We’re looking forward to introducing you to Halima Hussein. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Halima, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
In the first 90 minutes of my day, I try to ground myself. Becoming a morning person has become sort of a meditation and trying to live more into the softness of my life. I usually start by praying; more recently I have been trying to go for early morning walks, at least 30 minutes – thirty minutes, of just being in the cool air, and being present in the nature around me. I will then do some stretching, (its that time of life where stretching is important for longevity) and then I will start my routine of getting ready for my day, from the skincare to the outfit and fragrance, I am trying to be more mindful in how I take care of myself so my day goes by as smoothly as possible. None of this is done without music in the background. There are some great DJ’s putting their sets on YouTube; I highly recommend just letting a set run.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Halima Hussein, a podcaster and author. In 2019 I started a podcast called, What’s Your Hustle which was aimed at showcasing the stories of amazing, inspiring and fearless individuals and artists. At first, it started off locally and as I grew in the types of stories I wanted to tell, the audience and reach grew as well, and I was able to interview creatives from all over. And sometimes it honestly only takes a slide into a dm and a really good internet connection.
Through What’s Your Hustle and creating my own platform, my confidence in my own artistic endeavours as well. In 2024, I became a published author, with my short story, “Fourteen Sessions” which is featured in “Two Times Removed Vol III” – an anthology of Indo-Caribbean Stories curated by Tiara Jade Chutkhan. This is a really beautiful moment for me, because a copy of this book now sits on a bookshelf in a home that was once my grandfather’s house in Guyana, South America.
At my core I think I am always growing and starting something new, I think is a creative’s worst and best habit, but with that, I have launched my new podcast The Gathering Spot with Halima. This podcast series, will be freer and open. It’ll be those conversations that happen around a kitchen table or in the kitchen after a great dinner with friends and family. Check out and follow The Gathering Spot with Halima on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and subscribe on YouTube.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that lived by expectation and timeline. The expectation to finish university, get a good job, be a good… you fill in the blank, get married, live the life of a timeline. To a point, I think a timeline and the must do’s are somewhat necessary before you become your own person; I think I needed to have the experiences of heartache, waiting around for what should come next, and being disappointed when it doesn’t, I needed live in the “box” because the other side of the box is a wild ride that shapes you more than you could ever imagine.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think about giving up maybe once every 2 months, especially with the podcast. It was my doubt and imposter syndrome of, “what does she think she is doing…her platform isn’t making a difference”. But then I remember, that “yes” people are listening. It takes one person and that one person will lead to five. I also remind myself, of the doors I have taken the chance to walk through because of creating my own platforms. Success means something different to everyone. It isn’t linear.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I phoned some of my day ones for this one. Family, creativity, authenticity and protecting my peace really matter to me. Setting my own terms means I am not only growing and learning for myself, but also for the growth and “legacy” of my family. These days I often think about, how far my lineage has come; from families of eight in three-bedroom homes in the Caribbean – to generations that exceed our ancestors’ dreams, and ambitions. And it is not lost on me that I am privileged to live where I do, and the opportunities that I am blessed to have because my parents just wanted a little better for me than they had.
Professionally, creativity and authenticity are now fundamentals in terms of business and expression. Whether it be in the work I do, the stories I want to tell or even the outfits I put together. Living in who I am without fear or insecurities as honestly as I can helps me align to who I am growing to become; while protecting my peace and being unbothered by outside opinions that are not in my shoes.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Now, yes. I have surrendered to “God’s Plan” and if what is meant for me, it will not pass me. This is exactly where I am supposed to be and what I am supposed to be doing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thegatheringspotwithhalima
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/halima-hussein-1832257a
- Youtube: The Gathering Spot with Halima
- Other: Other Instagram: @halima_huss
Image Credits
Image Featuring Two Times Romoved Vol III: @bemyguest.portraits
Images also by: Larissa Kovalenko
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
