Today’s I See You® blog features the dynamic Nancy Youssef, who is the creator and founder of the company Curves with Purpose.
Nancy has taken her fashion industry and international retail experience and turned them into a company that offers trendy clothing brands to curvy women from e-commerce and pop-up shop platforms.
Nancy has intentionally established a charitable component to her company, so that no matter the season they are always giving back to charities, like Soles 4 Souls.
Nancy’s father made giving back to others an important act of service in their family. These early lessons taught her to model a pay it forward lifestyle that is woven in every fiber of her company.
When we learned this about Nancy, we knew we needed to know more.
Nancy has served on the advisory council of Belmont University’s College of International Business, been Chair of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce’s International Business Council. She has served on the Nashville Mayor’s Advisory Council for new Americans, as well as advocating on the Minority and Women Owned Business Council.
WOW, right? Simply put, she’s dynamic!!!!! And that’s just a snapshot of Nancy’s many contributions she’s had in Nashville and around the world.
Here’s a bit more about Nancy in her own words!
What or who inspired you to create your business? Tell us more!
Curves with Purpose began almost two decades ago. At the time, I didn’t realize it would ultimately be Curves with Purpose. It started because I grew up seeing friends and family struggle to find great quality and on trend clothing that fit sizes 10 and up. When I went to fashion design school, I had decided that my final project would be a women’s plus size ready to wear line, and that is really where the idea was born. As the years went on, and I deviated into a corporate role, it became more and more evident that even twenty years later there was still a dire need in the market place for this market segment. I went on to create Curves with Purpose in November 2017 to fill that void and support the nearly 70% of the population that falls in the size 14+ market segment.
Who saw you and supported your dreams?
Honestly, this is probably my favorite question. SO many people were so unbelievably supportive, motivating and believed and continue to believe in our values and purpose. It’s beyond incredible to see how much good there still is and how many people are so eager to support!!!
What song heals your soul?
It’s an Arabic song (so not hugely relatable) called Sawah. It means wanderer!
What does it mean to YOU to feel seen?
When someone mentions a way that I may have impacted them even in the smallest level. I’m not hugely emotional, but I’m absolutely determined to help people in any way I can!
What’s your go-to, self-care tip?
Yoga is my hour or 90 minutes to shut my brain down. I’m a Sagittarius (fire sign) highly type A and slightly OCD, so any time I can get to shut my brain down and not think is my best self-care. If you can get any meditative time in your day, quietly outside of your thoughts - do it - it’s completely regenerative!
Growing up, did you participate in any organized sports, clubs and/or volunteer programs? How do you think these activities helped shape you as a person?
Yes, I was the girl who wanted to be involved in everything. I loved everything and had such a curiosity to learn - people are my happy place. I thrive when I’m around people. It is the same drive I have today. Trying everything, I tried out for sports, when I was super uncoordinated, I organized clubs, like the International Club in my high school, I was an executive on Student Council, traveled all around the world. It has been the reason I love people, diversity and seeing how far I can push myself!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Keep being you, don’t worry about what people think or do, they’re not you!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone thinking about starting their own company?
Know that it will take time, patience, you plant a seed and need to give it the time, love and space to grow!
Nancy, WE SEE YOU!! We recognize your ability to see and know that ALL women deserve to feel amazing wearing quality clothing that has style and shows off their personality. We are inspired by the amazing business woman you are. We celebrate how you are providing inclusive styling to women on a global scale. We honor your compassion and desire to pay it forward. You are beyond impressive.
Nancy is a powerhouse entrepreneur who exemplifies what it means to walk and create within one’s purpose!
Check out her website at https://curveswithpurpose.com/ to learn more about her company and shop her amazing fashions. Don’t forget to show her some support by following her on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
