Meet Yaya, currently living in New York City. Yaya holds many hats from entrepreneurship to production. She is the person connecting the dots. This story was submitted in collaboration with ENVSN.
Where are you from?
Santiago, Dominican Republic & Uptown, NYC
What did you study in school and why?
I’m a college drop out, but I was a liberal arts major focusing on the arts and marketing.
Where do you live today?
The amazing borough of Brooklyn.
What is your job/career?
I’m a fixer and entrepreneur. I tap in and out of different projects at different capacities- mainly focusing on clients in the lifestyle and footwear brand space, as well as women’s focused start up’s. Sometimes I’m an Experiential Producer, Other times I’m a Creative, and lot of the time I’m a dot connector, but currently I find my self planning for the future and shooting a lot of shots.
What is a challenge you have faced or currently face and how are you overcoming it?
I’ve led teams before for other people, but now that I have more of my own clients and different teams working around varied initiatives I have to be in control and make sure everyones happy. At first it felt overwhelming but I’ve found that sometimes letting go and asking for help is ok and that perfection is based on perception.
What does it mean for you to be powerful?
I think power is a transcending emotion that we have the ability to reflect on one another. Power is always in a place where it can be used for something, and the beholder has to be wise on how to use it. I think the greatest display of power is empowering others and being a piece or the foundation to things greater than just one self.
Do you have a favorite product or item you love that makes you feel great?
I’ve been really loving EB kicks , my current fave shoe cleaner (i clean like 20+ pairs in one day because it really does work). I’ve also been doing some bomb pony pails and using my Baby Tress brush religiously.
What are your passions, hobbies, interests?
I love listening to music and downloading every album to review with my friends. -I’ve been known to love a vacation but really I’m just a fan of beaches, adventure and water. I’m a Sagittarius I was born to be free. I also love clothes and specially shoes and purses so i’m always hunting something down. -The act of learning for me is a constant focus, I want to know everything I possibly can about the most random things. When I become curious about something I must learn every detail.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Do the work.