Ferial Youakim’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and transformation. Born in a refugee camp with few opportunities and limited access to education, Youakim’s journey defies the odds. Her life’s work, including the creation of the 4X4 Color System® – 16 Seasons, is a testament to the power of persistence and belief in one’s potential. Today, Youakim is the founder of ByFERIAL Image & Color Institute, a global leader in image consulting and color analysis, and the President of Empower Global Group, a movement dedicated to empowering stylists, makeup artists, image consultants, and entrepreneurs worldwide.
Youakim’s early years were marked by hardship, but she refused to let her circumstances define her future. “I was born in a refugee camp with no education—but I rose, and now I help others rise too,” she says. It is this very spirit that drives her mission to help others rediscover their self-worth and align their inner identity with their outer image.
Through ByFERIAL and the Empower Global Group, Youakim has not only built a business but has cultivated a movement. She is the creator of the 4X4 Color System® – 16 Seasons, the only patent-pending, double board-certified color system in the world. This revolutionary system offers a level of structure, innovation, and global credibility unmatched by any other color analysis system. The 4X4 Color System® is designed to create clarity, accuracy, and lasting results, allowing individuals to not only look their best but feel their best too. (Note: The claims regarding the “4X4 Color System®” being patent-pending and double board-certified should be verified through official channels for full substantiation.)
Youakim’s work is not just about surface-level style—it is about deep, transformative change. “Style is not about what you wear. It’s about how you show up—confident, aligned, and unstoppable,” she states. Her approach combines Personality DNA™ with Style & Color Energy, creating lasting transformation from the inside out. She works with a diverse range of clients, from celebrities and professionals to everyday women who are seeking to find their voice and confidence. Her method is deeply holistic, taking into account not only a person’s appearance but their emotional and psychological alignment as well.
In addition to her work with individuals, Youakim’s Empower Global Group is creating a ripple effect of change worldwide. Through the group, stylists, makeup artists, and consultants are receiving the tools, mindset, and mentorship they need to succeed. These professionals are equipped to deliver not just style and color advice, but to help their clients achieve a sense of purpose and confidence in their own skin.
Beyond her accomplishments in the color and image industry, Youakim’s personal story serves as an inspiration to many. “This isn’t just business—it’s my life’s mission,” she explains. “It’s about freedom, confidence, and purpose. And I’m here to help others rise with me.”
Youakim’s work has earned recognition on a global scale. She served as the President of AICI International and was nominated for Australian of the Year, further solidifying her position as a leader in the image consulting and personal development industry. However, her proudest achievement is the impact she has had on her clients’ lives. “The 4X4 Color System® is more than just color—it’s a movement of transformation, empowerment, and global connection,” she says. Her work is proof that no dream is too big and no beginning too small.
Her story is detailed in her book, Beyond Beauty: A Refugee’s Journey in Pursuit of Happiness, available on Amazon, and serves as a message of hope, resilience, and possibility for others who may be facing their own challenges.
Ferial Youakim’s journey from a refugee camp to a global leader in the image industry is more than just an inspiring tale—it is a testament to the power of transformation through color, style, and self-confidence. Her story reminds us all that no matter where we start, we can rise, align our inner and outer selves, and create lives full of purpose and empowerment.
For more information on Ferial Youakim and ByFERIAL Image & Color Institute, visit www.byferial.com.