Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatima Barnes.
Hi Fatima, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’m Fatima Barnes, Business Strategist, Coach, and CEO of The Ambition Academy Coaching and Consulting.
Since childhood, I always knew I wanted to be in Business. I was inspired by ALL of the HOT 90s TV shows and movies. Watching Boomerang, Sex and The City, Ally McBeal, Living Single, and more I knew I wanted to be one of those dope women who wore suits, took care of business, wore the best makeup, and had brunch with their girlfriends on weekends. I was naturally driven, ambitious, and business savvy and it definitely showed at an early age.
Fast forward to my senior year of college as I’m getting ready to graduate, “I literally said multiple times, I want to be a Small Business consultant. I just want to help people with their businesses.” However, I put it off because I knew that I hadn’t actually owned my own business, so I felt I couldn’t consult others.
Time goes by I start working corporate jobs and go on to have a great career generating millions in revenue for a future 500 company. I even started consulting small businesses through my corporate job and for a while working to save thousands for my clients in every niche imaginable, I felt fulfilled knowing I was able to help hundreds of small businesses grow their businesses and maximize their supply chains.
I then decided to start my own hairline and go for entrepreneurship while working in my corporate career. The business was successful but due to differences and issues with my business partner at the time, I decided to let the business go and continue to help my clients at the corporate scale.
For over 10 years I’ve been changing the DNA of brands and helping them be more profitable. In that work, I’ve helped generate 5.7 million of dollars in revenue across 450 businesses and brands
I’ve moved over 650K in Shipments and over 300 Products while helping businesses save at least $20,000 annually in shipments to increase profit margins
I’ve worked across 30 industries such as: Beauty, Wellness, Law, Wine & Alcohol, Apparel, Cosmetics, Restaurants, Food, Books, Agriculture, Entertainment, Technology, Hospitality, Construction, Education, Fashion, Pharmaceuticals, and more
With all that I’ve learned, I now spend my days teaching women just like you to elevate life-changing beauty brands by turning their passion of impacting the world with their beauty products to into profits that allow them to live and create the life they desire
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a small business owner comes with its challenges. However, it can be even more challenging when you are first generation entrepreneur in your family. It’s even more of a challenge navigating full-time entrepreneur as when you’ve had no real example to look up to. Business has its peaks and valleys and ups and downs. Learning and knowing when to pivot and change to ensure that you are remaining cutting-edge in your space. It’s truly not something that everyone can do. However, as challenging as it is, it is extremely rewarding to be able to provide for your family and make a living off of the gifts you’ve been given and the skillset you’ve developed for years.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Ambition Academy?
The work that I do is my favorite part as I get to see the lives of other impacted through my experiences and expertise. Helping beauty brands make the shift and begin elevating their brand is so important. Many people can find their product, but most people struggle with positioning that product in the marketplace to actually sell. That’s exactly where I come in through my services and programs.
My goal is to help each client elevate their position in the marketplace so that they don’t drown or as I say, “get lost in the sea of beauty brands”. Next, we help them elevate their messaging and content so that they can actually attract premium ready-to-buy shoppers. Lastly, we help them elevate their marketing so that they can begin implementing next-level marketing and advertising strategies that will allow them to get the visibility directly in front of their ideal customer 24/7.
I also love that I take an intimate approach in working with each client. They aren’t just another random number. I know exactly what’s going on with each client and believe in providing them a premium-level experience. Seeing their business transform from where it was when we began our work to after is the most rewarding part of what my company does.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
It’s very hard to think of something surprising because I’ve been an open book. I guess a surprise would be my husband and I are now expecting our first child at age 33 after being together for 15 years. I always wanted to wait until the right time and on my own time before having children. Now being a mommy and business owner is something I am preparing to navigate. It’s exciting and an eventful time for sure.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theambitionacademycc.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamfatimabarnes_
Image Credits
Carlie Ramsey
Stephanie Ramirez
