Founded in 2020, YANY Beauty serves the dual purposes of providing women of color with clean skincare and beauty products and to support other indie beauty brands. In this week’s Her Story Q&A, CEO and founder, Yaminah Childress shares her “aha” moment that led her to fundraising, the importance of just “going for it” when starting a woman-owned business and her commitment to giving back. To learn more, read her blog here:
...I know that if I want to create a business that is truly a legacy, I do need support, and that’s why I decided to raise funds through Wefunder.
Can you identify a moment in your business that was pivotal in your success? Have you had an “AHA!” moment(s)
My ‘’aha’ moment was very recent, maybe 6 months ago. When I first started my business, I wanted to create a legacy business for my family, and didn’t want the help of others (financially) because I was afraid of losing control of the business. (I’ve heard horror stories). But now I know that if I want to create a business that is truly a legacy, I do need support, and that’s why I decided to raise funds through Wefunder, the crowdfunding for equity platform.
Do you want to support? Click the link below:
How long have you been in business and has your business changed since you started it?
I’ve officially been in business since late 2020. Since that time, we have made many changes. What started as a beauty supply store with a small variety of our own branded products has since turned into a specialty retail store where we have over 100 products, showcase other clean indie beauty brands, and have merged our beauty brand with technology to create immersive experiences.
Do you have items, photos or mementos on your desk that inspire you each day? What are they?
The items are not on my desk but they are in my office and they are my plant babies. My office is filled with live plants because just looking at them in the sunlight brings me calm and joy during a long work day.
Know that when you start, your business will not be perfect, but as you go you will find your footing and iterate to create your best business. Oh and don’t be afraid to fail, because “failures” are only lessons to be better.
Do you have any advice for other women who are getting started in business?
Go for it! Know that when you start, your business will not be perfect, but as you go you will find your footing and iterate to create your best business. Oh and don’t be afraid to fail, because “failures” are only lessons to be better.
Is there a non-profit or other social/mission-oriented business that your business supports? Can you tell us about this?
Yes. I have always been a social entrepreneur. I also am a nonprofit founder so everything I do has a social mission. I launched Yany Foundation to provide access to education, resources, and career development for the next generation of beauty founders.
Thank you, Yaminah, for sharing your inspiring journey with the WMarketplace!
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Launched in 2020, TheWMarketplace is a nationwide e-commerce marketplace for women-owned businesses to sell their products and professional and personal services. Offering favorable terms to its sellers, it also is a supportive community of women entrepreneurs that have access to learning opportunities through the trademarked HER-Commerce™ programs. With over 500 women-owned businesses selling 4000+ products and services ranging from home goods to coaching, in over 35 states, TheWMarketplace empowers shoppers with a new way to find the communities they want to support, including Black-woman owned, Latina-owned, AAPI-owned, Veteran woman-owned, and more. The Her Story Q&A is one benefit TheWMarketplace provides to sellers.
