Meet Yolanda Monahan

We were lucky to catch up with Yolanda Monahan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Yolanda, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
The source of my resilience, which has enabled me to overcome challenges and pursue my entrepreneurial journey with YoBandz LLC, can be influenced by various factors and experiences in my life. It starts with my personal determination to succeed and overcome obstacles. Which leads into my family upbringing and cultural background. My parents has instilled values of perseverance, hard work, which has emphasized the importance of my resilience as a key to success.
My past experiences of overcoming adversity and/or challenges in my personal life and career has built resilience. It has taught me valuable lessons and developed my ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks. Each challenge that I overcome provides valuable experience and strengthens my ability to handle future obstacles.
The guidance and support of mentors, advisors, and supportive networking has contributed to my resilience. Learning from others who have faced similar challenges can be empowering. I have attended an Entrepreneurs Bootcamp for a week, and I learned what I didn’t know and have applied this to my business.
I am very passionate about what I do and am likely to persevere through difficulties. Having a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose is very rewarding at the end. In all, having a positive mindset, characterized by optimism and the ability to see opportunities in challenges enables me to adapt and find solutions even in difficult situations.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
What began as a personal quest to find a solution to the discomfort caused by traditional headbands quickly transformed into a thriving business venture. As a passionate Women Owned Business, a Latina entrepreneur, I have set out to design headbands that were not only stylish but also pain-free. Like many, I wear headbands to keep the hair out of my face, but after experiencing discomfort from traditional headbands myself, I found that they were very uncomfortable causing pain behind the ears, and they would slip off my head because they were either too big or too small. I knew there had to be a better way and that is when the idea for YoBandz was born… After my customer research, I discovered that people had the same problem as I did.
One day I noticed that I had a drawer full of headbands that I couldn’t wear, but I didn’t want to throw them away because they were so cute.
I then decided to cut one of the elastic headbands and sewed clips on each end. I then wore it to work for 10 hours and forgot that I even had it on until some co-workers had asked, “Hey Yo, where did you get that headband from” and I told them that I made it, and that is when YoBandz was born!
By merging the headband and hair clips together, my headbands are bendable and forms around the individuals head and as we all know, everyone’s head size is different, and the added clip-on barrettes on each end keeps it from slipping off. YoBandz headbands feature an innovative design that ensures a secure, slip-proof fit. The clip-on barrettes on each end make them easy to attach and remove, sparing wearers from the constant adjustments often required with traditional headbands. My innovative Pain-free, Slip-proof, comfortable headbands eliminates pressure behind the ears while allowing individuals to express their unique style and no more headaches.
What sets YoBandz apart is not just their comfort but also their commitment to inclusivity. These headbands are suitable for all ages and genders, allowing everyone to embrace self-expression confidently. They’re more than just accessories; they’re statements of style and comfort.
My sales are direct to consumers thru Farmers Markets, my website and Amazon.com
Beyond fashion, YoBandz LLC is in the process of working with Tradewinds on the first steps of the manufacturing. Tradewinds is an agency in NWI that provides services and employs people with physical disabilities. I believe that a successful business should give back to the community that supports it. “It’s not just about selling headbands; it’s about making a positive impact,”
As a Latina entrepreneur, I am proud to represent diversity and inclusion in the business world. My journey is an inspiring testament to the potential for individuals of all backgrounds to create innovative solutions and build successful ventures.
My family, friends and customers are my biggest supports because they know that I have a vision for a comfortable fitting headband. YoBandz LLC is more than just a business; it’s a movement that prioritizes comfort, style, and inclusivity. To experience the comfort revolution for yourself, visit [www.yobandz.com] and explore the diverse range of headbands that YoBandz has to offer.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My journey with YoBandz LLC has been shaped by innovation, a customer-centric approach, and resilience. 1. My ability to innovate and solve a common problem—discomfort caused by traditional headbands—has been a driving force in my success. My clip-on headbands with a pain-free design are a testament to my innovative approach.
2. My commitment to understanding my customers’ needs and delivering a product that prioritizes their comfort and style has been a cornerstone of my success. This customer-centric approach has helped me build a loyal customer base.
3. My ability to persevere through challenges and adapt to changing circumstances has been instrumental in my journey. Starting and growing a business involves ups and downs, and my resilience has helped me navigate these fluctuations.
Early-stage entrepreneurs can benefit from developing these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge. By focusing on innovation, prioritizing customer needs, and cultivating resilience, they can enhance their chances of success and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship more effectively.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Staying competitive in a crowded market can be a challenge. Trying to grow my brand awareness for YoBandz is one of my biggest challenges and the second one is manufacturing. Growing brand my awareness for YoBandz requires a strategic approach that combines marketing, engagement, and storytelling. I am currently demonstrating my product at Farmers Markets and posting reels on TikTok.
I must keep in mind that brand awareness is built over time and have to be patient and persistent in my efforts. As I implement these strategies, regularly assess their effectiveness, and adjust as needed to achieve optimal results.
As far as the manufacturing process is concerned, I am currently manufacturing the headbands in my home and due to the funds, I would like to outsource to a manufacturing company like Tradewinds full-time.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Yo Monahan

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