At Mode-ste we are infatuated with beauty. Long lasting, true, real and down to the core beauty. We are obsessed with visions, with passions and with ideas that are beautiful, not fleeting, time dependant beauty like that of the latest "tabloid star". We are obsessed with perfecting our craft, with taking the proper ethical means to a rich and beautiful end and carrying our vision out to like minded individuals. As I type, my mind races at a million miles per hour because Mode-ste is my passion and my love for beauty encapsulated into an idea. We aren't concerned with material matter, rather we are concerned with a rich and beautiful vision that carries on with our name, year after year, decade after decade inshaAllah.
We are incredibly motivated and inspired when we see a beautiful woman who respects herself first and foremost, and carries this on to her fellow man. She is content and beautiful on the inside, and this reflects on her outer projections to her mother, father, family, friends, colleagues, strangers and the environment around her.
The series Woman is a platform to shine a spotlight on Women around us that motivate us, inspire us and push us to perfect ourselves on the inside and out.
We couldn't be happier to connect with Enum Malik of Popcorn Studios (www.popcornstudios.ca) for our first conversation being contributed to Woman. Enum (Sounds Like Denim) is an eclectic, warm and extremely beautiful Woman that we were blessed to connect with the last time we visited Toronto. She has drifted from the classical career path and has delved fully into her passion of photography. She has amazing style, an amazing heart and loves beard, exclusively Jash's, her husband and partner in Epic Photography Crime.
Let's start with an intro Enum. Who are you and what do you do in Life?:
I’m Enum. I’m a full time Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer. I was born and raised in London, England and moved to Toronto in 2008.
Why is photography so important to you, and why have you decided to make it your career, rather than a hobby?:
By the grace of Allah, I’ve been fortunate enough to do what I love. It was never my plan to do photography full time, it sort of just happened. I’ve always been a creative person and saw myself doing something in a creative industry, but the more I photographed peoples weddings, the more I grew to love the idea of working for myself, while servicing others.
Why is quality and the perfection of your craft important to you?:
I find myself to be a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my work. I put myself in the shoes of the bride/client and try to see things from their perspective. Doing this helps me in my process.
Who is one of your day to day inspirations, the classical unknown hero in your life that everyone needs to know?:
My hero is my mum. She’s not a photographer or in the arts, but she works with people. She’s completely selfless and I’ve learnt so much from her. One of the things I admire most about her, is her ability to communicate. I find that communication is key in business and all aspects of life.
Usually wearing a head scarf (or hijab) is a sign that a woman is trying to project modesty. Why do you wear the hijab, what does it mean to you and why do you dress the way you do?:
I’ve worn the scarf since starting high school. Admittedly, my reasons back then were not the same reasons I choose to keep it on, though I do feel it’s a part of my identity. I’m very comfortable in my scarf. Contrary to popular belief, I feel liberated! My scarf encourages me to push the limits and break norms. Its not every day you find Muslims pursuing the arts. I hope that I can inspire some of the younger sisters who perhaps want to wear the headscarf but think it’ll create barriers for them in the world of Art. It won’t. As long as you’re passionate, you can go a long way!
Enum M. is Wearing Mode-ste:
(1) Cardigan: Essential Kimono - Gunmetal
(2) Top: Mid Batwing - Charcoal
My all time favorite female photographer! Popcorn studios is 100% shooting my wedding! ;) Thank you Mode-ste for giving viewers the opportunity to get insights on these inspirational women mA!
I am unable to find a place that list the the sizes of the clothing items you are selling on your website..Help! I need to know what sizes the runbefore I can make an order.
AMAZING!! I hope to follow my passions in clothing and art soon inshAllah! This was amazing reading for me :)
Mashallah
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