DEHIYA BEAUTY, Morocco
We met in 2017, studying marketing in B-School. Mia was launching a client-based service business that made her unhappy 24/7, while finding part-time joy & solace in her hobby of blending lip balms & ancient Moroccan-based beauty tonics in her kitchen… all products she gifted to friends.
“GIRL. Why aren’t you doing this as a business instead? Your heart sings when you talk about these tangible goods you make with love!” I told her, after seeing her multiple IG posts with captions effervescing about things she created & loves.
And so she pivoted, as any successful entrepreneur does to cut losses & reset for success. She hustled. She founded Dehiya. And within a couple years, her products attracted influencers (Hailey Bieber, etc), multiple fashion magazines (Vogue, Elle, Allure, etc), sold in various stores (Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, etc), and on & on.
In 2022 — before the tragic 2023 earthquake in Marrakech — we celebrated Mia’s 45th touring Morocco with her sister/business partner Jacalyn, BFF Joya, Mia’s Moroccan herbalist/supplier Soufian, and I was there to document for the brand. These photos bring me great pride in my talented friend & the grace in watching her company’s success before it was even the seed of a dream. They also, sadly, bring some longing for the pre-earthquake Marrakech, where Soufian’s family survived, but their souq shop & family home were leveled, along with much of the city surroundings, including ancient UNESCO sites.
Time transmutes, for better or worse. Creation, destruction, hellos, goodbyes, and healing. I appreciate catching any of those moments where I can & celebrating the value of every season. How lucky are we, to get to pick up the pieces & keep searching & taking steps. And to wake up everyday to see what we’re gonna make next!
More from this collection are on my Portfolio page HERE.
Learn more about DEHIYABEAUTY.COM
