“Any time is a good time to start a business. Growth can be uncomfortable, but when we are able to lean into our discomforts and vulnerabilities, we are given endless opportunities to improve. Consistent hard work and persistence leads to success, there really are no rules or formulas, whether you’re an entrepreneur, solopreneur, or artist, you must put in the time and be patient.” says Fatima Hasan Callahan, Managing Director of Blue Line Security Solutions, a woman- and minority-owned and certified private security company headquartered near Chicago, Illinois.
A trailblazing illustration of transformational leadership is Fatima Hasan-Callahan. Fatima is a leader who constantly seeks to uplift, support, and inspire her team. Establishing a strong sense of community and culture, empowering teams with autonomy and responsibility, and setting a good example are, as she explains, all foundational facets to growing a business.
Fatima’s Story: How Did She Get Started?
Ever since she was a young child, Fatima has been interested in business and has always wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Fatima had known from an early age that she wanted to launch her own company and become a business entrepreneur. This drive existed even before she was aware of the definition of the term “entrepreneur.”
Fatima was always a great student, and she excelled, especially in literature and writing. Her parents constantly emphasized the importance of education to her, but Fatima also spent much of her youth involved in sports such as martial arts, lacrosse, and dance. Her curiosity around business inspired her to get significantly involved in her parent’s food manufacturing company, American Kitchen Delights, which is still in operation in Harvey, Illinois. They will be celebrating 40 years as a family-owned and privately held business in 2026.
“My parents have always encouraged me to follow my passions and take calculated risks. When I started my music media company in college, The Good Music Collectiv, my parents were two of my biggest supporters alongside my closest friends and now husband,” says Fatima.
Something momentous also happened to Fatima when she was a sophomore at Lake Forest College. After being in an accident, her father needed emergency surgery. Fatima continued her education as a part-time student to concentrate on leading the family business. She says, “My father recovered and went back to work after several months. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, and it was one of the most notable growth periods in my life. I finished my undergraduate as a part-time student, at nighttime my mother would guide me on how to take over the company finances, and I was working alongside my father managing the overall business.” Fatima graduated from Lake Forest College in 2018 as a member of three honor societies (economics, communication, and leadership), and was awarded the Senior Prize in Communication.
When Fatima and others decided to establish Blue Line Security Solutions, she recounts, “I felt we were prepared to do the necessary work. I was also aware of our special qualities and skills that set us apart from others. We have a similar mindset in terms of transparency, a strong focus on customer service, and investing in a team that is dedicated and skilled,” expresses Fatima. She was inspired to be a part of Blue Line Security Solutions because she believed in the organization from the very onset.
Blue Line Security Solutions is an esteemed minority- and woman-owned and certified business. Fatima says, “We took the time to establish our strategy and intention when the company started; we were chasing a vision, and wanted to create an organization that was different from the others. We were willing to outwork and outlearn everyone when it came to our business.”
With over 80+ years of law enforcement and business experience combined, the privately owned and insured security firm offering various security-related services was founded in 2017.
Today, Fatima and Jack, her business partner, are forging a path forward for Blue Line Security Solutions to grow nationwide. Their intent is to continue providing excellent and cutting-edge customer service in addition to stable employment with competitive compensation.
Innovative Teams Transform Cultures
Fatima believes that Blue Line Security Solutions is where it is now because everyone on the team has put in tremendous effort to realize their common goal. She claims that a team is always responsible for doing big things in business. Fatima says, “Our management team is unbelievable, and I am grateful to work with such talented and dedicated leaders. We are continuing to find new ways to integrate new technology into our operations to improve our ability to serve our clients. As we keep moving forward with Blue Line Security Solutions, we are all having a great time. Together, we have experienced a great deal over the years. We are now more than just a group of teammates.”
Challenges Foster Strength and Resilience
Fatima explains that facing obstacles can strengthen you in a variety of ways. Managing expanding companies with limited resources, striking a healthy work-life balance, and enduring the coronavirus pandemic without a lapse in service are just a few of the difficulties she has encountered in her career. It’s vital to approach things one day at a time. “You must keep giving your all to your work and maintain your faith in yourself and your people in the face of adversity. When starting a business, you have to embrace the financial risk and challenge of working with limited resources. That is why it is crucial to ask questions, research, and surround yourself with likeminded individuals who are keen on gaining knowledge and supporting each other,” she continues.
Challenges force you to use your imagination and are an excellent method to learn new skills and maintain humility. They also increase your appreciation for your accomplishments and progress. According to Fatima, everybody has a different idea of success. For her, success is a mindset and an attitude. She says, “It means loving and being happy with what I do each day.” It entails improving our communities and other people’s lives.
Dedicated and Involved
Fatima loves the variety of her workdays at Blue Line Security Solutions. She works from almost any place, which gives her more independence and flexibility when needed.
“It all depends on what is going on with the businesses,” says Fatima. At Blue Line Security Solutions, Fatima is involved in several crucial realms, including insurance, regulatory compliance, integrated communication and marketing, innovation, strategic planning and expansion efforts, and anything else related to administrative, operational, or financial management. Fatima asserts, “My business partner and I prioritize implementing appropriate systems and procedures throughout the organization. I work on anything that may need to be done to ensure the business runs smoothly, is positioned for growth, and that our employees and clients are served at the highest level.”
Staying Motivated by Balancing Work and Personal Life
Fatima creates a healthy work-life balance by implementing the proper routines and habits. She has also discovered the need for time management, organization, setting priorities, and taking things one step at a time.
Fatima also learned to work from anywhere as she ensures that almost everything is accessible digitally. She shares, “I utilize Google Calendar for extensive planning and scheduling. I use alarms and reminders on my phone, which keep me on track. My husband also instinctively knows when to pull me away from my computer on those late work nights!” she jokes. Fatima also unwinds by spending time with her five dogs and eight parrots, and she hopes to soon establish a non-profit animal sanctuary in her hometown.
Empowering Women to Take Ownership and Lead
In today’s corporate world, Fatima believes that women need to be adaptable and willing to speak up. Fatima said that women need to be ready to face challenges. It’s crucial to always stand tall and confident in the face of challenges. She encourages women to share their meaningful and unique perspectives because they are invaluable in today’s work environment.
The recruiting and advancement policies of Blue Line Security Solutions are set up in such a way that gives employees from diverse backgrounds fair opportunities for career growth and personal development. “I think it’s the responsibility of today’s leaders to improve their workplaces and industries,” she says. “Being a leader is a duty to others, not an advantage to oneself. Our team takes great pride in advancing individuals of diversified backgrounds and experiences in the industry, and many hold crucial positions in management and leadership across the whole operation. Our company runs effectively because of their experience, input, and essential work,” asserts Fatima.
Future Vision
Fatima continues to have a very distinct and positive outlook on the future as Blue Line Security Solutions expands nationally. She says, “I value collaboration and feedback because everyone has a voice and meaningful perspectives. I like picking up new skills and areas of interest from others. I love asking questions, exploring curiosities, and learning about the stories and experiences of those around me.”
Websites
- blsecurity.org (Company)
- goodmusiccollectiv.com (Company)
- akdi.com (Company)
