We had the good fortune of connecting with Beena Yusuf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Beena, let’s start off by chatting about your relationship with your siblings.
These past seven months have been challenging for my family and I. My younger brother went into cardiac arrest in his sleep on Oct. 14, 2019. He was laying in his bed without oxygen for a few hours before my parents found him lifeless upstairs in his room. But he survived, when doctors told us something no one ever imagined hearing about their loved one… “let him go.” He is now home and trying to get back to his life. Of course you love your siblings, but I didn’t know I loved my brother this much. I completely stopped my life’s happiness and my daily routine, to spend 24 hours out of the day, 7 days a week, to help my brother come back to his life. You see life completely differently when tragedy enters your home. We give others “thoughts and prayers” when we hear of adversities happening to others, but when it happens to you, you really understand life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my journey in Dubai, 2015, When I walked down a runway as a designer of Middle Eastern Couture. That is when my brand B.Poshi was born. Prior to discovering my passion for fashion, I was employed with the US State Department-Consulate General of Dubai. I thought my story would stop there, until my husband pushed me step outside of the complacent 9-5 mindset and encouraged me to use my creativity on a different level. Since that runway walk, the doors and opportunities busted open. In February 2018, I was on the cover of Elle Arabia, talking about my new journey as a designer, soon after, SHE Magazine (Originally published by Hearst), approached me to take over the franchise in the US. My life was in the fast lane, celebrities in my rolodex, in talks with big names like Audrey Hepburns granddaugher, Laila Ali, the daughter of the famous Mohammad Ali (to name a few), ready for SHE’s next cover shoot. I thought my life was complete. Until…my brother’s heart stopped beating….

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my best friends did visit from Dubai. Dubai and Houston are actually a lot alike. Tons of similarities! From a vast array of restaurants, to appease your international palette. To shopping from different counties all in one city-from China Town to Hilcroft (Little Pakistan/India). Bisou in River Oaks District is a new favorite spot, the ambiance is girly and Instagram worthy. But it was Japaneros in Sugarland Town Center, that was my friends ultimate favorite restaurant. The shaggy dog sushi was a huge hit, so much so, we went there 4 times during her 7 day stay! Rice Village has a nice feel at night. And lucky us, Austin is just a 2 1/2 drive away. Hamilton Pool is like an 8th wonder, a stunning reserve after a long 20 minute hike, completely worth the sweat. Anyone traveling from overseas wants to do one thing, and that is SHOP. Of course, our Galleria is the first go-to, but there are some cute boutiques in the Heights that are worthy. Since we compete with Chicago in being the 3rd largest city in the US- we also now have THE BEAN! Albeit, a smaller bean than in Chicago, but we do have a bean! Located at the Glassell School of Art. We heard Chicago is butt hurt about it but whatever, our bean is beanier.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my husband who never once downs my dreams. I have a million of business ideas a day, and to every idea he always says, “Put it on paper, make a business plan, start it up!” He’s the real VIP.

Website: www.shemagazineusa.com
Instagram: shemagazineusa; b.poshi
Linkedin: Beena Yusuf
Twitter: SHE Magazine USA
Facebook: Beena Yusuf
Youtube: SHE Magazine USA

Image Credits
@SHEMagazineUSA