Urdu is her mother tongue and English is the first language for her children, born and raised in Canada – hence it was but natural, that she would name her platform Urdu Mom! This Mother’s Day we shine the spotlight on Tamania Jaffri Naqi aka Urdu Mom.
Mother’s Day Is All About Finding Your Inner Vibe, Especially When You’re A Desi In A Foreign Land!
She’s been featured on Tedx, BBC News and multiple platforms representing South Asian moms. She started her journey with a live Urdu story time, she hosts the “Sadaf and Tamania Show” on YouTube, “It’s a hard-wired passion and a full time business for a few years now”, she reveals, Urdu Mom is here to take our questions.
Why did you start the page? Your story…
Tamania: “When Zeynab, my first child was born I was always looking for ways to incorporate Urdu in our lives in Canada. I used to do an Urdu story time in person with friends and their kids in Calgary to generate a community feeling. Doing a live Urdu story time on Facebook was a natural extension to reach more children and that’s how the blog took shape, as a way to pass on Urdu and culture to the next generation in loving ways.”
Tamania goes on to elaborate on the universality of her platform: “Anyone who is connected with Urdu language and South Asian culture is welcome on Urdu Mom!”
And the story behind name Urdu Mom, we asked, curious to know how that was born? After all, a mother would know! Why not Desi Mom or Pakistani Mom?
Tamania: “The name Urdu Mom was an expression of our bilingual identity Urdu and English.” Responded Tamania. “I have a huge audience not just in Pakistan but in India, Middle East, Canada and the US, wherever there are South Asians.” The name sticks for sure. It’s one of those names, that when explained the ethos behind it, one wonders, Oh yes! That makes total sense, What else would you call a mom blog when it’s language x Urdu speaking mom x Pakistani x English speaking kids?
Onwards to how it all began, after all, starting something is probably the hardest part of the job!
What was the one niggling thought in your mind that told you to take off and just do it?
Tamania: “I have always loved writing and used to write for newspapers before. The blog was a new way to express myself and my passion for Urdu and our culture.”
And now the question for all aspiring mom bloggers …
How did it grow, how many years, what were your struggles, challenges?
Tamania reveals the multiple ventures she’s involved in, all heart and all passion (and we suspect lot’s of hard work too)! “I have been blogging for almost ten years” shared Tamania. “On Facebook, Instagram as Urdu Mom, and recently started YouTube, TikTok and Urdu Preschool on IG too.” I have a background in computer sciences and marketing and that has helped me welcome challenges and keep learning.” Tamania rounds it off with the secret that sealed the deal: “This is my passion and I’m lucky to work for something I feel so strongly for.”
Yes, throw passion at an endeavour, and see how magic is created in a matter of, oh well, a few years, as in Tamania’s case! We hope you’re taking notes mom bloggers!
Tamania goes on to reveal that the feedback she received on her blog has “always been very welcoming and loving. I think what you put out, you get back. My intentions have always been clear and I have only earned a community in return.” The positivity is certainly refreshing.
On putting your “real face” forward. How hard is it to be yourself online in a pretend world?
Tamania: “I always try and strive to be real and that is the direction the world is going towards. People relate more to real humans and not perfect ones.” Being real should be pretty easy, but the times tell us otherwise, and yes, if you visit any of Tamania’s portals, be it Facebook, TikTok or Instagram and beyond, it’s a crash course on “what you see is what you get” – fake and filtered is not a thing on her feed. Even her images and reels come off as refreshingly “real” so if real is up your alley, then go visit Urdu Mom to get a slice of real life, no fakes welcome.
Tamania elaborates on her POV: “Everyone sets their own boundaries. My rule for social media is that I will never write/say something online that I can not say on the face to someone.”
If it’s not organic, strike it off your list, suggests Urdu Mom…
“Keep it real, don’t try to be someone else”, she advises.
“I always talk about things I’m comfortable with. It has to be organic and from the soul. If it doesn’t sit well with my gut, I won’t be talking about it.” And that’s sound advice from someone who’s been doing the job 100% organic, 0% fake.
Tamania goes on to drop “rule book” tips that might seem obvious, but, ahem, are often easier said than done! And ranting online is definitely not one of them!
“Nopes”, responds Tamania. “Whatever you say/write on social media you must be ready to see as a headline on a paper. I never post in real life. I always think through my content before posting. If I have a need to rant, that’s a personal emotional struggle and I will engage in other avenues to seek help such as talk to a dear friend, go for a walk, write down my thoughts etc.”
Sounds advice … keep going Urdu Mom, we’re listening!
On the “jitteriness” or lack of focus, attention span that is blamed on the alien invasion that is social media…” Does she agree?
Tamania: “Social media is what you make of it. Drawing boundaries for our well-being is up to every individual. Just like gaming 24/7 is bad or watching TV is, social media can just be as bad if abused. It’s up to us how we use it. Let’s not blame the tool.” Tamania is not mincing words and speaks up for a platform that many dismiss as the reason for their lack of discipline – an unhealthy helping of screen time is on you, not on the smart phone you can’t keep down, right?
More tips for the blogger in you… Tamania shares that: “I have developed a close community with my audience over the years and always try and respond to every DM.” Wow, try sliding into her DMs then, and keep that as sound advice for your own platform, it’s all about the personal connection, despite what it seems to many of us.
The following question is for all of us, and our urge to help the helpless …
How do you respond to a DM from a follower who is embroiled in a serious issue and seeks advice or help?
“No, why would I interfere in anyone’s life. Never.” Responds Tamania, decisively. “I will always advise the person as best as I can or direct them to resources where they can seek better help.” A reminder to all of us to power ourselves with knowledge tools and have some professional resources at hand where we can direct those who need help.
Caution: Often such exchanges might also affect one’s mental health and Tamania advises that it is up to us to “step back and take a break when needed”
The Block & Delete Rule On Nasty Comments
“I hardly get them because I think my content multiple times before I put it out.” Responds Tamania. “I love reading and addressing an opposing point of view but if someone is being nasty, then it’s block and delete. You can’t keep everyone happy, so that’s a useless goal. I follow my own personal code of ethics and morals, encourage constructive dialogue, we don’t all have to agree on everything, that has served me well over the years.”
The million dollar question … On days you have a creative block?
“Take a break.” Advises Tamania. “Creativity flows in many ways and one of them is consuming different content. I love reading books, spending time with friends and family and doing things with my own hands such as cooking, crafts, DIYs etc.”
“Having done this for 10 years now, this is a job for me and drawing boundaries is part of the deal. I post every other day,” she reveals. reinforcing her advice to fellow moms to take the dive and “just do it”.
Ever a challenge when family had enough and you just had to do what you had to do? Do you feel selfish or it’s a job, everyone has to respect it?
Tamania: “No. My family is not part of the package. This is my job and that too on the terms I decide based on what works for me. I ensure such scenarios aren’t reached by clear communications right from the start.”
On the takeaways from her passion x fulltime job as Urdu Mom…
“Whenever people speak more Urdu to their kids., I feel I have made an impact,” shares Tamania.
“The aim and objective of my blog is to serve as an ambassador for the Urdu Language.” Tamania’s passion speaks volumes as she shares proudly, “I have been a TEDx speaker on Language and Identity in Canada, chosen as an Asian Changemaker by CBC Calgary and my Urdu story time has been showcased at New York Public Library. My blog has been featured for the representation of South Asian families in Canada on BBC News, OMNI TV, CTV News (Alberta Primetime), CBC, Metro News (Calgary), GEO TV, Such TV Morning Show, Radio FM 98.4 and FM 91.”
On what the future holds? “Lots of plans! Wait and see!” Responds Tamania
Does it get too overwhelming sometimes?
Tamania reveals that a great deal of hard work goes behind what she puts out for her followers: “Lots of planning and lists. My MBA degree also helps. I have always been comfortable with public speaking so appearing before the camera wasn’t an issue.”
For women who want to start off something but aren’t taking the first step? What is a good place to begin?
“Just do it.” Says Tamania
For mompreneurs
How does one monetize a platform and how soon should one start, is there a benchmark for followers, a number we should aim at?
Tamania offers that it’s all about carving your own path: “This is an evolving field so keep learning. Lots of resources out there to learn and adapt. No one can direct and guide you because you know your own story. Google is your best friend.”
On paid content that doesn’t gel with your values on ethos.
“Content always has to align with my values and brand path.” Responds Tamania decisively
How do you start with the financing, take a loan, personal savings? E.g. to buy a camera, mic equipment, props etc?
Tamania: “The best part about the world today is that if you have talent and a voice you can start with whatever you have. If you’re passionate you will find success.”
Feeling inspired? To continue your journey, follow Urdu Mom here: urdumom.com, Facebook.com/Urdumom, Instagram.com/urdumom and recently started YouTube.com/@urdupreschool instagram.com/@urdupreschool TikTok.com/@urdumom.
And that’s a wrap folks! Urdu mom shares her journey on what works and what doesn’t. We hope you received some valuable insights on mompreneur-ship and a personal journey that might hit different or similar to yours. We hope you’re feeling inspired. Start yours today if you haven’t already, there’s no better day to start than Mother’s Day!
