In Memory of Raisa
1951 - 2021
It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my Mom, Raisa Sheikh, who lost her battle with cancer recently. She was not just my Mom, but also the “Mother” of Heys, as one of its founding family members.
Born in Karachi into a large family, she was the 2nd youngest of the 7 children, with 3 brothers, and 3 sisters. Her family held the exclusive distribution rights for the famous Swiss watchmaker OMEGA in the region.
Childhood pic of Mom
Mom would marry Dad and settle down in Dhaka. My Dad had a successful business supplying banks with large safes. They had two sons, my older brother and me.
Mom & Dad looking cool with their shades
However, as fate would have it, a Civil War broke out in 1971 and they would tragically lose everything they owned. Mom and Dad managed to escape the country and left for Sweden where they resided for a couple of years before deciding that the family would immigrate to Canada in 1974 to start a new life.
By the 1980’s, Mom held jobs at Fabricland and Zellers but her passion and creativity always came out in her personal hobby of designing floral arrangements. I still remember her staying up late into the night creating these exotic arrangements from the basement of our home, even after a long day at her regular job.
Mom wasn’t too pleased when I took this pic of her in the basement late one night, as she worked on her
floral arrangements!
Within weeks she had made so many of these designs that the family decided to try to retail them in various kiosks in shopping malls across Southern Ontario…..and that’s how it all started.
Mom and I working in our very first retail kiosk at Central Parkway Mall, Mississauga
The rest as they say was history, as that set in motion a series of cascading events that would one day transform the company, as Heys grew from a small home-based business into a global travel brand. The Canadian success story that Heys is today, would not be so without Mom and her favorite hobby that she turned into a business.
1990’s - Mom and Dad on one of their many buying trips to Asia for factory visits
2004 - Mom and granddaughter in the Heys booth at a trade show
Mom and Dad celebrated their 50th Anniversary
Mom was a kind, soft spoken soul, always humble, and I, the company, and the generations following her, will strive to continue on in her name. She is dearly missed and will be forever loved by her husband, sons, and grandchildren.
Emran Sheikh
CEO
Heys International
// update Dec 19 //
Thank you for all the love in the comments ❤️
97 comments
Sorry for your loss , May you and your family find peace and comfort with her memory as it can be very comforting at times. May her sole rest in peace. Thanks for sharing your story. God bless stay safe!
Emily.Persaud
My most sincerest condolences. I know what mom’s are all about and losing them is so tough. She will always be in your heard but time seems to bring some healing. Thank you for sharing a most loving story regarding such a great lady.
Marie
Such a heartfelt tribute to your Mother. My condolences to you and your family. May her soul Rest In Peace. I discovered Heys brand from the Shopping Channel. My Mom (who also passed away in 2017) was a huge fan of your items. We both own Heys luggage and accessories. One of the luggage sets has been with me for years and will be for years to come. Be well… 🙏🏼❤️
Sabah
What a beautiful tribute to your Mother. May she Rest In Peace and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Judith Murray
Emran…..WOW!! I just read your Mothers brief bio and want you to know that Brigitte and I join you in your sorrow and loss. Respectfully, Bryan
Bryan Lachance
Dear Emran,
Thank you for sharing your story, I know how you feel and how difficult it is. I lost my mom 14 years ago in December 2007 to cancer. I myself am a cancer survivor and so know the pain which is causes to so many. I have enjoyed the Heys brand, and have purchased suitcases and lunch bags for my grandkids and love the mystery gifts. Knowing the heart and soul behind your product makes it more meaningful to support. Wishing you all the blessings of the season.
Helen D
I am deeply sorry for your family’s loss. Thank you for sharing her story, she was a remarkable woman and may her legacy live on in generations to come
Rez
Thank you for sharing your memories. Your mother must have been so proud of your family.
Marcelle
I am deeply humbled by your family’s story…thank you for sharing. I am truly sorry for your loss. My condolences to the entire Sheikh family. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.
Denise Barran
Thank you for sharing your love of Heys Mom. I’m so sorry for your loss. She is an incredible person
Helen
No greater loss
She is gone yet so close
My deepest sympathies
Mary Keough
Condolences to you and the family on the passing of your Mother. I love the Heys products and have introduced some of my Sisters to your products also. So sorry for your loss.
Marcia Jacques
So very sorry for your family’s loss. My thoughts are with you…
Joanne Maurice
I am so sorry for your immense loss. My deepest condolences to the Sheikh family.
J from Vancouver
This was a beautiful tribute to your Mum.
So sorry for your loss.
Francine
Condolence to the whole family n May she RIP 🙏💐🙏💐🙏💐
Rosalet
Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your families story, it was beautiful.
Marcia George
What an amazing tribute to your mother – a truly remarkable woman. Our heartfelt condolences to your entire family on her spiritual transition. We are huge fans of the Heys brand but had no idea the history behind it. I’m even more dedicated to the company now. Blessings to you all.
Betty Lesoway
Sincere condolences may her memory be a blessing.
Lydia
What a wonderful tribute to your mother. May these wonderful
memories give you strength at this sad time.
Wendy Dob
What a legacy !!! Now I’m even more proud to support her brand …. Please never stop her dream.
Gia
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
May the loving memories of your mom comfort you
Lois
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mom .. she must have been a remarkable lady !
Treasure your memories and her legacy !
Colleen
Our deepest condolences Emran & family. Our enjoyment of Heys started back to when you would do the shows at TSC. We have a family of Heys items we travel with, now we see it’s from your family to ours. Take care and thank you for sharing your memories.
Sandra
Very sorry to hear about your Mother’s passing. This is a wonderful story about creativity and passion coming to life! Thank you for excellent quality of Heys products. I have always had great customer service and positive experiences with the company.
Yolande Phillips
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences. May the fond and loving memories of your mother bring you peace!
Please know that our family has greatly appreciated all of the creative travel products and designs that your mother and your family have delivered through the Heys Company.
Kind regards, Yvonne and Richard Brierley
Yvonne Brierley
Thank you for sharing this story about the beautiful person your mother was.
It is always inspirational to hear background stories such as this.
My condolences on your loss. May the wonderful memories that you have of her continue to guide and inspire you.
Kathy
Kathy Briscoe Gordon
May her love live on forever in your hearts
Cathie Fotheringham
Condolences to your family.
Jennifer
My deepest condolences to you & your family.
I don’t know you or your mother, but i did deal with Heys & I must say that the customer service was
impeccable. This service comes from management & your family has done a great job.
May your mom rest in peace.
Carmela Eliseo
My sincerest condolences to all who loved her. May she R.I.P. 🙏
Rosanna Cavallaro
My Deepest condolences to you and the rest of your fami I have been a member of the hey’s family for a long time as I have owned several peices the last peice been delivered last week. It is nice to know how a good product came from such a humble beginning. Stay strong and live in the memory of your Mom.
Pheona Rhooms
My condolences on the loss of your Mother she sounds like a remarkable woman.
I love your products i wont travel with anything but heys luggage and the accessories. I give my family gifts of heys and they love them also.
Sandra Walker
Sorry for your loss. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajeeon
Sabena
I love heys luggage … I have given a fun set to each of my grandchildren ‼️ I am so very sorry about your mother. Very hard to lose a parent . Sending condolences Toronto 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Janet Graydon
After reading this story, I will only ever buy luggage made by this company. Sad news but an amazing back story!!
Kathi Adamo
I’m so sorry for your loss. What an incredible tribute. Sending peace and strength. ❤️
Alexandra Knowles
My deepest condolences, may your mom Rest in Peace. She will forever be remembered by her legacy.
Maria
My deepest condolences to you and your loved ones. Such a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman. May her light and love always illuminate your lives and smiles.
Angie Mahadeo
So sorry for you loss. I pray God grant you abs your family ease abs patience at this time. I pray your mother have a peaceful rest in her grave.. Ameen.
Khal
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. It was wonderful to read about her and the beginning of the company. Thank you for sharing and that is a wonderful tribute to her. She would be proud.
Gini Sturgess
So so sorry for your loss. I read her life story and she seemed like a wonderful and hard working woman.
Again my condolences 😢
Cathy Wilson
As a loyal customer of Heys international, I’d like to extend my sincerest condolences to you and to your family for the loss of your Mom. Praying for strength, comfort and peace in time like this.
Mimosa Abano
Emran….
Thank you for introducing all of us to your mom! I am so sorry for your loss. May she Rest In Peace and may you find comfort in your memories of her.
I wasn’t aware that Heys was a Canadian company, as I purchased my one and only piece at a local Winners. I will be sure to order from the website in the future, I love this luggage! What an inspiring story of perseverance!
My condolences to you and your family.
Marnie Delwo
Marnie
So sorry for the loss of your Mom. She had a beautiful life story
Kathy Dingwell
My deepest and sincerest condolences to you and the family. She sounds like a beautiful person and will be deeply missed by her family….Take care
Enza
So sorry for your loss, may you find strength and comfort in the memories you share.
Sami Shenouda
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