Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatimah Muhammad
Hi Fatimah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I come from a legacy of entrepreneurship and community service. My father owned three neighborhood grocery stores and founded the Farmers Market on Broadway, here in Hyde Park, in the 1960s, ensuring fresh, locally sourced food was accessible to our community. My mother made history as the first Black woman to serve as Alderwoman in Pine Lawn, shaping policies that uplifted residents. Growing up in this environment, I learned that business isn’t just about profit—it’s about people, sustainability, and transformation. As a social, transformational, entrepreneur, I believe in reimagining how businesses operate, ensuring they serve not only their owners but also their communities and ecosystems.
With that foundation, I’ve committed myself to revitalizing access to fresh, wholesome food and creating economic opportunities in North St. Louis. Over the years, our community has lost vital markets, leaving residents with limited options. Be Well Grocery and the Hyde Park Farmers Market are my answer to that challenge. We’re bringing back what my father and so many others built—creating a space where local farmers, food entrepreneurs, and residents can connect over fresh, culturally diverse, and nutritious foods. But Be Well is about more than food; it’s about opportunity, economic growth, and rebuilding a sense of community. That’s why we’ve also developed a culinary incubator and coworking space—an entrepreneurial hub where small food businesses and aspiring chefs can access a certified kitchen, training, and resources to turn their ideas into sustainable ventures.
To further support entrepreneurs and foster a thriving ecosystem, we are developing Apiary at the Park, a coliving space designed for innovators, creatives, and small business owners who want to grow their ventures while being part of a supportive community. This space will provide affordable housing, shared resources, and a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs can live, work, and build together. This journey is about restoring a legacy and shaping a future where access to fresh, wholesome food and economic opportunity is a right, not a privilege. Through partnerships, education, and empowerment, we’re proving that business can be a force for good. Be Well Grocery, the Farmers Market, the culinary incubator, and Apiary at the Park are more than just places—they are movements for change. I invite you to be part of this transformation—shop with us, support our mission, and help us build a stronger, healthier Hyde Park.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges—some expected, others completely unpredictable. One of the biggest setbacks was navigating the aftermath of COVID-19. City offices were closed or operating at a crawl, making it nearly impossible to move forward with permits, inspections, and approvals. Reliable and affordable contractors were scarce, and the cost of building materials skyrocketed, pushing our budget to the limit. Even now, the workforce has changed dramatically—finding experienced and dependable professionals has become increasingly difficult.
Starting and sustaining a 501(c)(3) nonprofit like Be Well Café adds another layer of complexity. Access to funding is always a challenge, particularly for minority-led organizations, and securing capital without taking on excessive debt required persistence and creativity. Infrastructure improvements in historic buildings added another hurdle, as we had to balance preservation with modern functionality. Additionally, overcoming food access barriers in a community that has been neglected for decades meant earning trust, educating residents on the benefits of local and fresh food, and ensuring affordability while remaining financially sustainable.
Despite these hurdles, every challenge has reinforced my commitment to this mission. The setbacks have pushed me to think more strategically, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for systemic changes that make it easier for small businesses and nonprofits to thrive. While the road hasn’t been smooth, the destination—a healthier, more connected, and economically vibrant Hyde Park—is worth every obstacle.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I founded Be Well Café, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to create a sustainable, community-driven food ecosystem that empowers Black and Brown farmers, growers, and entrepreneurs. At its core, Be Well is about access, opportunity, and transformation—we provide fresh, wholesome food through our grocery store and farmers market, while also offering business development support through our culinary incubator and coworking spaces. Our mission is not just about selling food; it’s about building economic resilience, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring that fresh, culturally relevant food is accessible to everyone in Hyde Park and beyond.
What sets Be Well apart is our commitment to food justice and economic empowerment. We specialize in supporting foodpreneurs—small, independent food businesses, especially those owned by minority entrepreneurs—by providing affordable retail space, commercial kitchen facilities, and business training. Our Farmers Market connects local growers directly with the community, while Be Well Grocery offers fresh, locally sourced produce, pantry staples, and culturally diverse products that reflect the heritage and needs of our neighborhood. We are creating an entrepreneurial hub where food makers can launch, test, and grow their businesses in a space designed to support their success.
I am most proud of the impact Be Well is making—reviving a legacy of fresh food access, creating jobs, and providing opportunities for food entrepreneurs to thrive. We are proving that a neighborhood-based, Black-led initiative can drive economic change while improving health and well-being. Be Well isn’t just a business—it’s a movement, a return to community-centered food systems, and a model for how local food and entrepreneurship can transform lives. I want people to know that when they support Be Well, they’re not just buying food—they’re investing in a stronger, healthier, and more connected future for Hyde Park.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network can be incredibly valuable—but only if you are crystal clear about your vision and intentions. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that well-meaning people will often try to reshape your dream into something that aligns with their perspective, experiences, or goals. While mentorship and advice are important, you have to stay focused on your mission. Be open to guidance, but trust yourself—you received this vision for a reason. It wasn’t given to anyone else, and it didn’t come by osmosis. It came to you because you are the one meant to bring it to life.
For me, mentorship and networking have worked best when I seek out people who truly understand my mission and respect the integrity of my vision. That’s why I surround myself with entrepreneurs, community leaders, and advocates who believe in the power of economic transformation through food and business ownership. My business coach, Sonja Thompkins, has helped me refine my strategy without diluting my purpose, and the relationships I’ve built with other Black and Brown entrepreneurs, urban growers, and changemakers have reinforced the importance of collaborating without compromising.
My advice? Be intentional. Know what you need, and don’t be afraid to walk away from advice that doesn’t align with your mission. Seek out mentors who challenge you to grow but don’t try to change your core purpose. And when it comes to networking, build relationships with those who share your values—because the right connections will not only support you but will also help you amplify your impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bewellcafe.org
- Instagram: @bewellcafestl
- Facebook: @BeWellCafe.
