We’re looking forward to introducing you to Yayi Dia. Check out our conversation below.
Yayi, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am being called to create by any means necessary. Creating freely has not always existed in my world. Art was not always considered of value. I thought that with everything that I was skilled at, none of them really constituted art or creating. I learned that I was completely wrong. Creating feeds my soul in countless ways.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey hey! My name is Yayi Dia, and I am a model, a creative, a PR princess, and an academic scholar! My magnetism, visions, and and strategies are all constituent to my “brand” — and ultimately, my brand is ME! I have been an entrepreneur and business owner since I was 15 years old — from hair braiding, to Mind Over Matter LLC, — the mental health focused organization and podcast, to event curation, a fragrance collection, Airbnb hosting, and more! All of those things have ultimately guided me to be the model, the ultimate marketing girly, and an emerging brand strategist that I am today.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Who I was before the world told me who I had to be is exactly who I am “re-discovering” in this present moment. I was frankly just a girl. A girl with flowing streams of consciousness (and therefore, an ever flowing conversationalist). A girl with all the all over the place ideas and a laugh that fills the room. A bold and assertive (some might say bossy) girl, who is unapologetic about her desires and her path to get there! A girl who was not in the slightest afraid of being perceived because it was HER world, duh! I was exactly who I thought I was, with a heart to inspire others to self-fulfill their life’s purpose(s) all the same!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would hug her tightly and tell her: “Be kinder to yourself! You have nothing to worry about, so just be present.”
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! And sometimes, a little too real. I have a big personality, and it is so much work to try and package that up for the world in a way that I cannot maintain. So while the public version of me has been many things amazing, some days have just been sweatpants and a sick ‘tude.
I think so many of my desires in this life have the underlying want for existing simply, just being as I am.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I am gone, I hope that my authenticity and zest for life resonates with and excites people. That it tells a story that restores hope internally for people where faith, inspiration, or motivation lack. I hope to inspire people to do any and everything their heart desires because it just HAS to work out!
I want to be the story that says “With all of this, if she can do it, you certainly can too”!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @therealafrikandoll
- Linkedin: Yayi Dia
Image Credits
Migella Accorsi
Claire & Co. Studio
Eman Wajed
Jean Rios
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
