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Mother Essentials: Qimmah Saafir

Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano

Photography by Portrait by Jeremy M. Green

Which mama is spilling her must-have Mother Essentials today? It’s none other than Brooklyn-based Qimmah Saafir, mother to little Leahn, 2 1/2, and the founder of HANNAH magazine (also 2 1/2!). Born and raised in the Bronx alongside eight siblings, Qimmah later honed her skills in the research departments of XXL, InStyle, Marie Claire, Seventeen, Maxim, and several other titles, before taking the leap and launching her own magazine, which is dedicated to telling the stories of inspiring black women. Icons Issa Rae and Tarana Burke have graced HANNAH’s covers, and inside the pages bursts oodles of #BlackGirlMagic, which has become even more pressing while Qimmah raises a young daughter herself. Below, the busy mama reveals her top Mother Essentials of the moment, including a brand-new HANNAH starter bundle perfect for newbies.

Tate’s Cookies. “Do bakeries ever sponsor people? Can this be a thing?”
Tate’s Bake Shop Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Pack of 2), $13.59, Amazon.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir. “I’m absolutely addicted. It wakes my skin right up. I have the full and travel size.”
Caudalie Paris Beauty Elixir, $37.12, Amazon; Caudalie Paris Beauty Elixir Mini Travel Size Spray Bottle, $18, Amazon.

Byredo Bohemia. “This candle smells like being in love. I will never stop wanting it in my home.”
Byredo Bohemia Candle, $85, SpaceNK.

HANNAH Starter Bundle. “We are gearing up for our fourth issue of HANNAH. To commemorate it we created a bundle gift for our new collectors. All three of the past issues are included, to get you right and ready for No.4!”
Hannah Starter Bundle, $99, HANNAH.

Dream Big, Little One. “Leahn and I both enjoy learning about these amazing black women!”
Dream Big, Little One, $8.99, Amazon.

Babo Botanicals. “I have used nothing but their products on my daughter’s hair and body. So, so good.”
Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Baby Shampoo and Wash Oatmilk Calendula, $13.43, Amazon.

Nike Cortez Sneakers. “My style is comfort over everything and I am always running around. This is hands down the most comfortable sneaker I own.”
Nike Classic Cortez Leather Sneakers, $63.48, Zappos.

Hanahana Beauty. “I was recently introduced to this brand and I am obsessed. Their products are all-natural and made by the Katariga Women’s Shea Cooperative in Ghana. They smell so good you will want to eat them.”
Hanahana Beauty Products, $5 to $42, Hanahana.

Jessica Dore. “This woman is magic. Her work blends tarot with mental wellness. Her daily card picks via Twitter drag then collect me every day.”
Twitter/@thejessicadore

Evelina. “This Brooklyn-based restaurant replaced one that I frequented for years before it closed down. I ate at Evelina on its opening day and I haven’t looked back since. It is my personal Cheers. The owner and the team treat me like royalty every time. And the food is beyond.”
Evelina, 211 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 929-298-0209.

Hilary Leung Baby Books. “We love Leung’s whole collection! The images, stories, and little lessons are the cutest.”
Will Ladybug Hug?, $7.99, Amazon.

Little Bear. “We have read this 1,000 times. Leahn never tires of it.”
Little Bear, $3.99, Amazon.

Yvonne Kone Bum Bag. “This designer’s creative process is filled with love and passion. I haven’t worn another bag since I got this one.”
Albi Bag, $532, Yvonne Kone.

She Is God Hoodie. “I love a good hoodie.”
She Is God Hoodie, $55, LI3F.

For more on Qimmah, check out her inspiring Instagram feed for HANNAH and her personal feed! And for more Mother Essentials, peep our past columns with author Ylleya Fields, artist Kindah Khalidy, jewelry designers Lauren Godfrey and Maggie Gavigan Smith, Oakland retail queen Sherri McMullen, PR pro Priscilla VegaCourtney Klein of StorqJoanne EncarnacionLaTonya YvetteMorgan Walker of Make.doJeanne Chan of Harlow & Grey, and more.

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