and outside of themselves.

I use tools like the miter saw, rotary tool, power drill, nail gun, and lasers to construct my designs. Right now, I am working on new designs for kids.

When I started my business, it took all the energy out of me. Motivation scarcely made an appearance, but I knew that taking small steps eventually would lead to the door I wanted to open. As a mom of three who lives on a farm, some part of my life had to be left when I started to focus on something new. It could be something like a less clean home, less home cooked meals, or losing some time with friends. I came to terms with it slowly. If you are overwhelmed or suffer from chronic pain, but you want to start a business, take long breaks and come back to it. I considered small actions like making a phone call or researching a topic for 10 minutes as huge actions.

It may sound cliché, but I would use prayer to overcome my challenges. The benefit of anything comes in its repetition, including prayer. If you’re someone who has lost hope in your prayer, I say push through with more prayer.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Charlotte, NC is a great place for artists and art lovers! Opportunities exist on every corner. For anyone who wants to visit, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is definitely a place you want to witness. Hiking trails and greenways web around the city. If you don’t have a bike with you, Charlotte offers city based rentals for bikes and electric scooters at a very low price. For a peaceful afternoon, I would pick up some fruity drinks from Gong Cha and head to Freedom Park for epic relaxation and scenery. Discovery Place museum and the museum district are favorite spots of mine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my dad who made me work with power tools as a young girl and my mom who always bought me art kits. Shout out to my husband for repeatedly telling me that I am not a defeatist. A huge a thank you to tech and maker spaces in Charlotte, NC and Dearborn, MI who provide access to the public.

Website: www.tawheedtreasures.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tawheedtreasures

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tawheedtreasures

Other: Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/TawheedTreasures

Image Credits
All photos were taken by Hannah Tamimi at Tawheed Treasures

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