After weeks apart, Love Island USA season 7 finalist Huda Mustafa joyfully reunited with her five-year-old daughter, Arleigh, marking a heartfelt end to a whirlwind summer. On Sunday, July 20, 2025, the 24-year-old single mother shared a touching video on Instagram Stories and TikTok capturing the emotional moment she woke her daughter up after returning home from filming in Fiji.
"We are both finally back from vacation at the same time," Huda wrote alongside the video, adding, "We needed these hugs. Happiest girls in the world." The clip shows the pair embracing warmly, laughter filling the room as a tender song plays in the background, underscoring the deep bond between mother and daughter.
Huda’s journey on Love Island USA was as much about personal growth as it was about romance. Though she did not take home the prize — which went to winners Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales — Huda emerged from the experience with newfound clarity and opportunities. Filming the show for six weeks in Fiji, she gained not only visibility, amassing over 4 million Instagram followers and 5.4 million TikTok fans, but also the means to provide for Arleigh in ways she hadn’t imagined before.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Huda spoke candidly about the balancing act of being a devoted mother while pursuing her own dreams. "When I did the interview for Love Island, I had the mindset of, ‘I’m a mom. That’s fine. I’m a single mother. That’s also fine.’ That doesn’t mean that you have to halt your life or you have to stop your dreams from coming true," she explained. "She still does have 100 percent of my focus, but now that she’s a little bit older, it’s easier for me to navigate self-care and doing things that I wanna do." This perspective challenges the often limiting narrative around single motherhood, emphasizing that ambition and caregiving can coexist.
During her time away, Huda made sure Arleigh felt loved and connected despite the distance. She recorded voice notes and videos for her daughter to listen to and watch, and left thoughtful gifts to remind Arleigh that her mother’s love was constant. "I wanted to make sure that she was well taken care of and that she didn’t forget that her mommy loves her," Huda said, highlighting the emotional effort she invested to bridge the physical gap.
Huda shares custody of Arleigh with her ex, Noah Sheline, with whom she maintains a "really, really good coparenting relationship." In a revealing appearance on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast on July 17, 2025, Huda detailed her hands-on role in Arleigh’s life, saying, "I’m with her 24/7. I do the pickups and drop-offs at school. I pack her lunches. You know, I’m there to give her a pep talk if the kids are being mean to her in class. Like, I’m there for her through and through." She has primary custody from Sunday to Friday, underscoring her central role in her daughter’s daily routine.
Love Island USA itself proved an intense emotional rollercoaster for Huda. Her initial connection with Jeremiah Brown soured into a toxic relationship, and a brief spark with Chris Seeley ended with unmet emotional needs and disrespect, leading her to make the tough decision to leave the show on her own terms. As she told Today, "I was not going to fake something if I did not believe it was there." This choice to prioritize her emotional wellbeing over the pressures of reality TV speaks to her self-awareness and strength.
Reflecting on her time on the show, Huda remains grateful despite the challenges. "I think it was a good decision [to go on the show], honestly. I mean, I can provide for my daughter more than I could ever before. And that is truly a blessing. I’m more than thankful for that. Did I ever think that that was gonna happen? No, not at all. The whole goal of walking in there was to find the love of my life," she shared. Her honesty about the unexpected benefits of her experience resonates with many who see reality TV as a double-edged sword.
Huda also addressed misconceptions about her participation, emphasizing that being away from her phone and isolated from daily life was akin to a "mini vacation," and that such experiences don’t diminish her commitment as a mother. "People go on shows all the time, and it’s just because this is the one show where you don’t have your phone, it doesn’t make it wrong," she insisted, challenging critics who might judge her decision.
Now back in North Carolina, Huda is focused on the next chapter of her life. Reunited with Arleigh, she is embracing the joy of motherhood alongside her growing public profile. Their reunion video, shared widely on social media, not only captures a tender personal moment but also serves as a testament to the resilience and love that define Huda’s journey.
As Huda herself put it, "There is power in choosing yourself." Her story is a compelling reminder that single mothers can pursue ambition and love without sacrificing the deep bonds that hold families together.
