We were lucky to catch up with Queen Yiskah Hussain-bey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Queen Yiskah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?
Queen Yiskah Hussain-Bey, is a beacon of hope and empowerment in Baltimore City through her legal consulting firm, GOODMAN BUSINESS PLUS. Established in 2017, the firm has become a vital resource for local entrepreneurs and small business owners, offering extensive legal and business support tailored to their unique needs.
Yiskah’s journey began with a deep-seated passion for justice and community upliftment. Growing up in Baltimore, she witnessed firsthand the struggles small business owners face, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Inspired to make a difference, she pursued a career in law, determined to provide the guidance and resources that could help others navigate the complexities of the business world.
At GOODMAN BUSINESS PLUS, Yiskah works tirelessly to demystify legal processes for her clients. She provides comprehensive services, including business formation, contract negotiation, and compliance guidance. Her approach is not just about legal advice but building relationships and fostering a supportive community. Yiskah often hosts free workshops and seminars to educate aspiring entrepreneurs about their rights and responsibilities, ensuring they have the tools to succeed.
One of her most impactful initiatives is the “Legal Empowerment Program,” which offers reduced-cost services to startups and businesses in underserved neighborhoods. This program has helped countless entrepreneurs realize their dreams, from food trucks to tech startups, all while creating jobs and revitalizing the local economy.
Yiskah’s commitment extends beyond her clients; she actively collaborates with local organizations to advocate for policies that promote equity and access for small businesses. Her work has not only transformed individual lives but has also contributed to a broader movement toward economic empowerment in Baltimore.
Through her dedication and innovative approach, Yiskah Hussain-Bey exemplifies what it means to be a true community leader. GOODMAN BUSINESS PLUS is more than just a legal consulting firm; it is a cornerstone of support for those striving to build their futures, proving that with the right guidance, anything is possible.
Queen Yiskah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Yiskah Hussain-Bey is a dynamic legal consultant and entrepreneur based in Baltimore City, where she has made a significant impact through her firm, GOODMAN BUSINESS PLUS. Her journey into the legal and business consulting field is rooted in her deep commitment to community empowerment and social justice.
Journey into the Industry
Yiskah’s path to founding GOODMAN BUSINESS PLUS began with her personal experiences growing up in Baltimore. Witnessing the challenges faced by local business owners, particularly those in underserved communities, ignited her passion for creating equitable opportunities. After earning her degree in law, Yiskah recognized that many aspiring entrepreneurs lacked access to vital legal resources and knowledge. This realization motivated her to bridge the gap between legal expertise and small business needs.
Services Offered
GOODMAN BUSINESS PLUS provides a comprehensive range of services designed to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. These include:
Business Formation: Assisting clients with the legal structuring of their businesses, from LLCs to corporations.
Contract Negotiation: Helping clients navigate contracts to ensure their interests are protected.
Compliance Guidance: Offering insights on regulatory requirements to keep businesses compliant and avoid legal issues.
Workshops and Training: Conducting educational seminars on various business topics, including legal rights, business planning, and financial management.
Legal Empowerment Program: Providing reduced-cost legal services for startups and businesses in underserved neighborhoods.
Problems Solved
Yiskah addresses several critical challenges faced by her clients:
Legal Complexity: Many small business owners are overwhelmed by legal jargon and requirements. Yiskah simplifies these processes, making it accessible and understandable.
Lack of Resources: Many entrepreneurs, especially in marginalized communities, lack the financial means to hire legal assistance. Yiskah’s programs provide affordable options, empowering them to move forward.
Education Gaps: By offering workshops, Yiskah fills the knowledge gap that often hinders business growth and success.
What Sets Yiskah Apart. Yiskah stands out in her field for several reasons:
Community-Centric Approach: Unlike traditional legal consultants, Yiskah prioritizes the needs of her community. She invests time in understanding her clients’ unique challenges and aspirations.
Empowerment Focus: Her ethos revolves around empowerment rather than just service provision. She strives to equip her clients with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves.
Innovative Programs: Yiskah’s Legal Empowerment Program specifically targets underserved populations, showcasing her commitment to equity and inclusion.
Proud Achievements
Yiskah takes immense pride in several aspects of her work:
Community Impact: The success stories of her clients, many of whom have transformed their businesses and livelihoods with her support, are her greatest achievements.
Workshops and Outreach: The positive feedback from her workshops, where attendees leave with actionable insights and newfound confidence, reinforces her belief in the power of education.
Advocacy: Yiskah is proud to advocate for policies that support small businesses in Baltimore, furthering her mission of community upliftment.
Key Messages for Potential Clients and Followers
Yiskah wants potential clients and followers to know:
You Are Not Alone: Starting and running a business can be daunting, but with GOODMAN BUSINESS PLUS, you have a partner who genuinely cares about your success.
Empowerment is Possible: With the right support and resources, you can navigate the complexities of business law and achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.
Community Matters: Yiskah believes in the power of community and collaboration. When you work with her, you’re not just hiring a consultant; you’re joining a movement toward collective growth and empowerment.
Through her unwavering dedication and innovative approach, Yiskah Hussain-Bey is not just building a business; she is fostering a community of empowered entrepreneurs ready to take on the world.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Yiskah Hussain-Bey’s culinary journey began with her passion for food and community. As the head chef at BMORE TASTIE, she created delicious, locally-inspired dishes that brought people together. Her food quickly became a beloved staple in Baltimore, known not only for its mouthwatering offerings but also for Yiskah’s warm, welcoming presence.
However, while running BMORE TASTIE, Yiskah noticed something troubling: many of her fellow entrepreneurs struggled with the legal and business aspects of their ventures. Conversations with other food truck owners and small business operators revealed a common theme—many were overwhelmed by the complexities of business formation, contracts, and compliance. Yiskah felt a calling to help them navigate these challenges.
One evening, after a long day of cooking and serving customers, Yiskah found herself reflecting on her own journey. She had always been interested in law and community advocacy, and she realized that her experience as a chef had equipped her with a unique perspective on the needs of small business owners. She decided to take a bold step: transitioning from the kitchen to the boardroom, from chef to legal consultant.
Yiskah enrolled in a legal studies program, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of business law. While studying, she continued to operate BMORE TASTIE, using it as a living classroom to apply her newfound knowledge. She began offering informal advice to her fellow food truck operators, helping them with everything from business licenses to contract negotiations.
As her expertise grew, so did her passion for empowering others. Yiskah recognized that her true calling was to create a supportive environment for small business owners facing similar struggles. In 2017, she officially launched GOODMAN BUSINESS PLUS, dedicated to providing comprehensive legal and business consulting services tailored to the needs of her community.
The pivot was not without its challenges. Yiskah had to navigate the complexities of building a new brand while maintaining her culinary business. Yet, she was driven by a vision of a thriving community where entrepreneurs could flourish. Her experience as a chef gave her a unique advantage—she understood the heart and soul that goes into starting and running a business.
Today, GOODMAN BUSINESS PLUS stands as a testament to Yiskah’s journey. She combines her culinary background with her legal expertise, offering a unique, empathetic approach to consulting. Her clients appreciate her ability to relate to their struggles and her commitment to their success. Yiskah’s story is a powerful reminder that embracing change and following one’s passion can lead to profound impact and transformation.
Through GOODMAN BUSINESS PLUS, Yiskah has not only redefined her career but has also become a vital resource for countless entrepreneurs, helping them turn their dreams into reality—just as she once did with her food business.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Juggling the demands of parenting with the pressures of running a business can be overwhelming. Yiskah has likely had to develop exceptional time management skills, prioritizing both her children’s needs and her business obligations. The emotional toll of divorce can be significant. Yiskah may have faced feelings of loss, uncertainty, and stress. Resilience in this context means finding the strength to rise above these challenges, and maintaining a positive outlook for her children while pursuing her professional goals.
As a divorced mother, Yiskah may have faced financial instability. Building a successful business can provide financial security, but it often requires long hours and hard work. Her resilience shines through in her determination to create a stable environment for her family. Resilience is often bolstered by community and support. Yiskah may have sought help from friends, family, or professional networks, recognizing that she doesn’t have to navigate her journey alone. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial. Whether it’s adjusting business strategies or finding creative solutions to parenting challenges, Yiskah’s resilience is reflected in her flexibility and willingness to learn.
The transition to single parenthood can be daunting. Yiskah’s resilience is evident in her commitment to maintaining a healthy and nurturing environment for her children amidst her challenges. After a divorce, self-esteem can take a hit. Yiskah may have had to work hard to rebuild her confidence, both personally and professionally, asserting herself as a capable business owner and a devoted mother.
Resilience also involves having a clear vision for the future. Yiskah likely has set goals for her business and family life, motivating her to push through obstacles and setbacks. Despite the challenges, finding joy in both motherhood and entrepreneurship is crucial. Yiskah’s ability to celebrate small victories and cherish moments with her children contributes to her overall resilience. In summary, Yiskah’s journey as a divorced mother and business owner showcases her remarkable resilience. Through determination, adaptability, and a strong support system, she has overcome significant struggles, emerging stronger and more empowered in both her personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yiskahbey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessecaHussain
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/yiskahbey
Image Credits
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