Beena Yusuf
Nationality | American |
Birth Date | February 18 |
Birth Place | Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
Occupation | Magazine Editor, International Designer |
Known for | She Magazine USA (CEO & Editor-in-Chief), B.Poshi (Founder & Designer) |
Website | shemagazineusa.com |
Beena Yusuf is a prominent American magazine editor, international fashion designer, and dynamic entrepreneur. She is best known for her role as the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of She Magazine USA, a leading publication focusing on women’s lifestyle, fashion, and empowerment. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, to Pakistani immigrant parents, Yusuf’s journey from a prison counselor to the founder of her own couture brand, B.Poshi, showcases her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Her designs have gained international recognition, and she has been featured in major media outlets. Yusuf is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, inclusivity, and diversity.
Early Life and Education
Beena Yusuf was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, to Pakistani immigrant parents. Her father, a former Pakistani army veteran, moved to the United States in the 1980s and later became a computer scientist. Growing up in a household that valued hard work and perseverance, Yusuf developed a strong drive to excel from an early age.
She attended elementary and high school in St. Louis, Missouri, and pursued higher education at the University of Kansas City-Missouri. Later, she moved abroad to Dubai, UAE, which became a pivotal point in her professional and personal journey.
Career
Early Career
Yusuf’s professional journey began in fields unrelated to fashion. She initially worked as a prison counselor, providing guidance to inmates, and later as a marketing director for Zap Medical Services, where she honed her skills in business and marketing.
Her move to Dubai in 2012 marked the beginning of her exploration of design. Before venturing into fashion, Yusuf worked for the State Department at the US Consulate-General in Dubai, handling administrative roles and meeting prominent figures, including former President Jimmy Carter.
Fashion Design
In 2015, Yusuf debuted as a Middle Eastern couture designer, founding her fashion brand, B.Poshi. Her designs blend Middle Eastern and South Asian influences, with a focus on traditional capes known as "bishts" and modern couture pieces. Her brand quickly gained recognition, dressing high-profile clients, including members of the UAE royal family, and featuring in prestigious events such as Pakistani Fashion Week and Elle Arabia 2018. She was named Best International Designer at Houston Fashion Week.
Media Leadership
In 2018, Yusuf transitioned into the media industry when invited to oversee She Magazine’s revival in the United States. Originally launched in the UK in 1955 and discontinued in 2011, the magazine was reimagined under Yusuf’s leadership as She Magazine USA. Today, it is a leading bi-monthly publication covering fashion, beauty, lifestyle, wellness, and entertainment. Yusuf has positioned the magazine as a platform for inclusivity and empowerment, featuring high-profile models, influencers, and global celebrities.
Personal Life
Beena Yusuf resides in Texas with her husband, Sunny Bali, a successful entrepreneur, and their daughter, born in 2022. Her journey has been marked by challenges, including a personal battle with a brain tumor, which she has openly shared as a testament to resilience and perseverance.
In the Media
Yusuf’s career and story have garnered attention in major publications such as Market Daily, The Chicago Journal, and New York Weekly. She has also been featured in Perez Hilton’s blog and Wall Street Times. Celebrated as a “shero,” Yusuf continues to inspire others with her dedication to breaking barriers in the fashion and media industries.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Through her work with She Magazine USA and B.Poshi, Yusuf advocates for women’s empowerment, inclusivity, and diversity. She is committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and supporting causes that uplift women globally.