One of my favorite online magazines is Bauce (pronounced like Boss)
Magazine, formally known as Liberette Magazine. I impatiently waited for Bauce
to launch and and when it did, it came fierce and fantastic. Great articles
that discuss everything from the hustle and grind of young women, politics,
healthy living, fashion, literature, and music. One of the articles I got to
read as about three young Detroit women, Lauren, Brittany, and Courtney, who
started Young Ambitious and Beautiful (YAB) a personal
and professional development network for women of color that pushes them to be
empowered and the best woman they can be — in every aspect of their lives.
After reading the article I contacted the ladies for an interview for the blog
and they were definitely down for sharing about their passion and
entrepreneurial pursuit. This is what I got to phind out about YAB.
Phreedum: When did you first know you wanted to
start YAB? (What did you feel was missing and what did you think you
could offer?)
YAB: We knew we first wanted to start YAB when we realized that all
of our peers (including ourselves) were taking large leaps towards success yet
they weren't connecting with one another nor were they really being highlighted
in a strong manner. We felt that there was a disconnect and that we could offer
a unique technique to rectifying this lack of a network. That is when we came
together to form YAB in order to promote this particular segment of women that
are making amazing strides with different successful ventures.
Phreedum: What has been a highlight for you
since starting YAB?
YAB: A highlight for us since starting YAB would have to be
receiving our first magazine feature. Many times you will find that successful
individuals in the entertainment industry always mention that getting their
first gig was the highlight of their career. We feel the same way in regards to
YAB receiving our first magazine feature. It was the first time someone took a
chance on our business and saw its true potential. The feeling you get when
your accomplishments are first showcased to others when you are merely starting
from scratch is a feeling that is irreplaceable.
Phreedum: How would each founding member of YAB
describe themselves in 5 words?
Lauren: Tenacious, frank, humorous, chic, challenging
Brittany: Ambitious, funny, unpredictable, determined, fabulous
Courtney: Determined, dedicated, ambitious, caring, proud
Phreedum: What has been one of the biggest
lessons starting YAB has taught you?
YAB: One of the biggest lessons starting YAB has taught us is that possibility
comes from persistence.
If we would have given up after contacting potential businesses or potential
interns and not hearing back from them, we would have no YAB. Instead, we
tailored our approach and ultimately there was a better outcome. We received
participation from potential business venture partners and initiated a program
for female high school students to intern for us.
Phreedum: How does your work change the lives of
others?
YAB: Our work changes the lives of others because it allows for
viewing unforeseen opportunities that are not typically portrayed in the
spotlight in today's society. Today, we always hear about the negative aspects
of the African American female community. Outside of Michelle Obama, women in
sports, and glamorized celebrities, where do the rest of us stand? Are we to be
defined by reality tv stars and their depictions of our so-called
"lifestyles" or do we limit our access to role models? YAB wants to
give young women of color on the track to success the chance to be the role
models. We want them to be the change. There shouldn't be just one Oprah, there
should be a network of Oprahs.
Phreedum: What are some of the
sacrifices you've had to make?
YAB: Some of the sacrifices we've had to make are sacrificing our
time and relationships. It is possible to maintain the same relationships
you've had before; however, it just takes a lot more effort and scheduling. Due
to the impact and growth of YAB in such a short amount of time, our schedules
are a lot less flexible. We do still have social and personal lives but at
times we have to remember that there is a goal bigger than us ahead that we
want to achieve, which means making sacrifices now to reap the benefits later.
We also have to sacrifice distance because as of now, we need to be able to
live within the same region of the country because it is more beneficial for
the growth of YAB. To make a move to another coastal area or even country for
that matter could affect the business at a great cost.
Phreedum: What do you consider your greatest
resources?
YAB: Our greatest resources would have to be our social media links,
google, and our collegiate network. Our social media links have helped us
connect to multiple businesses, events, and opportunities that we can use as
well as share with others. Our social media links are basically the foundation
of our brand that helps us successfully implement our business' mission and
build our YAB network. Google helps us to do research and stay current on what
strides current young women of color are making historically daily. It also
helps us stay abreast on current news involving women's issues in health,
politics, and socio-economics. Our collegiate network has actually been one of
our greatest supporters. Between spreading the word and attending our events,
our college peers have shown so much appreciation for the YAB movement and we
are so thankful for the support.
Phreedum: How do you define success?
YAB: We define success as making a difference and accomplishing the
goals you put forth. If you have made an impact that was substantial enough to
see change, then that should be considered a successful task.
Phreedum: How do you stay inspired? motivated?
YAB: We stay inspired and motivated by constantly reminding
ourselves that we've come so far from are starting point already. We started
with just an idea and now we have 10 magazine features under our belt, hundreds
of followers on our social media links, and about 30 businesses as members of
our venture partnership. This is enough motivation to know that we can go even
further, it just takes time and patience.
Phreedum: How do you unwind and self care?
YAB: Each of us unwind by engaging in different personal
hobbies, many of that including traveling both in state and out of the country,
attending different events that keep us engaged in the community as well as are
enjoying reading for leisure, health and beauty spas, sporting activities such
as golf, sailing, etc, and seeking out spiritual guidance to maintain
self-awareness and sanity within a very busy and hectic schedule.
Phreedum: What one piece of advice do you hold
on to as you continue to pursue your work at YAB?
YAB: One piece of advice that we continue to hold on to as we
continue to pursue work with YAB is a quote by John Lennon: "A
dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is
reality."
Phreedum: What do you think people just don't
get about the work you do?
YAB: People don't seem to get that we are willing to do this for no
profit. Yes, eventually we want to take YAB to the next level where we will
gain lucrative assets from what we do but as for promoting the business
aesthetics of young women of color, we are not looking for any incentive. We
are passionate about our mission statement and we truly want to "lift as
we climb". We just want to see the success of others
highlighted more in everyday society because when one player scores, the whole
team wins...not an individual.
Phreedum: What have you found to be the advantage of
working as a team?
YAB: The advantage of working as a team is less liability and
responsibility. You are able to bounce ideas off of each other, utilize each
others' talents, and split the ownership and everything that comes with that
title.
Phreedum: What are the team dynamics like? Any
tips for effective team work?
YAB: For effective teamwork, we would definitely advise others to
designate roles and reinforce them. Each of us play vital roles in making YAB
successful. Between managing social media, public relations, membership,
interns, technology, and brand design, there are a lot of tasks that have to be
completed daily and with three people, you don't want tasks to get repeated. We
try to stick to our roles as much as possible but also help each other complete
tasks when one has a busier schedule that particular day or week. Lauren
handles the social media and public relations, Brittany handles the membership
and interns, and Courtney handles the technology and design.
Phreedum: What advice would you give to other
entrepreneurs?
YAB: Our advice to other entrepreneurs is to 1. Know the difference
between a business plan and a business proposal, 2. See your entrepreneurial
dream manifested mentally and visually in the long-term in order to accomplish
the short-term, 3. Remember that passion drives ambition
To phind out more about YAB visit www.iamyab.org or follow them on twitter @iamyab3
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