When Maha Al Hamed introduces herself, she begins with a statement of identity that guides her life’s journey: “I’m a mother before anything else.” Motherhood not only transformed her priorities but also ignited a new purpose— filling a gap in Kuwait’s children’s book market. Before opening Benny’s Books, Kuwait’s first curated children’s bookshop and subscription service, Maha spent years working in international diplomacy and public policy in Dubai. However, the arrival of her first child inspired her to take on a more personal mission: bringing meaningful, diverse stories to families like her own.

“In Kuwait, there wasn’t a single book subscription service for kids, which surprised me,” she recalls. “Back home, gifting book subscriptions was something I loved doing for friends and their children.” But it wasn’t just about subscriptions—it was the lack of variety and originality in local bookstores that struck her most. She often found the same titles on repeat, while many of the engaging, diverse, and beautifully illustrated books she loved remained unavailable. Determined to change this, Maha began sourcing books herself.

What started as a personal project soon grew into something bigger. “Benny’s Books began with a mix of problem-solving and passion,” she explains. She curated collections of books she adored—ones that she believed would resonate with families in Kuwait. Benny’s Books became not just a store, but a place to discover high-quality, meaningful books that could be gifted, collected, or shared as part of a lifelong love for reading.

And the name? It’s deeply personal. “Benny is the Latin translation of my son’s Arabic name,” Maha shares. “At its heart, this store is a reflection of my belief that books have the power to transform childhoods, spark connections, and inspire imagination.”

“I focus on quality over quantity,” she says. “Each book is carefully selected to fill a gap in the market—whether it’s introducing diverse voices, fresh themes, or lesser-known stories that deserve a spotlight.” This isn’t always the easiest path. Choosing books by emerging authors or unfamiliar titles can feel like a gamble, but for Maha, it’s worth the risk. “I believe families in Kuwait deserve access to books that go beyond the usual offerings. If one book doesn’t work out, that’s okay. The process of discovery is what makes us different.”

What truly drives her selection process is a balance of research, intuition, and passion. She keeps a close pulse on global trends, following book awards, bestseller lists, and insights from her publishing partners. Yet, the heart of her approach remains deeply personal: “I look for books that resonate on multiple levels—ones with engaging illustrations, meaningful themes, or relatable characters that connect with kids and parents alike.”

For Maha, curating books isn’t just about stocking shelves—it’s about creating moments of joy, curiosity, and connection. “I want every book in our collection to feel like a hidden treasure. Whether it’s through a subscription box or a special gift, the goal is always to help families discover stories that inspire a lifelong love of reading.”

Running a children’s bookstore in Kuwait comes with its share of challenges, but for Maha, each obstacle is an opportunity to reinforce her mission. One of the most significant hurdles she faces is managing the cost of importing high-quality books. Another challenge is shifting the mindset around reading, particularly for very young children. “Many parents don’t realize how impactful it is to introduce books at an early age. Reading isn’t just about academic success—it’s about building a connection, sparking curiosity, and fostering a love for stories,” she says. For Maha, part of her mission is educating families on the importance of reading and making it a joyful, everyday habit.

There’s also the ever-present competition with technology. “Screens are everywhere, and it’s easy for kids to get distracted,” she shares. “But I remind families that there’s something irreplaceable about the experience of holding a book, turning its pages, and getting lost in a story. It’s tactile, immersive, and deeply meaningful.” Despite these hurdles, the response from her community has been overwhelmingly positive. “When we first launched Benny’s Books, some people were skeptical—they questioned whether a children’s bookstore could succeed here. But the loyalty and excitement from families have shown me that there’s a real need for what we offer. Seeing kids light up when they receive a new book or parents share how our subscription service has changed their reading habits makes every challenge worthwhile.”

Through passion, perseverance, and a deep belief in her mission, Maha is proving that small businesses can thrive—even in niche markets—when they’re driven by purpose and heart.

For Maha, Benny’s Books is more than just a bookstore—it’s a cornerstone for fostering community, creativity, and connection. Through thoughtful initiatives and carefully curated offerings, the bookstore has become a space where families can discover the joy of reading together.

The bookstore also contributes to the local community through sustainable practices and meaningful initiatives. Benny’s Books offers a recycling program where families can donate gently used books in exchange for store credit. “It’s our way of giving back, encouraging families to share the gift of reading while reducing waste,” she says. For every purchase made, Benny’s Books plants a tree as part of its sustainability mission. “Books inspire children to dream big, and I want to ensure that they also learn the importance of caring for our planet,” Maha adds. “It’s a small step, but it’s one that aligns with the values we want to pass on to future generations.”

Looking ahead, Maha envisions Benny’s Books becoming an even bigger part of the community through events like storytime sessions, workshops, and author visits. “We’re still in the early stages, but I see so much potential to create meaningful experiences that bring families together,” she says. “Books have the power to connect people, and I want Benny’s Books to be at the heart of that connection.”

By blending her passion for children’s literature with a commitment to her community, Maha is building more than just a bookstore—she’s creating a movement that celebrates stories, sustainability, and togetherness.

“For me, it’s about the moments—the child who discovers their new favorite book, the parent who reconnects with their child through storytime, the joy of learning something new. Those moments make it all worth it.” With heart, determination, and a clear purpose, Maha is redefining what a children’s bookstore can be, proving that stories have the power to connect us all.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

What do you most value about your friends?
Authenticity and support. I cherish the ones who are honest, who celebrate my wins, and who are there when things aren’t so great.
Which living person do you most admire?
I don’t have a single person I admire, but I find myself inspired by people who are passionate about their work and are dedicated to making an impact. I believe it’s the ordinary people doing extraordinary things that really stand out to me.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A life filled with love, purpose, and balance. It’s being surrounded by family and friends, creating meaningful moments, and watching my son grow up curious and happy. It’s also finding joy in the small, everyday moments—like reading a great book, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, or taking a walk in nature.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Indulging in ultra-luxury holidays. It’s not just about the luxury itself—it’s the escape, the adventure, and the ability to immerse myself in extraordinary experiences that feel truly once-in-a-lifetime. These holidays give me the chance to recharge, reflect, and create memories that are simply unmatched. To me, it’s the ultimate way to celebrate life and the beauty of the world.
What is your most treasured possession?
My wedding ring. It symbolises the love, commitment, and partnership I share with my husband. It’s not just a piece of jewellery but a constant reminder of the journey we’ve taken together, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the life we’re building as a family.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing a loved one. The thought of life without the people I hold closest, especially my family, is unbearable. They are my anchor, my joy, and my motivation, and the idea of their absence is something I can’t imagine navigating. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment with them and to hold onto the time we have together.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Adaptability. Life has taken me through unexpected changes, like moving from Dubai—a place I never imagined leaving—and embracing new beginnings. I’ve learned to thrive in different circumstances, adjusting to challenges with an open mind and a willingness to grow. It’s a quality that’s deeply shaped how I navigate the world.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I’d love to have the talent for playing a musical instrument on a world-class level, like the piano or violin.
What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for?
Determination. I never give up, no matter how difficult things get. I’m proud of my ability to stay focused and push through obstacles to achieve my goals.
What is the human trait you most dislike about others?
Dishonesty. It undermines trust, which is the foundation of any relationship. When people aren’t truthful, it creates confusion and damages connections, making it hard to build anything meaningful. I value openness and integrity in others.
What is it that you most dislike?
I most dislike negativity, especially when it holds people back from trying new things or seeing opportunities. It’s discouraging to see someone stuck in a mindset that limits growth or happiness.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“To be honest”
What are your favorite words to live by?
“Do your best and leave the rest to Allah.”
These words remind me to focus on what’s in my control and let go of what isn’t. They keep me grounded and balanced, especially during challenging times.
Where would you most like to live?
Where my family is happiest and most at peace. Home isn’t about a specific location; it’s about being surrounded by the people I love and creating a life that feels fulfilling and joyful together.
If you could have any job, what would it be?
The one I have now—being a mom. Nothing compares to the joy and fulfilment of raising my children, watching them grow, and being part of their journey every step of the way. It’s the most rewarding and meaningful job I could ever imagine.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
If you had asked me this question five years ago, I would have talked about my professional achievements in fitness and tennis—things I was incredibly proud of at the time, as they reflected years of dedication and hard work.
Now, my perspective has shifted. My greatest achievement is the personal growth I’ve experienced over the years—learning to adapt, letting go of perfectionism, and embracing the beauty of balance. Whether it’s moving to a new country and starting fresh, finding joy in the small, everyday moments, or building a nurturing and loving home, these are the things that truly define success for me today.
What do you hope for the future?
To see more meaningful connections between people, despite the distractions of modern life and technology.

Follow @bennysbookskw on Instagram and visit bennysbookskw.com to check out their subscription options and books on offer.