Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolanda Perry.
Hi Yolanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Yolanda Perry Born in California residing, relocated to Houston approximately 13 years ago., I’ve always had an extreme passion for the beauty industry dating back to when I was very young. I have always felt a sense of extreme accomplishment when making a person feel more beautiful after a visit with me. Being licensed in the industry for 25 years in various states due to travels, I have found many ways of expounding on that since moving to Houston. Hosting an event for 6 years running now, called Muffins, Mimosas, Makeup and More.I designed this event around teaching the everyday woman makeup application, hair techniques more along with bringing local business entrepreneurs together as vendors, as well as extremely talented makeup artists in the Houston and surrounding areas. My desire to reach more entrepreneurs and continue to keep that unity going after the show was over prompted me to create an entrepreneurs focus group on Facebook called “BAE” . Which stands for Boss ASS Entrepreneurs!
Yes I had to put emphasis on that because the business of entrepreneurship is rough to say the least. BAE is designed to uplift and motivate new and old entrepreneurs to keep going. Myself along with a few appointed admins do this by posting daily affirmations, words of encouragement as well as our own testimonials. We meet in person through support of each others events or BAE focused gatherings. Also sometimes a happy hour, simply just to have fun and decompress.
Pushing my talents further in the industry I have now tried my hand in the cosmetic business. The name of my company is called Maven EFX LLC. With Maven EFX I have customized a cruelty free line of make brushes and brush cleansers. My Mariposa Minks, lash line along with latex free lash adhesives, and a limited vegan makeup line that I plan to increase in the future along a few other items found on my website.
Now on to another love of mine majoring in creative writing, I expounded on that by becoming a 5 time published author of Two urban Fiction/NonFiction novels “Tumultuous,” “Tumultuous Too,” Tumultuous The Apogee” which is motivational and inspirational Autobiography. Two childrens books, “The Little Black Girl That Could” And “Jayy Dynamite Do you Know What Girls Like?” All of which can be found on BarnsAndNoble.com or Amazon.com. (Shameless plug)
Discovering another way to bring another type of entrepreneurs together,”The book entrepreneur”. I Designed & Hosted along with author co-hostess, an event called Rhythm and Reads two years running now.
Rhythm and Reads allows authors of all types and genres to come together in a grown and sexy atmosphere and read intros of their books to intrigue the intrest of book readers while listening to the sultry sounds of a saxophonist or violinist.
Today, I’m still in the industry doing on location work as far as hair and makeup as well as in salon. Working on my 6th and 7th book, With plans to continue Rhythm and Reads along with Muffins, Mimosas, Makeup and More in the future and whatever else God says to do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been an easy road, and that’s putting it mildly. So many times on this road to entrepreneurship, I have doubted and 2nd guessed myself. One of the struggles I had to overcome was worrying about my age and saying ” If only I had did this when I was younger, I would be here or there” The biggest was “What would people think,or say” Which is the biggest dream killer of them all!
Having friends that would support you in foolishness, but disappear or not support the possibilities of a seed you planted hurts.Continuing to push against the grain in spite of that is very disheartening and can leave a less determined person to the demise of their dreams. Getting a couple of hundred likes on a photo that you post on social media vs that same support on a business post, or purchase from your business, which would be 10 out of that 100 to 200 is enough to make a person think ” Maybe this is not for me.”
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint. You have to be your own biggest cheerleader and to be able to stand alone at times.
It’s a fact you will lose friends and maybe even family. Also know that It may not take off right away, but your will has to outweigh the woes! Everyone’s not going to see your vision, is what I have learned and also, ” Do not to tell everyone your vision.” Lastly keep going! Don’t die crying. Die Trying!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Being a hairstylist, makeup artist, as well as a published author and small business owner, I feel I specialize in all of those things. In specializing that means I have to continue to study and learn. Thats the only way to grow and become better. Also being able to take criticism and not faint, but use it as fuel.
When tell you I love the journey that I am on I do! I am passionate to the utmost about my ventures and accolades, I put 100% into them all. What I’m probably known for is just that, along with the events that I have hosted and being somewhat of a socialite prior to covid. I’m also known for being very supportive of others and a go-getter.
Being very transparent in writing my books and getting feedback from readers saying how much it helped them, how they can relate,as well as how I’ve inspired them is a driving force. This brings me as much joy as a happy hair or makeup client client and really adds fuel to my entrepreneurial fire!
What sets me apart, and I’m sure that there are others as well that feel this way, but speaking for myself, I’m super duper driven, my desire is to see everyone succeed is the same as it is for myself. There’s not a need for me to make millions, but I am hell bent on not taking my gifts to the grave. Every gift God has given to me, I’m going to throw it up against the wall until it sticks. No matter the naysayers and I would advise all to do the same.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My book recommendations would be, the audible book，Mind of a Millionaress by Jewel Tankard, and The Entrepreneur Millionaire Mindset audible by Jeffrey Cook. To get me motivated whenever i need a push, I listen to alot of motivational talks with Steve Harvey and TD Jakes, to get my day going as well as daily affirmations.
I believe in the power of manifesting what I want. Creating vision boards is one of my ways of doing so. Proverbs 23;7 “For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he” You have to see the vision, believe the vision, pray on the vision as well as work on the vision repeatedly before the harvest.
Taking classes and going to seminars and hair shows is the way I keep up with the latest trends in the industry. YouTube for research, and apps like Canva, Viva Video are just a few that I use to create content for business and my social media platforms.
I’m a woman of faith and that’s what I truly stand on. That’s what helps me do my best in life and at work. You have to be a strong believer in yourself and a higher power because when friends and or family show no support during the road to entrepreneurship that’s where your help will be. Speaking life into yourself daily and even more so during the hardest times. “Don’t Die Crying, Die Trying”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mavenefxllc.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/yolanda_s.g.b.hair_mua | Instagram.com/thelittleblk_thatcould | Instagram.com/author_y.r.perry | Instagram.com/maven_efx_beauty1essentials
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MavenEFXLLC | https://www.facebook.com/Y.R.Perry
Image Credits
Touche’ Harvey
Pawel Lindsey
