Today we’d like to introduce you to Mahnoor Shoaib
Hi Mahnoor, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey with The Muslim Women Book Club began as a passion project inspired by my love for art, literature, and creating meaningful spaces for women to connect. I envisioned the club as a “third place” for Muslim women—a sanctuary beyond work and home where we could celebrate our shared heritage, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and preserve our cultural narratives.
The idea for the club emerged when I noticed a division within the Muslim women community in Houston. Despite living in one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., there seemed to be a lack of spaces that encouraged unity, collaboration, and meaningful connections across different cultural and social backgrounds. I wanted to create a platform where women from all walks of life could come together, celebrate shared values, and engage in enriching conversations without barriers.
Today, with over 170 registered members, the club has grown into a vibrant and supportive community. Houston’s Muslim community is dynamic, but the absence of “third places” for women means that opportunities for cultural expression and support are limited. These spaces are vital because they empower women to embrace their multifaceted identities, build lasting relationships, and find a sense of belonging. The book club became my way of addressing this need while combining my passion for literature and community building.
Each month, we carefully select a book that sparks conversation and personal reflection, ensuring a balance between modern literature and works that resonate with our faith. As the founder, I take on the responsibility of managing creative assets, designing marketing strategies, and leading our Ambassador program to broaden our reach. I also focus on curating partnerships with brands that align with our mission, such as Herbs & Kettles tea, which enhance our gatherings with thoughtful touches.
The book club isn’t just about reading; it’s about fostering sisterhood. Our meetings are vibrant social gatherings held in unique venues and coffee shops around Houston, such as Honey Art Café, Range Coffee, and POST Houston. These settings create a warm and inviting atmosphere that blends intellectual enrichment with genuine connection.
Seeing the positive impact on our members has been incredibly rewarding. Women leave our meetings feeling inspired and supported, which motivates me to dream even bigger—like expanding the club nationally to reach Muslim women across North America.
The Muslim Women Book Club is more than a book club to me; it’s a community-driven initiative that embodies empowerment, cultural pride, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of building The Muslim Women Book Club has been deeply rewarding but far from a smooth road. Like any grassroots initiative, it has come with its own set of challenges, each teaching me something valuable.
One of the biggest struggles was overcoming the initial hesitation within the community. The idea of creating a space specifically for Muslim women raised questions about inclusivity and purpose. I had to work hard to communicate that the club was not just about reading books—it was about fostering a sense of belonging, bridging gaps within the community, and creating a platform for meaningful connections.
Another challenge has been balancing my professional responsibilities with the time and effort needed to grow the book club. Managing everything from marketing and event coordination to member engagement and partnerships has been a learning curve. I’ve had to be resourceful and intentional about prioritizing tasks to ensure the club continues to thrive.
Logistics have also been a hurdle, especially when organizing meetings in unique venues around Houston. Coordinating schedules, securing locations like Honey Art Café, Range Coffee, and POST Houston, and ensuring each meeting is engaging and accessible to our diverse members takes considerable planning.
Perhaps the most emotional challenge has been seeing the division within the community. It’s not always easy to unite people with different backgrounds and perspectives, but every step we’ve taken toward inclusivity and understanding has been worth the effort.
Despite these struggles, I’ve learned to view them as opportunities for growth. Every challenge has strengthened my resolve and clarified the importance of creating this space. Seeing over 170 members come together, share their stories, and leave feeling inspired makes every obstacle worthwhile.
Ultimately, the road may not have been smooth, but it has been meaningful—and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My professional background has been pivotal in shaping the way I approach this initiative. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills in marketing, creative direction, and event management. I currently serve as a Marketing Director , where I analyze marketing data, develop strategic social media plans, and lead creative projects, including collaborations. I’ve also worked as a Creative Director at Yelp, where I curated digital assets, designed campaigns, and helped launch a creative team social media account. These roles have equipped me with the expertise to craft engaging campaigns, build meaningful relationships, and manage innovative projects—all of which directly influence how I lead the book club.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how quickly the book club has grown, with over 170 registered members in just a short time. I’ve cultivated partnerships with over 20+ brands to elevate our gatherings with thoughtful touches that align with our mission.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend professional expertise with personal passion. I approach the book club with the same level of strategy and intention as I would any major campaign, ensuring that every detail—from book selections to member engagement—is thoughtfully executed.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is when my family would gather around during the holidays, and we’d all sit together for hours, sharing stories and eating traditional foods. There was something magical about those moments—being surrounded by family, hearing the laughter of my siblings, and enjoying delicious dishes that had been passed down through generations. We’d end the evening with a movie or a game, and there was always a sense of warmth and togetherness. Those simple, yet deeply meaningful moments are something I cherish to this day. They shaped my understanding of community, tradition, and the importance of connecting with loved ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mahnoorshoaib.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themuslimwomenbookclub/
Image Credits
Mahnoor Shoaib
