Today we’d like to introduce you to Yaya
Yaya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a child I always loved writing and being creative. I remember being in 5th grade and wasting so much paper to make my “magazine”. Like I had enlisted my friends to be my staff, and I think looking back that was the first time I was able to make my visions tangible. I lost myself a lot along the way with being an athlete my entire childhood, it was difficult for me to find my structure and footing in life. Sports was a big part of how I processed my feelings, and when I didn’t have that way I kind of turned to writing to help me process my thoughts. I always enjoyed writing, I had the best English teacher (s/o to Coco) and she really pushed us to be great writers, so I’m very thankful to have had her. And I guess growing up with a love for music and just creativity, I started to shape my thoughts into poems. I always enjoyed poetry, the imagery of it, the emotions. So i just started to right as a way to regulate and deal with life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel it’s been a smooth road compared to others for sure. I’ve of course had my trials along the way, but I’ve used the bumps as motivation. Loss and grief is something I’ve dealt with a lot. Whether it be friends, family, or lovers loss is hard and you grieve every loss. Feel we all have had our deal of balancing life and vices.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a hard time saying what I do, because I love having my hands in some of everything. I am a creative, wellness enthusiast, basketball coach and community organizer. I created the organization, The Backcourt Club, as a way for athletes to return home and give back to the community that supported their endeavors. I aim to provide community development through youth empowerment and intentional service. I only prioritizing serving black and brown communities, and I take pride in that. And I coach basketball as well.
Creatively, I specialize in spoken word and poetry. Model from time to time also.
What sets me apart is I do everything for the joy it brings me. Money isn’t the motivation, I’m really in it because it all feels good to do. The money will come.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Feeling like you are fulfilling the purpose Allah (God) has for you. A self determined measure.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @yatwicecreative @thebackcourtclub
Image Credits
Gabby Yasmeen
Penny Hardaway Basketball Camp
