ENTREPRENEUR HIGHLIGHT

Fatoun Ali

Fatoun Ali is a real-life superhero, a mother of four, and a tireless advocate for her community.

Driven by a deep well of empathy and a commitment to serving those in need, Fatoun sees the potential for positive change in society and works tirelessly to make it a reality.

Her superpower? The ability to ask for help when she needs it, fostering a spirit of collaboration and community that allows her to achieve extraordinary things.

“It's about encouraging the next generation, educating women, and giving my community a voice.”

BRILLIANCE SNAPSHOT // FATOUN ALI

Who are you?

A mother of four, Executive Director of Somali Youth and Family Development Center, and owner of Hayat Properties and African Queen Kitchen.

What do you do?

I’m a mother with many hats. An entrepreneur, a fearless woman, a voice to the voiceless, and a bridge to two different communities.

What's your unique super power?

The ability to ask for help when needed.

What were you/team seeking a boost with?

Building a personal brand to help promote my mission for women’s empowerment.

Who motivates you to keep going?

My children—protecting them and providing for them is what keeps me going.

Q: Can you provide a brief overview of your career journey and how you arrived at your current position?

A: It began when my second child passed away. I experienced a lot of pain and didn't want any other immigrant woman to go through what I did. I started learning English in 1998 to help myself and the community. That passion led me to work with immigrant families in many different areas - interpretation, non-profits, schools, hospitals, housing, and more.

Q: What key experiences or milestones have significantly shaped your professional development?

A: Definitely my education, my mentors, my coaches, and the community resources both within my community and outside of it. People of all backgrounds have lifted me up to where I am today.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

A: My day starts early! I'm up at 5 am, sometimes 4:30 am. After prayer, reading, and a walk, my work supporting the community begins. The day is usually long, sometimes ending at 8 or 9 pm.

Q: When you think about the work that you're doing with your personal brand, how would you summarize a description of that work?

A: Uplifting and empowering. It's about encouraging the next generation, educating women, and giving my community a voice. I want them to know their voices matter. We need to come together and create a healthy environment for everyone.

Q: What was the spark that catalyzed you to move forward with your mission?

A: I think about my childhood, my family, and being abandoned. I had an identity crisis for many years. But through that, I developed a strength to make things better for my children and for those around me. I want to create and support others by giving them what I didn't have.

Q: Can you tell us a story about your work that really inspires you when you think about it?

A: Just this weekend, a mother with children lost her house to a fire. I sent a one-minute recording about her situation to a group of women. They showed up in such an incredible way! They donated clothes, furniture, money - everything she needed to fill her new house. The look on their faces as they helped and the joy it brought the mother is what makes it all worthwhile.

Q: What do your customers say about you or some of your companies?

A: I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated. I put myself in their shoes. They say I am reliable, trustworthy, and resourceful. They know they can come to me for various kinds of support - emotional, financial, or even just a place to hold meetings for free.

Q: Why did you choose to work with Sharp Creative?

A: I felt heard from the very beginning. You listened to my story and provided a safe space for me to be vulnerable. You helped me understand the work we would be doing together and made me feel comfortable with the process.

Q: You’re about halfway through the Spark Brand Workshop right now. How has the brand workshop helped you so far?

A: The workshop helped me to tell my whole story - personally and professionally. Sharp Creative took my dreams and made them a reality. It was so emotional to finally see what I've wanted to do for so many years come to life.

Q: Has Sharp Creative helped you beyond the brand workshop?

A: Absolutely! The team helped with a community barbecue by serving over 400 families. Even when it rained and more people showed up than expected, they were calm and patient. They've also connected me with other helpful resources.

Q: How is working with Sharp Creative different than working with other marketing agencies?

A: Sharp Creative is clear, patient, and functional. You make things clear and map everything out. You created a safe space for me to be vulnerable and ask questions.

Q: Have you had a recent moment in your life where you've been struck by lightning? And you've just seen a vision?

A: Yes, during the brand workshop! It felt like a lightning bolt to see my brand become real. You captured my vision for public speaking, school engagement, and coaching. You turned my dream into reality.