Life and Work with Kendrienne “Yanni” Moore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendrienne “Yanni” Moore.

Kendrienne “Yanni”, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
If you would have asked me 15 years ago if I thought I’d be where I am now, the answer would be a solid NO! At that time, I was transitioning into my new home with my dad and stepmom. *inserts scared emoji* You would think the story takes a turn for the worst here, but thankfully it doesn’t. It was just the opposite. Moving with my dad and stepmom, which we like to call her Mom Dukes, was probably the best decision that could have been made for me. Moving with them brought me more family, new opportunities and a new start of making the best of my life. Just to give you a peek into what I mean:
I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but got a chance to move to Houston, Tx.
I graduated high school.
Went to college!
Became a woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. during my sophomore year.
Graduated college.
Acquired an internship with Nordstrom, which opened so many doors and allowed me to meet so many people, including my fiancé!
None of that would have happened if I wasn’t blessed with a fresh start.
Has it been easy? Absolutely not! But God!

Has it been a smooth road?
Yes, if smooth is spelled S-T-R-U-G-G-L-E B-U-S.
I saw a post recently that said, “adulting is like crossing the street, looking both ways and getting hit by an airplane.” Sums my life up in a nutshell. But in all seriousness, being an adult has definitely been the most challenging and stretching season of my life. You have this fairytale idea that once you graduate college that you’ll be making the big bucks, going on trips with your girlfriends, and balling out. That just wasn’t my life. There were times I struggled with not having what my friends had, or not being where I “thought I should be.” It affected me in many ways and a lot of times left me feeling less than. Don’t let what you see other with or doing make you feel like you’re missing out. Something I have to constantly tell myself is I am Yanni all by myself. I am Yanni like no one else. There is a shift when you stop comparing your journey to others.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve been blessed with things that I’ve been able to do like truly experience Disney World, traveling to different places, and being exposed to amazing people along the way. Sometimes I wonder how I was able to do those things, but then I remember Who’s in control. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by friends and family that have always pointed me back to the Word of God. It has truly been the thing that has kept me from losing my marbles.

Word of advice to anyone, get around people who will point you in the right direction. It makes the world of difference. Recently listened to a sermon from Pastor Michael Todd and he said something to the effect of “make destiny decision, not temporary ones.” Think about your future and how your decisions now can and will affect your future.

Tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’ve recently been blessed with the career of my dreams. But I’ll give you some background about where I’m coming from. After college, I was accepted into the Nordstrom internship and was beyond excited because there were only about eight of us. It was a huge deal, considering all the odds. After the internship, I continued to work for the company and managed to get promoted about 4 times in the span of 4 years. During those last 2 and a half years, yes it took me a while, I finally got the courage to admit that I wasn’t happy. Since I was in the 3rd grade I’ve always loved children and during those low times at Nordstrom, my purpose became even more clear. Whether I was helping a customer find a fragrance, an outfit or a last-minute gift I’d always stop and play with their child. I couldn’t help but acknowledge the kiddos, even before the paying customers at times. I knew that I wasn’t supposed to be at Nordstrom for the rest of my life and that my season had ended. In June of 2017, I entered an alternative teaching certification program to begin a career in education that I was meant to do. After a long journey, I was offered a teaching position in August of 2018. Although that season was a whirlwind it was the best thing that happened to me. I am proud to admit that I am now a 2nd-grade teacher that enjoys pouring into and shaping the minds of our future. My favorite part about being a teacher are those small moments when a struggling student finally gets it, or when I get to help shift the attitude, confidence or perspective of my students. It’s really awesome. My goal is to truly impact young girls and instill in them at a young age that they’re beautiful, they matter and can do anything they truly desire.

On a personal side, I’ve had this dream of creating a blog and using a skill I’ve been gifted from my sister. What’s that skill you ask? Uhhhhh. Mixing and matching clothes in my wardrobe to bamboozle people in thinking that I have more clothes that I do. It’s fun! If you ask someone, they’d probably tell you that I’m always dressed. Which, if I’m honest, is true because you never know who you’ll meet. I’m a self-proclaimed model in my head and I treat every hallway and sidewalk like my runway, so a girl has to be ready. Starting a blog is terrifying but that’s on my to-do list. Let me pass all my certification tests, get married and then I’ll get that ball rolling. Lol.

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
With the changing times, it is more encouraging to know that a woman, with some determination, thick skin and fight, can do ANYTHING she puts her mind to. I think women are truly underestimated and could offer so much more to the world. We just need to take a deep breath, get past that awkward moment of things not being the same, and stop fighting the inevitable. We’re getting closer to that day! *fingers crossed*

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impeccablyflawed/

Image Credit:
Brittney Feliciano

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