We recently connected with Roula Youssef and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Roula, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Hello Rebel Magazine! Thanks for having me!

You know, my journey into creativity started in a pretty unexpected place—amidst the chaos of war-torn Lebanon. I was born and raised during the civil war. Growing up in Beirut during those tough times, I found solace in my imagination, where I learned to create my own little world, a bubble of my own imagining to escape the chaos that surrounded me. Art became my refuge, my safe haven from all the madness around me.

Despite coming from a traditional background, my parents totally supported my free-spirit and wild imagination. They let me spread my creative wings and fly. That early encouragement really set the stage for everything that followed.

Fast forward, and here I am, a self-made entrepreneur, running “bluebee” creation—a creative agency that’s been spreading those good vibes for 15 years now!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I come from the middle east, where societal norms often prioritize male authority over individual ambitions.

Despite this environment, and society I was living in, I embraced a rebellious spirit early on, determined to challenge these norms and assert my worth as a woman. Fueled by a desire to break free from societal constraints, I cherished my independent thinking.

Today, I proudly stand as a self-made entrepreneur, having navigated the corporate landscape with passion, resilience, and determination. My journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, starting from humble beginnings and forging my own path forward, fueled by an unyielding inner fire.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To nurture a truly flourishing creative environment, society must first acknowledge the profound value and necessity of creativity in shaping our world.

Accessible spaces where artists and creatives can collaborate and showcase their work are vital. Building more cultural centers and creative venues serves as focal points for community-building and inspiration.

Establishing a yearly festival to serve as a creative hub for inspiration, collaborative innovation, and celebrating creativity.

Additionally, creating more work opportunities within the creative sector and providing free platforms for amplifying creative voices fosters cross-disciplinary exchanges.

By valuing and supporting creativity, we uplift artists and creatives and build a society better equipped to overcome obstacles.

“We must grow up with creativity, not grow out of it”.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes. My creative journey is driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of art and creativity, for everyone, especially for vulnerable children facing adversity or learning challenges.

For nearly a decade now, I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into an innovative project—a new educational model designed to ignite creativity. It’s an extra-curriculum focused on storytelling as a gateway to unleash imagination and innovation, expected to be launched in spring 2025.

My mission is crystal clear: to harness creativity as a force for positive change. I’m determined to equip young minds with the tools they need to tackle life’s challenges with resilience and self-expression. Through integrating art into their daily lives, we’re not just building skills; we’re laying the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come. I’m on a mission to bring creativity back into the spotlight, especially in education. Because creativity isn’t just about making pretty pictures. It’s about healing, growing, and becoming the best version of ourselves.

I firmly believe that creative expression isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for healing and growth. That’s why I’m committed to shaking up the education system, ensuring that creative expression stands shoulder to shoulder with traditional subjects.

Here in Lebanon, nurturing creative education and cultural awareness isn’t just important—it’s vital. By providing the support and resources needed, we can unleash a tidal wave of fresh ideas and cultural richness that enriches society as a whole. It’s all about empowering our artistic community to shine their brightest.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Absolutely. Following the tragic explosion at the Port of Beirut in 2020, I felt compelled to take decisive action. Being a child of years of war, drawing from my own experiences of using art as therapy during times of crisis, I embarked on a mission to help children of Beirut cope with their emotions through creative expression.

Gathering a team of volunteers, we launched an unconventional art therapy workshop for 128 children affected by the explosion, and together, we turned that tragedy into something beautiful. And let me tell you, seeing those kids’ faces light up—it was pure magic.

That experience lit a fire in me—a fire to do more, be more. And that’s how “WooHoo!” came to be. Because when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, right? I established “WooHoo!” – a Lebanese artistic NGO dedicated to using art as a catalyst for social change. “Book of Beirut,” the voice and art of 128 kids from Beirut is the first fruit.

So yeah, I’ve had to pivot a time or two. But, that’s just part of the journey. And me? Well, I’m just getting started!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bluebeecreation.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roulabee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roula.youssef.71
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roula-youssef-55595126/
• Other: https://bookofbeirut.com/