We recently connected with Yasmin Qartoumy and have shared our conversation below.
Yasmin , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I think I’ll always be the imposter, and I’m okay with that. For over 25 years, I’ve wrestled with my place in the philanthropic world. My path is unconventional—people often don’t know where to place me. I’m not a nonprofit. I’m not a barber. I don’t have a team of volunteers. I’m just me. And for a long time, I struggled with that.
But I’ve learned something: the label doesn’t matter. What matters is how I show up—with love, compassion, and an open heart. I refuse to be discounted just because someone can’t categorize my work. Once I carved my own lane, I realized how many people I could help if I simply tuned out the noise.
I’m not just an esthetician. I’m a mother, a sister, a listener, a hug, a safe space. I love without prejudice. Through years of serving my community and witnessing both heartbreak and hope on Skid Row, I’ve come to understand that I can’t do everything—but I can do something. Scaling what I do would water it down, because what makes it meaningful is the heart I pour into every act of service.
Imposter syndrome still lingers, but I’ve made peace with it. It keeps me humble and grounded. Titles and accolades don’t define me. The only title I need—the one I cherish most—is Mikah’s mom.
When I’m out there feeding, cleaning, and listening, it’s not about recognition. It’s about love. It’s about humanity. It’s about Mommy and Mikah showing up together, heart to heart. And that, to me, is everything.
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?
Being a mom shapes everything I do, from my businesses to my work in the community. I bring that same protective, nurturing spirit to everyone I meet.
I’ve spent over 25 years serving my community, particularly those experiencing homelessness. My work isn’t easy to label—I’m not a nonprofit, and I don’t have a large team of volunteers. I simply show up, lead with love, and help in the most human ways possible. From offering warm meals and hygiene services to simply listening to someone’s story, my work is rooted in compassion and dignity.
Professionally, I am an esthetician, but my impact extends far beyond the treatment room. My career has taught me how powerful human connection can be—how healing touch, empathy, and care can transform someone’s day. That same heart drives my philanthropic work. I am deeply involved in serving those living on Skid Row, and for me, it’s never about recognition or titles. It’s about love without limits.
What excites me most is knowing that I don’t have to fit into a box to make an impact. I’ve made my own lane, and that’s where I do my best work—up close, personal, and from the heart. My story is one of love, resilience, and service, and I hope it inspires others to show up as their authentic selves, too.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Compassion, Resilience, and Authenticity.
1. Compassion:
Compassion is at the core of everything I do. It’s about truly seeing people, listening without judgment, and meeting them where they are. Compassion opens doors that no title or credential ever could.
Advice: If you want to develop compassion, get involved in your community. Volunteer. Listen to people’s stories without rushing to fix them. The more you connect with others, the more your heart will expand.
2. Resilience:
Resilience has carried me through every challenge—personally, professionally, and in my philanthropic work. There were times when I felt unseen or doubted because my path didn’t fit into a category. But I stayed true to my purpose. Resilience means showing up, even when it’s hard, and pushing forward with heart and grit.
Advice: Life will test you, but don’t let setbacks define you. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and never lose sight of why you started. Every failure is a lesson if you let it be.
3. Authenticity:
I’ve learned that the most powerful thing you can be is yourself. I don’t water down who I am—People connect with realness, not perfection.
Advice: Trust your voice. Stay true to your values, even when it feels like you don’t fit in. Your authenticity is your greatest asset—it will attract the right people and opportunities to your life.
If you’re just starting your journey, remember this: Titles don’t define you—your heart does. Stay compassionate, stay resilient, and above all, stay you.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I get overwhelmed a lot. It usually happens when I start listening to too many opinions about how or what I should be doing. That noise can make me question myself, and that’s when I know I need to pause and ground myself back in me—who I am and why I do what I do.
When I’m unsure, I talk things through with my best friend—my son, Mikah. He knows me better than anyone. He always brings me back to center with his simple, honest advice: “Mom, just tell them you’re gonna do your own thing.” He’s my greatest source of wisdom and keeps me rooted in my truth.
I also remind myself that this is so much bigger than me. I remove my ego from the equation and lead with love. That’s what it’s all about.
I won’t lie—I cry, and I cry often. The work I do is heavy. I see so much pain, and I carry it with me. I cry because I wish I could do more. But I’ve learned that tears aren’t weakness; they’re proof that I care deeply.
My advice? Stay true to yourself. Quiet the noise. Don’t let other people’s opinions drown out your heart. It’s okay to feel it all—just don’t let it stop you. And if it ever feels too heavy, find your “why” again. Lead with love, and you’ll never be lost.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missxyasminx?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/W0vXGqYg7NU
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
