No rising eyebrows – A Conversation With Fatima Rosa
Beauty is a powerful force that can transform the world into a better placeโwhen approached in a conscious and responsible manner. Drawing from her multicultural background, enterprise experience, and family business, Fatima Rosa always inspires with her philanthropic and community-focused approach!
Fatima Rosa is a Miami-based entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of a face, brow, and beauty bar in Miami, Florida, who also engages in multiple social responsibility projects.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
During her meeting with Anna Anisin, Fatima Rosa shared the story of her family and childhood, which later shaped her approach to doing business. Both of her parents were born in Uganda but were expelled by Idi Aminโs regime. โIโm born in Canada, born and raised, but my parents are born in East Africaโฆ They were forced to leaveโฆ drop out of school, leave your family homesโฆ and figure out life somewhere else,โ she shares.
Before settling in Canada, her parents tried their luck in New Zealand and the UK. This challenging journey laid a strong foundation for the familyโs entrepreneurial spirit. Fatima basically grew up learning the value of persistence and resourcefulness. โAs a 5- or 6-year-old, Iโd be spending time sitting in the back of one of their businessesโฆ My dad would say, โWeโre gonna learn how to work today.โโ she says. โMy dad asked me to do something on the computer, but I couldnโt even reach it. So he gave me a crate andโproblem solved! It was a small task, but I felt so accomplished!โ she adds.
Gathering the Experience
Fatima graduated from the University of Toronto, earning a degree in Political Science and Environmental Science. After graduation, she thought she would help run the family business, yet her father insisted she first gather experience in a corporate environment.
The lessons proved valuable, with Fatima learning about different styles of running a business and building relationships with a team. For example, she realized the importance of being prepared before a meeting and the value of teamwork. โIt showed me how to function in a team environment. You learn about skill sets, who to rely on when it comes to clients or administration,โ she says.
Fatima pursues fulfillment in many areas. Her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to build thriving businesses helped her engage in social responsibility initiatives, never forgetting that her own parents once received help as refugees. She not only volunteers with Best Buddies but also encourages her staff to do so.
Building Beauty in Florida
Fatima started her beauty business in Florida as a franchise from Canada, and it was the first blow-dry concept around at that time. โRegulators didnโt fully understand the conceptโthat you just wash, dry, and style!โ she says. Yet clients soon requested additional services like brows, makeup, and lashes. Eventually, she sold the franchise, and after the non-compete agreement ended, she opened her own beauty business. The core of the concept was providing a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. โCome right after yoga, sweaty, or roll out of bed because you had a hard night, no problem. Weโre here to make you feel good,โ she says.
In the podcast, Anna and Fatima also exchanged thoughts on current fashion trends, discussing the โno eyelashesโ trend, sustainability, and an organic approach to beauty.
She shared her passion for shoes and bold details in clothing, including edge studs and rockstar accents. Yet as a mom, she needs to stay practical. โI have a Lazy Susan, so itโs like floor to ceiling, and the sections turn, so I can just spin and see the shoes!โ she says.
Summary
Fatimaโs complicated story shows how challenging beginnings can foster a responsible and sustainable approach to doing business and contributing to the community. The full episode can be found on YouTube, where Anna and Fatima talk about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the many aspects of being a successful entrepreneur, mother, and fashionable modern woman.
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