title: "Why We Built Beautiful Hijabi" description: "How a young Muslim girl looking for modest sticker books sparked the creation of Salam Lanterns." date: "2026-05-01" slug: "why-we-built-beautiful-hijabi" category: "Our Story" tags:
- Muslim girls
- hijabi sticker books
- Islamic games
- representation image: "/blog/hijabi-sticker-books-muslim-girls-representation.webp"
It Started at the Masjid
Catherine and Ruben's wife became friends at the local masjid. Their kids played together, and the families grew close. One day, Ruben's daughter Blair wanted to buy gifts for her Muslim friends. She loved sticker books — the kind where you create characters, mix outfits, and build scenes.
But when Blair looked around, every sticker book she found was the same. The characters, the clothes, the style — none of it reflected the modest values her friends shared. She couldn't give those to them. It didn't feel right.
"There Has to Be Something"
Blair didn't give up. She and Catherine searched together — Etsy, online stores, specialty shops. They figured someone must make hijabi sticker books. Muslim girls play with stickers too. There are millions of Muslim families looking for exactly this kind of product.
They found nothing.
Catherine had the idea: "Why don't we make it ourselves?"
That question became Salam Lanterns.
What They Built
Blair, Catherine, and Ruben worked together to create something that had never existed before: authentic hijabi sticker books where Muslim girls could see themselves.
For Younger Kids (Ages 3+)
Little Hijabi Adventures — 50+ stickers featuring hijabi characters in everyday adventures: at the park, in the library, celebrating Eid with family. Simple, joyful, and relatable.
For Creative Kids (Ages 5+)
Beautiful Hijabi — You can create diverse hijabi faces using different skin tones, eye shapes, hijab styles, and accessories. It's about creativity, identity, and letting every girl design characters that look like her.
For Tweens & Teens (Ages 8+)
Modest Hijabi Fashion — A fashion-forward sticker book that proves modesty and style go hand in hand. Trendy outfits, beautiful hijab styles, and creative combinations.
The Mobile App
The Beautiful Hijabi App brings the experience to phones and tablets — $2.99 one-time, no ads, no subscriptions. 100+ stickers, face creation tools, and shareable designs.
Why It Matters
Blair wasn't just looking for a sticker book. She was looking for a product that told her friends: you belong, you are seen, you are beautiful as you are. When a Muslim girl opens a sticker book and sees characters that share her values and identity, it sends a message no generic toy can.
Where We're Going
This is just the beginning. The team has big goals:
- Apps for every book — So any girl who can't afford the physical book can still play the game and create her own characters
- A media platform for modesty — Games, shows, and content that parents feel great about and kids genuinely enjoy
- The best place for Muslim girls in the West — To play, create, and see themselves represented in everything they touch
Blair's search for a gift turned into a mission. One sticker book at a time, Salam Lanterns is building the platform Muslim families have been waiting for.
