We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yolandra Rodgers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yolandra, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
For me to be intentional as a WOC is to figure out the missing pieces and become part of a melting pot – like those of your special ingredients to your favorite recipe. It’s a sense of belonging with shared groups of creatives, ideas, cultures, and experiences that I can pull from in learning to do things differently with acceptance. I often reflect on perception and whether or not I’m doing things the right way, and if I’m not how can you educate and inform me on how to make the necessary corrections. Personally, I dig deep into my thought process – going at things afraid, sometimes fearless, questioning the outlook to avoid being offensive, and having those hardcore conversations letting my counterparts know that I need help, clarity and understanding to see it from their perspective. This way I can compartmentalize who we are and what we can do to grow and bridge the gap in our society today.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Tippy Tot Shoes is everyone’s favorite luxury brand shoes for little Tots! We are an All-in-One high-end store for one unique experience. Tippy Tot Shoes is the upper echelon for designer toddler footwear, apparel and accessories. Our styles are in a class of it’s own with timeless pieces that make a bold statement in shoe fashion.
We are independently owned, and coupled with a few amazing shoe experts. We were inspired by this one traditional baby shoe, all too familiar as a walking aide to help increase walking efficiency. Our vision is to provide high quality shoes with excellent foot support, comfort, and a foundation for happy and healthy feet. In addition, we have custom specialty pieces to accessorize your toddlers style. We offer our consumers an ease in shopping, order processing and quick delivery worldwide. Just to add -We have partnership stores to back our brand: Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman and The Hudson’s Bay Company in Canada. In S24 we look to expand our international market within the UK and Dubai.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three most important qualities, skills and/or areas of knowledge from the perspective of an Entrepreneur would be: focus, effective communication, and strategy.
One must always be willing to learn and understand it is a key entrepreneurial skill, but also a very valuable life skill.
And if were to add three additional components, it would be: A combination of passion, persistence, and risk-taking that fuels their success. Passion for their work is the driving force behind successful entrepreneurs. They have confidence in their vision and will work eagerly to make it a reality.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
It’s always good to see women winning in business. And when it’s a family affair, that’s even better, especially for Black women who are creating legacies and creating generational wealth by working with loved ones. To date, I give kudos to my mother, whom literally demonstrated what hard work looks like and how to evolve with little resources. I often reflect back on so many key elements of strength, drive and determination. More importantly, I know without a doubt it was her Christian principles now instilled within every aspect of my life today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tippytotshoes.com
- Instagram: _tippytotshoes
- Linkedin: Tippy Tot Shoes
- Twitter: Tippy Tot Shoes
Image Credits
Yolandra Rodgers
