Ferial Youakim - Building hope and tearing down walls
“If you believe, you can achieve” – Ferial
At first glance, Ferial Youakim appears similar to any other woman. She has a successful business as an image consultant, an adoring husband and three grown-up children who make her proud. Beyond what is visible on the surface, Ferial’s remarkable story epitomises hope, courage and perseverance. She shares her story in her book, Beyond Beauty.
Born and raised in Lebanon, Ferial grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, which for most, was a permanent solution for thousands of displaced Palestinians who no one wanted. Later in life, she moved to Australia where she eventually married, started a family and received her citizenship.
“When people look at who I am now, they see a strong woman who stands up for the things she believes in. They see someone who is successful and influential but life has not always been easy. I’ve faced many situations that have left me feeling lost and hopeless,” says Ferial.
As an image consultant, Ferial revels in showing her clients their beauty. Behind the scenes though, she has struggled with her own issues with confidence and self-esteem. In her youth, Ferial was teased about being Palestinian and terrifyingly, she was forced to live with the man who murdered her father.
She speaks candidly about the loss of her father proving to be her greatest test in life. As a result, her family’s lives were turned upside down and they could no longer live together. It was a devastating time that paved the way for the family to leave Lebanon in search of a brighter future.
“Australia changed our life because we had basic human rights we were denied when younger. On the outside, I was strong and a symbol of hope but on the inside, I was broken. It was only through others seeing the strength I was unaware I had, that I was able to shift my focus and start looking at the opportunities around me,” admits Ferial.
She speaks fondly of her family who never judge her and are her ‘go to’ when she’s in need of help. Ferial credits them for teaching her English and learning to love herself, which has been born out of their love for her.
Today, Ferial’s mission is to inspire others and to help people understand that when things get tough, the universe has a plan for us that always becomes clearer in time.
She says: “I once felt ugly and ashamed because I was a refugee. Now, I tell women that if I can make it, so can they. I tell them they are enough as they are.”
