Hatiheri was born out of the frustration of not being able to find a subtle, simple, elegant, and practical headscarf while undergoing chemotherapy.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 at age 34, many friends sent me beautiful scarves as a thoughtful gift. Unfortunately, many of the scarves, although gorgeous, were impractical for several reasons.

During chemotherapy and radiation I suffered from many side-effects including ongoing fatigue. In rare moments of lucidity, I thought about how my unpleasant situation could have been improved. Aside from the side-effects of the chemotherapy and radiation, my main concern was the new experience of being bald. It wasn't only the feeling of looking different but also the little things like being cold on the back of my neck (especially at night) and not having hair as protection from the sun, the wind, and also stray branches and cupboard corners. If you know what it's like to have long hair cut short and your ears feel exposed, imagine what that's like all over your head.

When I did feel ready to go out in public - and later return to work part time - I had difficulty finding a scarf that matched my wardrobe. I didn't have the energy or interest in matching my wardrobe to my scarf. Why should I have to change even more of my lifestyle to accommodate cancer? That was the last straw and I decided to create beautiful, easy-to-wear head scarves that were suitable both indoors and outdoors.

My Hatiheri scarves fulfill all my own requirements for headwear while undergoing chemotherapy. I am certain that these requirements are universal and hope that others will benefit from my experience. Hatiheri is my own survivorship and part of creating my 'new normal' after the intense treatment and now while undertaking ongoing treatment.

www.hatiheri.com