36 stories
The Quinceañera Photographer | La Fotógrafa de Quinceañeras
A photographer specializing in quinceañeras falls for the event planner who keeps crossing her path
Airport Art
Installation artist Rania beautifies Saudi airports. When commissioner David sees her work transform transit, temporary becomes permanent. 'Al fann yughayir al makan' (الفن يغير المكان) - Art changes place.
Calligraphy Connection
Calligrapher Zahra creates art from Arabic letters. When tech entrepreneur Raj wants a logo with soul, their collaboration redefines design. 'Al khat ruh al kalaam' (الخط روح الكلام) - Calligraphy is the soul of words.
Dundee Design
At the V&A Dundee, exhibition designer Fiona creates experiences that transform visitors. When architect James collaborates on a show, she transforms him too.
Glass Artist
Glassblower Zahra creates illuminated art installations. When gallery owner Max commissions a show, transparent becomes opaque between them. 'Al zujaj yikshif wa yakhfi' (الزجاج يكشف ويخفي) - Glass reveals and conceals.
Margate Revival
In the regenerating seaside town, vintage shop owner Dolly finds the London artist escaping to the coast isn't just looking for antiques.
Studio Hearts
Photographer Sana captures Pakistani weddings for a living. When she's hired for fashion mogul Daniyal's sister's wedding, she captures something unexpected—his attention, and his heart.
Textile Treasure
Embroiderer Hanan creates traditional Saudi costumes. When costume designer Pierre needs authentic pieces for a film, needles thread more than fabric. 'Al khait yarbit al qulub' (الخيط يربط القلوب) - Thread binds hearts.
The Dholak Player
Aliya plays dholak at Pakistani weddings—a tradition passed from her grandmother. When handsome wedding videographer Imran keeps filming her instead of the bride, she notices.
The Gallery Opening
Artist Noor's first gallery show celebrates Pakistani British identity. Art collector Rashid buys every piece—but what he really wants can't be purchased.
The Hijab Hookup
Modest fashion blogger Zahra gets paired with photographer Bilal for a campaign. Their professional chemistry translates into something less professional—and much more passionate.
The Painter's Portrait
Celeste paints commissions for people who want to be remembered. When a collector commissions his own portrait—and then his admirer's—she discovers art imitates more than life.
The Pottery Studio's Mold
Artist Adele shapes clay in her Harlem studio. When a businessman commissions pieces for his office, she discovers some forms require two sets of hands.
The Studio Session
Music producer Layla works with British Pakistani artists, blending traditional sounds with modern beats. When rising star Daniyal walks into her studio, their creative chemistry ignites something more.
The Tailor's Touch
Samira's father is the most respected tailor on Brick Lane. When handsome fashion designer Asad commissions traditional pieces for his collection, she steps in to help—and discovers hands-on work has unexpected benefits.
The Tattoo Artist's Touch
Ink & Soul is the premier Black-owned tattoo shop in DC. When a nervous first-timer asks for something meaningful, the artist discovers meaning of her own.
The Writer's Block
Novelist Amira hasn't written in two years. When she retreats to a Bradford cottage and meets Zain—the caretaker with his own creative past—she finds inspiration in unexpected places.
Brockley Bombshell
Craft beer brewer Folake runs Brockley's best microbrewery. When beer journalist Marcus comes for an exclusive tasting, she introduces him to flavors he never knew existed.
Camden Combustion
Market stall owner Efua sells handmade jewelry at Camden Lock. When designer Marcus scouts for collaboration, she shows him that the best partnerships ignite outside business hours.
Deptford Dream
Street artist Efua transforms Deptford walls with her murals. When gallery owner Marcus commissions her for a private piece, she decides the canvas isn't the only thing getting painted.
Finsbury Fire
Glass artist Efua creates sculptures in her Finsbury studio. When architect Marcus commissions a piece for his building, she shows him that working with fire creates heat in unexpected places.
Forest Hill Fantasy
Children's book illustrator Chiamaka creates magical worlds from her Forest Hill cottage. When writer Derek collaborates on a new project, their after-hours meetings become the most creative sessions of all.
Stoke Newington Sweetness
Children's author Efua writes from her Stoke Newington townhouse. When illustrator Marcus collaborates on her new book, she shows him that imagination isn't just for kids.
The Somali Henna Master
Every Somali bride in Minneapolis knows her henna. A thick ebony widow whose designs are legendary. When he needs a gift for his sister's wedding, she offers a private demonstration. Some art is meant for intimate places.
The Hijab Shop Secret
She owns a modest fashion boutique in Green Street. He's the Somali designer who supplies her best-selling pieces. When he comes to her shop after hours for a 'fitting,' she discovers his designs aren't the only thing that fit perfectly.
The Wedding Videographer
He films Somali weddings across London. She's the bride's sister at every celebration—never the bride herself. When he asks why, she shows him in the coat closet during her cousin's reception.
The Estate Agent's Viewing
He's looking for a flat in Walthamstow. She's the Somali estate agent who keeps showing him properties he can't afford. When he asks why, she admits the truth—she's not showing him flats, she's finding excuses to see him.
The Henna Artist
She does henna for every Somali wedding in North London. He's the groom's brother who sits too close while she works, asks too many questions, and can't stop watching her hands. The night before the wedding, her hands find something else to do.
The Podcast Host
She runs a podcast about Somali diaspora experiences. He's the guest she's been trying to book for months—a rising author who finally said yes. The interview goes off-script when he asks about her experiences, and the mics catch everything.
The Photographer's Muse
He photographs Somali weddings and portraits across London. She's the woman who showed up to model for a hijab brand—shy, stunning, and completely unaware of her effect on him. Behind the camera, he keeps her image. Behind closed doors, he keeps much more.
The Book Club Meeting
She runs a Somali women's book club in Harlesden. He's the author whose book they're discussing—showing up unexpectedly because his aunt is a member. When the book talks about desire and the club gets heated, she finds herself alone with him after.
Bass Drop
She sings—traditional Somali music fused with UK garage. He's the producer who wants to sign her but can't keep the sessions professional. Between the beats and the harmonies, they create something neither expected.
Open Mic, Open Heart
She performs spoken word at an open mic in Brixton. He's in the audience—the only one who doesn't clap politely but actually listens. After her set, he finds her at the bar. His words are better than any poem.
Thread Count
She designs modest fashion that doesn't look modest—hijabs that make statements, abayas that turn heads. He's the photographer she hires for her lookbook and suddenly every shot feels more intimate than it should.
The Punchline
She heckles the Somali comedian—not on purpose, just an involuntary laugh at the wrong moment. He makes her part of the act. She gives as good as she gets. After the show, he finds her. Turns out they're both better at banter than either expected.
Still Life
She guards art at the National Gallery—stands still for hours while masterpieces hang around her. He's the artist who keeps sketching her during his visits. When he finally shows her the drawings, she realizes she's been his masterpiece all along.