Today we’d like to introduce you to Sidra Hashmani.
Hi Sidra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
MyKidsHQ began with the common experiences of many second-generation Muslim kids in America. Growing up we felt a noticeable void in the media —a lack of characters, stories, and images that reflected what we knew about our religion and culture. This absence wasn’t just limited to television; it extended to books, toys, and virtually all forms of children’s entertainment. It was as if our culture & deep-rooted religious values were invisible in the world around us. In our 20s, we had the opportunity to live in multiple Muslim-majority countries with our own children, and we saw the impact representation and visibility had on our kids, how it affected their confidence and self-esteem. From this experience our vision for what could truly be took shape. There, we saw a different reality—one where children walked with an air of confidence, rooted in seeing their identities celebrated and normalized in their daily lives. The contrast was stark because it wasn’t just about representation; it was about the impact of seeing oneself reflected in the stories and characters that populate one’s imagination and dreams.
Our purpose in leaving our family, friends and the home we knew and loved for so long was my husband, Anisul Haque’s desire to go study Islam, First in Saudi Arabia and then in Malaysia. During this time, I, Sidra Hashmani, had the opportunity to write and publish 2 children’s books, which planted the seeds for MyKidsHQ, giving us the initial push & experience to contribute to the change we wished to see in the space of children’s resources.
The books I published were born out of a desire for my own children and other Muslim children to feel like they have a place in this world and that their differences are something to be celebrated, not feel ashamed of.
When we returned back home with a fresh perspective, we embarked on creating MyKidsHQ.
Our vision was to create a website and a space that offered a carefully curated selection of games, toys, and books. We then launched our podcast, hoping to offer stories where Muslim kids could hear themselves and learn about their history. The response was overwhelming and assured us that we were making a positive impact. Each product and piece of content was chosen to grow their love for Islam and themselves as Muslims.
Today, MyKidsHQ stands as a beacon for change in children’s media. What started as a yearning for representation has blossomed into a thriving community. Our platform is more than just a business; it’s a reflection of our journeys, struggles, and triumphs. It’s a space where we continue to dream and work towards a world where every child can see themselves as the hero of their own story, imbued with confidence and pride in their identity. This is our story, one that continues to evolve with each child we reach and inspire.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Our journey has had its ups and downs. Initially, we started MyKidsHQ as an online venture, which had its challenges due to the pandemic. Our business caters to an extremely niche market so the lack of in-person events on which a business like ours thrives had a huge impact. When it comes to children’s products, clients prefer direct interactions at pop-ups and book fairs, which made it difficult to gain momentum. Transitioning to virtual platforms couldn’t fully replicate the personal touch we valued in our interactions, and it slowed our growth at the beginning. Additionally, our temporary move to Charlotte, NC, was driven by personal reasons rather than a strategic business decision. This relocation impacted our business, as we were away from the robust Houston market and the network we had started to build here. While Charlotte is a wonderful city, our business model and community ties as Houstonians were more established in our community, making it tough to replicate our early successes in a new market.
During this time, we also welcomed a new member to our family, which brought immense joy but also new challenges in balancing professional and personal life. Each of these elements—starting online, relocating, and growing our family—presented unique hurdles, yet they also taught us valuable lessons in flexibility and perseverance. There is nothing I would change because each of these challenges taught me something new.
As you know, we’re big fans of MyKidsHQ. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
MyKidsHQ is dedicated to enriching the lives of children through engaging and educational content that emphasizes Islamic values and teachings. We specialize in children’s books and learning materials meticulously sourced to ensure both cultural relevance and adherence to Islamic principles. Our core mission is to help Muslim children find joy and fulfillment in their religion, fostering a strong, positive identity and a sense of belonging within the Muslim community. One of the distinguishing features of our business is the background and involvement of my husband, a co-founder and respected religious scholar. His educational journey, which includes bachelor’s degrees from the University of Houston and overseas at the Islamic University in Madinah, provides him with a unique understanding and perspective of the local and global Islamic community. This insight ensures that our offerings are engaging, theologically sound, and educationally rich, establishing a level of credibility and authenticity.
We extend our impact beyond books through our podcasts, “Stories of the Prophets for Kids,” which brings Islamic stories to life for our younger audience, and “MyKidsConversations,” aimed at adults, offering deeper insights into parenting and education from an Islamic perspective. These platforms are part of our commitment to providing resources that support the entire family’s spiritual growth and connection.
In addition to these resources, we run the “Raising Little Believers” program to support Islamic schools and local organizations with initiatives such as the “Gamers Club,” done in collaboration with Suhbah Institute enhancing community engagement through safe and educational activities. We also host a “Moms & Tots” group at our local mosque to help mothers connect, addressing the often lonely journey of motherhood. This program underscores one of our main goals: to build a community where children and parents alike can connect, fostering a sense of confidence that comes naturally when you are part of a supportive community.
As an author, I engage directly with our audience through book readings and participation in community events, further nurturing a love of reading and learning among children. Our interactive pop-ups and book fairs have become a beloved part of local communities, transforming them into vibrant, engaging experiences that bring Islamic stories and teachings to life. I frequently have in-depth conversations with parents about different books and activities, insights from which I take back and apply to enhance our business offerings.
We pride ourselves not only on our adaptability and resilience but also on our rigorous curation process. We carefully review each product to ensure it fits with Islamic principles, providing a thoughtful and meaningful educational experience.
At MyKidsHQ, we are more than just a business—we are a movement toward creating a brighter, more inclusive future for our children. We want Voyage Magazine’s readers to understand that MyKidsHQ is a trustworthy and reliable source of Islamic education, committed to fostering the development of well-rounded individuals who appreciate their religious heritage and the broader world around them.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to us at MyKidsHQ is equipping parents with the resources they need to instill a deep love and understanding of Islam in their children while also preparing these young minds to confidently navigate the diverse world around them. We understand that fostering an appreciation for their religion at home creates a strong foundation. However, it’s equally important that children possess the knowledge and tools to engage positively and effectively outside of their immediate community. Our aim is to create and curate products that not only celebrate Islam but also educate and empower children. By doing so, we help build bridges of understanding and respect. It’s about giving parents the means to nurture informed, confident, and compassionate individuals who are proud of their identity and capable of contributing positively to society, which Islam has done for centuriest
This is driven by a deep belief that education and community support can fundamentally shape a child, especially when rooted in a strong religious identity.
Studies suggest that individuals who are deeply connected to their faith experience greater contentment in life. At MyKidsHQ, we see this connection daily and are committed to strengthening people’s ties to their faith. We believe that fostering this attachment through our content can significantly enhance the well-being of children and their families. This belief underpins our commitment to providing high-quality, engaging educational materials that teach and inspire to strengthen children’s bond with their Islamic heritage.
Moreover, as a mother and entrepreneur, I am profoundly committed to creating supportive spaces for parents—particularly mothers—to connect, share experiences, and grow together. The “Moms & Tots” program at our local mosque exemplifies this commitment, addressing the often-isolating journey of parenthood by fostering a strong, supportive community.
We have also launched a Gamers Club. The purpose of the Gamers Club is to offer children a fun and engaging environment where they can bond over their shared interests in games. Moreover, we use this opportunity to educate the children about the history of these games, linking them to different cultures and religions. For example, when playing chess, we spend about 5-10 minutes discussing its origins and how it has been played and perceived in various cultures and religious contexts. This approach not only enriches their gaming experience but also deepens their understanding and appreciation of diverse traditions and beliefs.
Both initiatives are reflective of our commitment to fostering environments where children and parents alike can grow in knowledge, faith, and community spirit. By engaging children in activities they enjoy, like gaming, and simultaneously connecting these activities to educational content, we nurture well-rounded individuals who are confident in their identities and respectful of diverse cultures and histories. These programs underline our mission to empower families, ensuring that every child and parent we reach through MyKidsHQ feels supported, valued, and part of a vibrant community.
By enriching our community’s understanding of Islam, we empower them to go out and do good in the world, reflecting the true principles of peace and generosity that Islam teaches.
Ultimately, we equate success with contentment and fulfillment. Ensuring that every child and parent we reach through MyKidsHQ feels empowered, supported, and valued. This not only guides our business strategy but also enriches my personal life, providing a constant source of motivation and fulfillment.
Pricing:
- $7-$50
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mykidshq.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykidshq/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyKidsHQ
