Mattel has diversified its iconic Barbies throughout the years, progressively incorporating curvy Barbies, Barbies with different skin tones, and even Chinese Barbies into the mix. But when Haneefah Adam observed a lack of Muslim Barbies back in 2016, she decided to take matters into her own hands.

Via @hijarbie on Instagram

As fate would have it, Haneefah stumbled upon BarbieStyle‘s Instagram page and scrolled through countless photos of Barbies living relatable lifestyles. At that moment, Haneefah felt called to examine her own life as a hijabi Nigerian woman, and in a burst of creativity, she wrapped a headscarf around one of the Barbies. Thus, the iconic ~Hijarbie~ was born.

Via @barbiestyle on Instagram

The creator of Hijarbie, Haneefah Adam, is a medical scientist who holds a Master’s degree in pharmacology and drug discovery. But her artistic prowess and commitment to represent her fellow Muslim girlies led her down a more creative yet socially conscious path.

Her ultimate goal with Hijarbie is to prove that Muslim women can be just as fashionable as every other woman without compromising the values of modesty inherent to their faith. “The way Barbie dresses is very skimpy and different and there’s nothing wrong with it,” expressed Haneefah in conversation with CNN. “I just wanted to give another option for Muslim girls like me.”

Her Instagram page titled Hijarbie has skyrocketed in popularity since 2016, garnering over 58,000 dedicated supporters of the project. Haneefah paints different stories in her Barbie designs, artistically choosing evocative colours, soft fabrics, and suitable locations depending on the hijabi Barbie. The Muslim Barbies can be spotted all over the world in diverse locations, and such a ~cosmopolitan~ portrayal has struck a chord among ambitious Muslim women who are determined to make it in this world.

Via @hijarbie on Instagram

One of the most iconic aspects of the entire Hijarbie project is Haneefah’s decision to model certain Barbies after prominent Muslim women in education, sports, culture, and fashion. Haneefah expressed, “it’s really important to realize who we are and to appreciate our different cultural and religious backgrounds. Hijarbie will provide a more positive narrative surrounding Muslim girls.”

Let’s take a look at some of the iconic hijabi Barbies she’s recreated…

Manal Rostom

Manal Rostom has earned her stripes as an athletic Hijarbie queen. She’s the first Egypitan woman to climb Mt. Everest, the first Egypitan woman to run the Great Wall marathon, and the first hijabi to be featured in a global Nike campaign (among other praiseworthy accomplishments).

Via @hijarbie on Instagram

Ilhan Omar

Another notable mention is the first Somali-American woman to be elected as State Representative in the United States. A policy analyst, advocate, and ~Hijarbie princess~.

Deedra Abboud

This Hijarbie is an attorney who’s in the running for US Senator. Deedra is a passionate advocate for women and minority rights, so it’s a joy to see her represented among the iconic Hijarbies.

Samah Safi Bayazid

This award-winning filmmaker is proving that Hijarbies can be artistic too. Bayazid is one of the most accomplished professional Muslim creators in the film industry and regularly raises awareness of islamophobia in the United States through her work.

Via @hijarbie on Instagram

Kariman Abduljadayel

Yet another athletic Hijarbie queen: Abduljadayel is the first Saudi Arabian woman sprinter to compete for her country in the 2016 summer olympics held in Rio.

Ibtihaj Muhammad

Let’s have a round of applause for the *first Hijarbie* to be included in Mattel’s Shero Barbie line. Ibtihaj is a professional fencer and won a bronze medal in team sabre at the Rio Olympics in 2016. The Shero line “introduces girls to remarkable women’s stories to show them you can be anything.”

Via @hijarbie on Instagram

Haneefah has expressed that she “sees Hijarbie developing into a global brand that is a force to be reckoned with.” Her vision is most certainly coming into fruition, and the official Hijarbie website is launching soon.