The story of our beloved bath mats begins with Baba Souk founder Stephanie Hébert, whose background in both graphic design and fashion naturally led her to dream of creating her own line of products inspired by Moroccan rugs.
For years, Stephanie worked closely with the artisan team in Morocco, attempting to produce more than one rug based on her sketches. She tried to replicate specific layouts, colours, and motifs — but no matter how many times they tried, the rugs always turned out slightly different.
After countless attempts, one truth became undeniable:
Moroccan rugs are handmade in a way that makes perfect duplication impossible — and that’s part of their beauty.
But it also meant that if Stephanie wanted to design a product that could be made in small, consistent batches, she needed a new approach.
That’s when she turned to India.
Determined to maintain her values, Stephanie searched for a small workshop that could bring her designs to life with integrity — fair pay, ethical production, and handcrafted quality. After a long search, she finally found the right partner.
The result is the now-iconic Baba Souk bath mat:
inspired by Moroccan rugs, infused with Stephanie’s signature playful aesthetic, and handcrafted in India in small batches. It’s a blend of Moroccan influence with a Canadian twist — functional, joyful, and entirely unique to the brand.
Because Morocco doesn’t manufacture bath mats or water-absorbent rugs, this new product allowed Stephanie to create something entirely fresh, while still honouring the craft traditions that sparked Baba Souk in the first place.
Personal and Cultural Identity Come to Life
As a Canadian woman married to a Moroccan and raising two young boys, Stephanie’s work naturally reflects the merging of two cultures. Her designs blend the warmth and artistry of Moroccan craftsmanship with a modern northern sensibility — a balance that has become the heart of the Baba Souk aesthetic.
Through her long-standing collaborations with Moroccan artisans and the development of her own product line, she continues to bring a fresh, contemporary twist to traditional handmade design.
A New Chapter with Wylde Brigade
Now that Baba Souk has joined the Wylde Brigade family, its story continues with the same heart, spirit, and dedication to craftsmanship that Stephanie built from the very beginning. Today, Leanne carries that tradition forward — continuing to collaborate closely with Moroccan and Indian artisans, nurturing long-standing relationships, and developing new styles that celebrate colour, texture, and joy.
With every rug and bath mat, she honours the artistry behind Baba Souk while adding a fresh perspective shaped by the Wylde Brigade vision. Together, this next chapter blends heritage with modern design, ensuring that the beauty of handmade craft lives on and continues to inspire homes across Canada and beyond.