Montaha Hidefi's profile page

Montaha Hidefi, author of Groping for Truth – My Uphill Struggle for Respect, was born and raised in Venezuela to Syrian immigrants. As a teenager, her family returned to Syria, and as an adult she lived in the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands and Canada.

From an early age, Montaha found comfort in exploring the vivid colours of her tropical surroundings. She began writing during her teen years in Syria, where the culture shock she experienced was so overwhelming, she confided in a diary, waging an ongoing debate in an attempt to understand the upheaval in her life.

Through sheer grit and determination, she overcame huge obstacles to become a well-educated, highly respected business woman in her field. As an internationally recognized strategic colour trend advisor and colour marketer, she co-authored the first and second editions of Colour Design Theories and Applications, in 2012 and 2017, edited by Janet West.

She has authored numerous articles related to her industry and profession for various trade magazines and websites. She is also an experienced trend panelist and contributed to the creative development of several trend books including MoOD Inspirations in Belgium, Dutch Design Week in the Netherlands, and Mix Magazine in the United Kingdom.

Montaha has several advance degrees, including an MBA, a masters in international business and a masters in translation. In 1991, her Arabic translation of the French children’s book, Badang l'Invincible, Les Contes du Griot, written in 1977 by Claude Duboux-Buquet, was published.

Montaha currently resides in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, with her husband, Michael Richter, a composer and sound engineer.

“In my practice at a psychiatric hospital I see a lot of persons, most of them women, who have suffered a series of indignities. Sadly, if they keep identifying themselves with the unfortunate events and persist in portraying themselves primarily as a victim, they end up almost inevitably with a string of mental and physical ailments. The account of Montaha Hidefi’s journey of self-discovery and her yearning for self-respect should be a shining example to those who have suffered their share of sexual or psychological abuses so they can forge their identity in a different manner.” Robert Dubuc, registered clinician nurse, BFA, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, Canada

“Outstanding story! The inspiration is in believing in yourself and not taking the cruelty inflicted on you like a wounded animal. The author showed resourcefulness at a young age and sets an example for marginalized girls.” Sandra Leigh, speaker, author and coach specializing in relationship intelligence, Oakville, Canada

“Truly heartfelt and captivating from beginning to end. Montaha has a rare gift for writing that is seldom experienced.” Mark Anthony Baker, author, An Unbreakable Spirit