A dentist by education with a passion for interiors, Mariam started exploring the world of bedding after she was unable to find anything that she loved or lasted more than a few washes. Sukoon, which means peace and tranquility in Hindi, is born from a desire to produce bedding that can be passed down from generation to generation.

In 2017, after Mariam moved back to Kuwait having spent eight years in Boston, she was on a hunt for bedding that was of a high quality, felt great, and had a high thread count. She bought several options from a few different stores but was not happy with any of them; every set she owned either felt like sandpaper after several washes, shrunk, or ripped after a year of use. At this point she had spent over 500 KD on bedding that didn’t last. She was determined to buy a few high-quality sets that would last her close to a decade. This is when she started researching bedding.

Mariam learned everything there was to know about fabrics, thread count, the different types of cotton, the process of manufacturing bedding, farming cotton and weaving and dying fabric. She wanted to know everything and took a trip to India in 2018 to experience first-hand the process of manufacturing premium quality bedding. However, on this trip she learned the truth about fast fashion and how it affects the workers, the environment, and our health. She also learned some dirty truths about the cotton farming industry and how it exploits children and the environment. She decided then and there that the brand ethos of Sukoon would focus on ethical production where artisans receive fair wages for the work they do.

Apart from the ethical criteria, Mariam has been super passionate about heritage quality products. While she was in Boston, she would frequent antique shops and flea markets to find objects and pieces that traveled through the ages and have a story to tell. Her motto has always been to “buy like your grandparents; they bought what they needed and expected it to last.” She tells us, “I couldn’t help but notice that the quality of pieces owned by our grandparents were effortlessly handed down from generation to generation. Yet, I was having difficulty finding anything that I could use a year from now, let alone pass down to my children.”

We all thought thread count was a thing, right? Well, apparently not! Mariam shares “As I was learning about thread count, which is the first question I get asked about Sukoon bedding, I dove into the world of weaves and threads. I learned that thread count is a marketing gimmick used by the bedding industry to mislead consumers into believing they’re buying premium quality threads. It is actually the type and quality of cotton that makes a premium quality fabric and not just the count.” This is when Mariam decided to use organic cotton for her bedding, this is what makes it a premium quality and ensures that there are no harmful chemicals. She found a Global Organic textile Standard (GOTS) certified factory that she has built an honest and lasting relationship with.

Mariam wants the brand to make you feel good as slumber. “I want people to rest their heads at night on Sukoon bedding, knowing that they made an impact on a worker’s fair wage, they own an heirloom quality product, and they are sleeping on fabrics that are free from any toxic chemicals,” she adds.
At present, Sukoon produces bedding for adults and babies, as well as towels. The plan is to start making loungewear and baby clothing. We are already dreaming of super soft loungewear that we can live in! Mariam also plans to open a brick-and-mortar shop in the near future, how she has the time with her dental practice and her twins, we aren’t quite sure, but we are excited to see more from Sukoon!

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Dedicated.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Loving.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
Is that your real father? (Referring to the fact that I don’t look like my father).
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
I’ve actually never done anything spontaneous.
What is your theme song?
“Do you believe in magic”.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Melancholy.
Where would you like to live?
North Carolina.
What is your dream retirement location?
Gloucestershire, UK.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
“We don’t support slave labor in this country, so we shouldn’t support those conditions in other countries” Emma Watson on fair wage and child labor.
Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
A dog, by your side and loyal till the end.
Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?
Freedom from the chains of technology.
If you could change your name, to what would you change it?
I wouldn’t, my name is traditional and international and I’ve always liked it.
How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Warm.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
Queen Elizabeth II. She revolutionized England while strongly holding on to her traditional values and beliefs.
What in the world do you least desire?
Fame.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
Empathy.
Why do you think most people who do, like you?
Because I live my life on the basis of “I’m not what happened to me, I am who I choose to become” and also because I don’t judge.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…”
“…Living in peace”

We love how soft and luxurious the bedding from Sukoon is, and can’t wait to hear about additions to the line. You can shop online at sukoonhome.com or follow them on Instagram @sukoonkw to learn more about the brand’s journey.