2 Masters, a Thriving Business, and Investing in the Black Youth

“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of Black women’s struggles and successes.

When Fatima Toure graduated in 2015 from SUNY Buffalo State College with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies, she landed a good paying job at one of the top marketing agencies in New York. As she wobbled through her job, she realized that it did not fulfill her.

Everyday, Fatima would sit at her desk and create ads for clients looking to expand their reach. The more she created ads that met clients’ needs, the more she realized hers weren’t being met.

Eager to see if there was something else out there for her, Fatima returned to Buffalo State college and earned her first Masters (Master of Science in Creativity and Change Leadership). In that program, she acquired skills on how to creatively and effectively bring her ideas to fruition.

She was unemployed for only a short period before her best friend’s mother, who is a teacher, recommended that she give teaching a try. When Fatima finally convinced herself to apply for a teaching position, she didn’t get the job because the school was looking for someone with a teaching degree and some experience.

The same day, someone announced on social media that the school they worked for was looking for teachers. Fatima gave it another try. On the day of the interview, she was nervous, but showcased that she was passionate and an effective communicator. She convinced the hiring manager that she was the best fit for the job.

Fatima was assigned to work at a public school situated in what is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brooklyn (Brownsville). When she walked in her classroom, the students appeared relieved to see that their new teacher is a young and educated Black woman.

“If the person who is teaching them looks like them, they are more likely to listen,”Fatima saId. “It gives them hope that they can also succeed.”

Most of these children come from broken/toxic households. Yet, Fatima says they are the most positive, motivated and intelligent children she has ever met.

Going into a teaching role, Fatima didn't have a teaching degree. But, the skills she acquired through her Masters in Creativity and Change Leadership gave her the ability to connect with her students and introduce effective strategies that influence them to learn.

Although she works at a school that is not in the best of neighborhoods, this job fulfills her because her presence is creating a direct impact on people of color. Until today, When faculty vote on who had the best teaching experience in their first year, the vote goes to Fatima.

With the Black Lives Matter movement resurfacing throughout the states due to the murder of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and other people of color, Fatima’s message to her people is: “We have a job to do now more than ever to show up for ourselves. This past week proved we have a unity amongst ourselves. We share the same tiredness, strength and determination for change. We just have to remain consistent.“

Once Fatima realized that she had the ability to teach, she sought to explore her selling capability.

At a tender age, Fatima made body butters and offered some to friends. Now, as an adult she realized that her love for Shea Butter can generate a second stream of income. Last year, she launched Moussou Beauty, LLC —an all-natural skincare line. With the help of her cousin, who is a brand strategist, they worked on how the brand will appeal to customers.

When the Guinean-American teacher/entrepreneur launched Moussou Beauty (a name in the Mandinka tribe that stands for a woman’s beauty), she was thrilled at how many people supported her new business. It gave her the push she needed to keep serving them quality products. Now, she has a loyal client base.

Keiana Burton expressed, “Fatima is my positive friend, she’s the one that keeps me on my toes. Fatima is a go-getter. One who is not afraid to start something new. She is a challenger, ready to tap into different things even if she is alone. She is an individual thinker—she will stand on her own hill if she believes something is right regardless of how others feel.”

In order to remain a teacher, educators are required to have a Master’s in education. In 2019, Fatima earned her second Masters in Teaching from Relay Graduate School.

Fatima took her love for teaching from the confines of a classroom to YouTube—where she can reach masses. On her YouTube channel, she discusses skin and hair care, entrepreneurship, and more.

Two Masters,a flourishing skincare line and an impactful YouTube channel, Fatima’s success story proves that your first job after college doesn’t have to be your last job. Even if the pay is enticing, if it doesn’t fulfill you, look for something else that does. As she excels in her 9-5 as a teacher who is investing in the Black community, she is also building businesses that promote a natural lifestyle as well as empower women to be go-getters.