Mother-Daughter Memories: Ghalia Mahmoudi and Najla Zaini On Bringing Out The Best In Each Other

The content creator cites her make-up artist mother as her source of inspiration

The bond between a mother and daughter is a magical connection that is unique to every one of us, but sometimes, life gets in the way of expressing how inspired we are by each other. To celebrate Mother’s Day, Harper’s Bazaar Saudi asked six women to write letters of love to give thanks…

Ghalia Mahmoudi to her mother, Najla Zaini…

You are the most precious person in my life, and I wouldn’t be me without you. The person I am today is thanks to what you have taught me, what I saw and learnt from your traits and actions, and everything you have provided for me. I feel proud of being a miniature version of you, and everything you do and say becomes part of me inadvertently.

Your influence on me is evident in every detail of my being. Recently, I was browsing through the pictures of when you were in your 20s and noticed the influence you have had on my choice of fashion, and when I began to develop my culinary skills, I realised my style of cooking is so similar to yours. And in the times when I find myself just quietly looking around and pondering God’s beautiful creations, I realise it is you who taught me that, too.

You taught me to be courteous to others, you guided me to be hardworking and diligent and encouraged me to keep pursuing my dreams, while also enjoying and experiencing life. Working side-by-side has brought us closer together and I savour every moment you are around me. You taught me to be creative from when I was a little girl: I loved how we used to bake and decorate cakes together, create handmade cards and coordinate doll patterns and clothes. Your generosity and dedication to help others inspires me, your kindness transcends near and far, and you never let difficulties in your life change any of that. I thank you for being patient with me and for surrounding me with such a sincere familial love and affection.

Najla Zaini to her daughter, Ghalia Mahmoudi

You are my precious friend and my sister – your enormous love, genuine care, and tremendous support are the reasons why I feel this way. You and I are always there every time one of us needs the support of the other, rendering our relationship to transcend beyond that of a mother and daughter. This is why I cherish every moment between us.

Even before you were born, I loved you. When I was pregnant with you I used to hug your clothes and imagine you wearing them. Since you entered my world, right from those early days of absorbing all your beautiful little features, you have given me an indescribable feeling of tenderness and a joyful experience of motherhood like no other. I still remember your first birthday when I felt like a bride’s mother, when I cried tears of joy on your graduation day, and on the day of your engagement, I felt that I gave a piece of my soul to your future husband. 

I love our work together, and how we cooperate during our photo sessions – you adding your fashion touches and me taking care of the make-up; we both complement each other so well. I love making these memories together at work, and at play – remember our most exhilarating adventure together, when we went paragliding – an adventure of a lifetime! I am truly inspired by your strong personality and your perseverance at work. Despite your young age, I commend you for your wise insights, not to mention your quick wit and your ability to solve problems: overcoming obstacles and finding alternative logical solutions. Thank you for being a part of my life and for supporting me always. I love you.

As part of the series, Harper’s Bazaar Saudi also asked Yara Alnamlah and her Mother, Amani Al-Ayed, along with Reema Al-Shubaily and her Mother, Aseel Al Zamil to each share letters of their own.

Photography: Abdullah Al Musharraf and Haneen Majdy

From Harper’s Bazaar Saudi March issue 2021