This Ramadan, we present an exclusive series that captures the spirit of now - a time to embrace gratitude, community, traditions and deep inspiration. We sat down with partners in life and passion – Nouf Hakeem and Noor Azzony who reflect on the power of consistency, setting your own pace, and the vision behind their platform Inner Light.

Tell us about yourselves.

As a partnership in both life and business, we reside in Jeddah with our family of five children. Prior to meeting, Noor concluded his career as a computer network engineer, choosing to leave it behind due to a misalignment with his passion and love for education. Later, he explored different professions until finding his passion in training, psychology, and life skills. Now, he offers various programs for self-recovery. On the other side of Jeddah, Nouf embarked on a daring adventure in the fashion world, founding two successful brands with modern designs that set them apart from the offerings in the industry at the time. Following the completion of her master's degree in special education, a new passion ignited within her—a journey of self-discovery and the search for her essence. Inspired by the worlds of meditation, art healing, and self-restoration, Nouf established one of the first meditation studios in Jeddah as a personal project. It was here that our paths crossed, leading to the formation of a life partnership from 2018 until now.

What inspired you to launch Inner Light?

Having crossed paths in our personal lives, we couldn’t ignore the similarities in the journeys that led us to a shared passion for the fields of restoration and self-development. We initiated joint gender-oriented programs, discussing prevailing local ideas and influential programs from a local Arab perspective. This initiative later evolved into the birth of the Inner Light platform. The platform offers programs, workshops, and excursions focusing on the mind and soul in the realms of passion, self-recovery, and healing. It employs a simple local language based on real experiences, steering clear of high costs and unrealistic ideals. It takes into account the unique composition of Arab and Gulf societies, aiming to help the largest number of people live more fulfilling lives.

Fashion is a medium that can empower individuals and boost confidence. How do you use style as a tool for self-expression and empowerment?

We believe that the visual aspect is an essential part of our self-expression, and it’s a true reflection of what’s inside of our hearts - as per this ancient wisdom “As inside, so outside”. Because balance is one of our core values, in personal and work life, we make sure to express beauty whether in our constant photoshoots or in the programs that we present, by choosing the right background designs and outfits that reflect the content that we share with all honesty and confidence.

How does the concept of luxury extend beyond material possessions, and embody a mindset or lifestyle?

Luxury, in our perspective, is not limited to just the material aspect; it is a profound concept that starts internally, reflecting in what we say, hear, see, eat, and drink, extending to how we treat each other and others on a daily basis.

Can you share some daily rituals or routines that contribute to a sense of luxury in your life?

‘Consistency’ is the term we have recently adopted to reflect this concept. It represents a state of stability that assigns importance to both the visible and invisible aspects of ourselves, leading to internal and external alignment in feelings, decisions, and the manifestation of life. Consistent daily decisions, such as exercise, meditation, and drinking an ample amount of water, make us feel that we deserve to live a life of luxury.

How has collaborating and working together as a partnership and couple influenced your individual spiritual journeys?

The intersection of marital and work relationships has been a significant challenge for us. While some may perceive complete agreement, the reality is that we differ in our thoughts, approaches to work, and life perspectives. What initially seemed like clashes have evolved into a path of integration, aiding us in discovering hidden aspects of ourselves and strengthening our connection. Our shared agreements have expanded, and our differences have transformed into opportunities for growth in both work and life, offering us broader insights into reality and each other.

How does the act of reflection and introspection during Ramadan empower you to live more intentionally?

During Ramadan, we maintain a daily schedule very similar to normal days. Our sleep and wake-up times stay consistent, making daily tasks simpler and more inspiring. Additionally, Ramadan provides us with the opportunity for increased family communication.

As founders with an inspiring platform, what recommendations or best practices would you suggest when it comes to engaging in mental health discourse online?

The message to ourselves before others: 'Empathise with yourself, prioritise your well-being, take small, caring steps to understand and nurture yourself, and then begin to provide what you've lost and make up for what you've needed. Remember, you don't see life as it is; you see it through the lens of how you perceive yourself.'

Can you describe a time where you felt a deep sense of alignment with the present moment? How did that experience identify the daily practices to embrace beyond the Holy Month?

When we take a weekend break to be in the heart of nature, away from the noise of the city and without our devices.

What advice or message would you share with others looking to cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness and spiritual connection during the Holy Month?

Slow down! The fast wheel of life, from home to work and social networking sites, has programmed us to live at a very rapid pace. The gift we can give ourselves is to slow down that wheel and appreciate the beauty of simple everyday moments.

What are your hopes and aspirations for spreading mindfulness and spirituality through your work?

This hope is to cross paths with as many people as possible to help them see a different perspective for life prospects and to expand their vision to the possibilities in their self-relationships and others. We also hope to inspire others to acknowledge their entitlement to love, beauty, and money, along with the endless capacity that awaits them.

What does the Spirit of Now mean to you?

Thinking about the present moment is a reminder for us to be grateful for all the blessings around us, both small and great. It has become a daily ritual in our family, consisting of four questions that have turned into a practical habit: How do you feel? What is your intention? A list of things I'm grateful for What are you most excited to do today?