Making Boss Moves
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 08/10/19
Most of Fatoumata Binta Barry’s time consist of spending sleepless nights behind a computer creating content and building relationships. She's been able to sustain a level of freedom as an entrepreneur while assisting other brands in reaching their creative goals.
Born in Guinea, Conakry and raised in Manhattan, Fatou tapped into her creative side while she was a student at Buffalo University—where Initially she majored in Fashion Merchandizing with a minor in creative writing. Later on, she switched to communications and political science, with the hopes of one day consulting for politicians.
During her undergrad, as an orientation leader, she helped incoming college students adapt to life on campus. She also initiated her own PR services (Collegiate Crown) to help college students in the promotion of fashion brands, campaigns, and more. It gave her a preview of what it would be like to work for herself.
At just 18 years old, Fatou had a noticeable online presence and the ability to curate captivating content which caught the attention of a senior director from a major national brand (Iconix). This opened doors for her, and during her entire college years she was able to showcase her skills by joining the Marc Ecko and Rocawear brands as a Social Media Coordinator.
After graduating from college, Fatou worked for a PR agency. But because she felt undervalued and noticed there was ageism and racism in the work place, she decided to be self-employed.
Instead of adhering to the paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle, she chose to plunge into a stream of income that could challenge her creativity and give her flexibility.
Her work breeds professionalism. She says that she's not a multimillionaire company at the moment, but she holds herself to that standard. Her team includes a PR director, an assistant, and 4 interns.
In 2015, she launched PR Girl Manifesto, a platform which gives a voice to other creatives. On the first day of launching PR Girl Manifesto, she gained 200 followers on Instagram. For a year and half, no one knew Fatou was the one behind the brand. As more people and brands became aware of her platform, that number skyrocketed to over 16K followers.
She also co-manages Netwerk to Networth, a space where women can connect and collaborate. This year, Netwerk to Nerworth was held in 6 cities (from January to April). Fatou mingled with her tribe and shared her expertise on building a successful business.
Fatou’s client, Delilah Dee, who is also a close friend and admirer, says: “Just being in [Fatou’s] presence alone, you can see how she carries the strength of her ancestors and uses that power to push her community to succeed and become the best versions of themselves. What's crazy is that she doesn't even realize just how powerful she is and the value she's adding to communities that otherwise feel undervalued and misrepresented.”
Relationship-building is at the forefront of her success. “Every room I'm in, I try to connect with people. I don't think I'm too good for anything,” Fatou said in a humble tone.
“To know her is a privilege, to love her is an honor. Fatou is one of the greatest people to have ever walked this Earth, she's building the type of legacy that will certainly live past her time,” Delilah added.
Although none of Fatou’s days look the same as an entrepreneur, she’s learning to be more balanced. She’s managing a successful brand and helping other brands do the same. Only in her 20s, this young creative continues to make boss moves and is especially keen on molding a world where women can freely tap into their creativity.
Welcome to Fatou’s World
“The more you make money, the more you figure out how to manage.”
“A strong woman is resilient. Someone who has the ability to keep pushing forward no matter what happens in life because their purpose is bigger.”
Fatou loves all her clients. Currently, her favorite organization to work with is The Fellowship BMEC, a social justice organization focused on the representation of black male education.
Fatou loves to eat! During her spare time, she likes to go to art galleries, read nonfiction, self-help books, and biographies of other entrepreneurs who made it.
“Success is ever-changing. It is a combination of being happy and doing good to help people.”
Connect with Fatou:
Instagram: @itsfatoub
Email: fatou@abmedia.group
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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