We were lucky to catch up with Kenza Fourati recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kenza, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
I was born in France but grew up in Tunisia, and my life journey has been shaped by moving to France, the UK, then the US and working across the globe—from Australia to Brazil and Japan. This rich tapestry of experiences exposed me to a multitude of cultures, perspectives, and human stories. Constantly bridging communities, languages, religions, and ways of thinking, I learned to see beyond superficial differences and understand people at their core. This multicultural life taught me that the key to thriving amidst diversity is to truly walk in others’ shoes, to embrace their perspectives, burdens, and experiences. This mindset is deeply rooted in the philosophy of “Walk Online In My Shoes,” the guiding principle of OSAY (Our Stories Are Yours), an ethical, artisan-based luxury footwear brand that I co-founded. Celebrating sustainability and shared humanity, OSAY is dedicated to connecting people through storytelling and empathy. By consciously stepping into someone else’s world, we cultivate deeper empathy, humanism, and understanding, creating a space where connections are built not despite our differences but because of the shared humanity that unites us all.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a mother but also an entrepreneur, a model, an activist, and storyteller, deeply committed to bridging cultures, perspectives, and experiences. My unconventional journey began as a model, where I had the privilege of working internationally and breaking barriers as a pioneer from the MENA region (Middle East North Africa) . This experience not only shaped my worldview but also fueled my passion for championing sustainability, women’s rights, human rights, and artistic expression.
Professionally, my focus is on OSAY (Our Stories Are Yours), an ethical, artisan-based luxury footwear brand that I co-founded. OSAY is more than just a fashion brand; it’s a movement rooted in empathy and shared humanity. Guided by our principle “Walk Online In My Shoes,” we celebrate the craftsmanship of our artisans and the stories of the people who wear our handcrafted loafers, made from upcycled leathers. Our mission is to connect people through storytelling, sustainability, and a deeper understanding of each other’s journeys.
What excites me most about OSAY is our commitment to creating meaningful connections beyond fashion. We believe that by stepping into someone else’s world, even metaphorically, we cultivate empathy and understanding. This philosophy drives every aspect of our brand, from design to production, ensuring that our impact is both beautiful and responsible.
Beyond my work with OSAY, I am deeply passionate about challenging stereotypes that have long been associated with models. I have witnessed how these misconceptions have crippled the potential of incredibly talented individuals around me, serving as a handicap that limits their opportunities and voices. Fighting against these stereotypes is one of my new missions, as I believe in redefining narratives and creating a more inclusive, empowering space for all.
Looking ahead, I am excited about expanding OSAY’s reach and continuing to innovate in the realm of ethical luxury. We are exploring new collaborations and product lines that stay true to our values while pushing the boundaries of storytelling and sustainability. I am also passionate about creating platforms that support model-entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of building impactful brands. For me, it’s about weaving together culture, community, and creativity, fostering a world where our stories connect us rather than divide us.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, the three most impactful qualities that shaped my path have been empathy, resilience, and adaptability. Empathy is at the core of everything I do. It’s about having the mindfulness to truly see and understand people, no matter their background or story. It’s about cultivating an emotional intelligence that allows you to read the room, make others feel seen, and connect with them on a human level. In a world so often divided by differences, empathy becomes a powerful tool for building bridges and fostering meaningful connections.
In my experiences as both a model and an entrepreneur, working in teams has been essential. I have learned that empathy in teamwork is about understanding everyone’s purpose on the job, recognizing what they are trying to achieve, and making them feel understood and valued. It requires adapting to different perspectives and ensuring that each member feels like they are an integral part of the journey. This approach not only fosters collaboration but also drives the team forward with a shared sense of purpose.
Resilience is essential because no journey, especially one that breaks boundaries, is without setbacks and challenges. My path was unconventional, often lonely, and sometimes filled with rejection and stereotypes. Yet, it was resilience—the ability to keep moving forward despite obstacles—that enabled me to transform challenges into opportunities.
Adaptability, on the other hand, has been crucial in navigating an ever-changing global landscape. From growing up between cultures to working in diverse industries and markets worldwide, I learned that the key to thriving is the willingness to remain open, curious, and flexible. Change is inevitable, and the ability to adapt not only keeps you relevant but also allows you to continuously learn and grow.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be to embrace empathy as a mindset, cultivate resilience as a habit, and see adaptability as a strength. Be curious, open, and kind. Practice the art of listening, not just to respond but to understand. Learn to read people and situations with sensitivity and mindfulness, for that is how you truly connect and lead with impact. And above all, carry on with a sense of purpose and humanity, for that is what will ultimately shape not just your career but your legacy.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in self-expression. Having spent so many years as a model, I realized that my identity was often shaped by others’ perceptions and projections. Models are frequently seen as blank canvases molded by creative visions, and starting young in this industry, we adapt to a rhythm that drives us to succeed but often doesn’t leave room for exploring who we truly are or what we genuinely want to express. This realization has led me on a journey to break free from those limitations and find my own voice.
I’ve been challenging myself to express more, to break down barriers, and to show more vulnerability and authenticity. It’s not about perfection but about embracing the process, even when it feels messy or incomplete. I believe in showing not just the highlights but also the struggles, the lessons in resilience, and the hard truths. It’s not always rosy; in fact, it’s often incredibly challenging. But I’ve found that sharing this reality, even in private conversations within my community or with those I mentor, creates space for honest dialogue. It’s about saying, “This is hard, and I don’t have all the answers, but I’m here, trying, learning, and growing.”
I’ve realized that we need more of that—more realness, more courage to admit when we don’t know, when we’re scared, or when we’re uncertain. It’s a continuous journey of self-discovery, and I am embracing it as a lifelong process. While I don’t share much on social media as it feels unauthenthic to me, I find meaning in having raw, honest conversations with those around me. I believe that by being open about our vulnerabilities and struggles, we can inspire others to embrace their own journeys with courage and authenticity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.osaythelabel.com
- Instagram: @kenzafourati @osaythelabel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenza-fourati-mohyeldin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@osaythelabel
Image Credits
All pictures are property of @OSAYTHELABEL
pictures by Mike Kobal @globalshutter
Other Models @xavierbanks_, @wildcherryyyyy
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
