Amna Hakim’s story is one of growth and remarkable perseverance. A single mother of three, Amna moved to Canada from Pakistan, carrying with her the hopes of a new life and a deep-rooted passion for cultural representation in literature. What began as a personal quest to find culturally relevant books for her children evolved into a thriving business, Love Lyla Books.
Initially, Amna’s journey was motivated by a simple need: finding books that reflected her children’s cultural and religious background. As she started sourcing these books for her family, she realized other parents shared her struggle. What began as a home-based effort to cater to a niche market soon transformed into a full-fledged business. “When I saw other mothers facing the same challenges, I knew I had something special,” Amna recalls.
Love Lyla Books curates a distinctive collection of Islamic literature, ranging from religious texts to fiction featuring Muslim characters. This diverse selection allows everyone to find something meaningful and relatable. Amna’s mission is to provide books to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding through literature.
Joining the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada (IEC) Summer Retail Incubator Program presented by RBC and supported by Meridian was pivotal in Amna’s entrepreneurial journey. Before the program, her home business was growing, but she struggled with taking it to the next level. The support and guidance she received from IEC were transformative. “Before the program, I was unsure how to advance my business,” Amna explains. “But with IEC’s help, I was able to address my business questions, build my confidence, and achieve milestones that I never thought possible in such a short time.”
The program provided Amna with crucial skills and resources, including setting up her website, branding, and navigating administrative tasks like bookkeeping and business registration. But perhaps the most profound impact was the creation of a supportive community. “The biggest lesson was the value of having a network of people who genuinely support you,” she says. “IEC didn’t just teach me business skills; it gave me a community of cheerleaders and mentors.”
Through the program, Amna also discovered the importance of embracing her heritage and celebrating her identity as an immigrant entrepreneur. “I learned to see my background as an asset rather than a barrier,” she reflects. This shift in perspective has enhanced her confidence and inspired her to encourage others to share their cultural stories proudly.
Looking ahead, Amna’s vision for Love Lyla Books is expanding rapidly. She is currently fundraising for an exciting new project: an Islamic bookmobile. This mobile bookstore will travel to various markets, schools, and events, bringing cultural literature to a broader audience.
In addition, Amna has launched Café Reads, a series aimed at promoting authors, artists, and their cultures or religions. "The goal is to celebrate our differences in a cozy, inclusive café setting."
Moreover, Amna has been invited to participate in various publishing events and is exploring opportunities to extend her business into the US market.
Amna’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and community support. “The IEC program has been a game-changer,” she says. “I’ve gone from feeling like a small caterpillar to spreading my wings like a butterfly. I’m excited to continue using what I’ve learned to help others and to see where this journey takes me next.”
Explore Love Lyla Books or stay updated on their latest projects. Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @lovelylabooks. Amna’s story is an inspiring example of how passion, coupled with the right support, can lead to extraordinary achievements.
This program was made possible thanks to our incredible presenting partner, RBC, with support from Meridian Credit Union and in collaboration with our community partners: ByWard Market Authority, Invest Ottawa, Lennox Innovations, Ottawa Print Services, Ottawa Board of Trade, DreamLinked, Re4M and WhiskeyJack Media.
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