Today we’d like to introduce you to Yanaberry.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
It’s been a rough path and definitely not one most traveled. I started with the arts as a kid dancing and singing in my church choir along with The Children’s Great Day Chorale. I then went on to play steel pan, but paused that to later on get into modeling and acting. Going away to college put a pause on me pursuing modeling full time, but I did get into traveling and concert videography which gave me the opportunity to co-host In the Mix Radio Show with DJ Mixxypayne, Phresher’s DJ. Covid slowed me down as well but rest is very important. Don’t let anyone downplay any setbacks, it just means there’s opportunity for a great comeback. I’m thankful to have worked with so many greats in music videos like Uncle Murda and Fivio Foreign to name a few. Having been able to walk in several Fashion Weeks including last week for Wu-sah in Break Free NYFW is also a cherry on top along with dancing for the first Mas Camp to come to New York from Trinidad, Sesame Flyers Dance Company.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
The biggest challenge for me and modeling is the race against aging. Covid took two years from artists and slowed things but from my studies of health, I can say that other things were valued with the pandemic like relationships and quality time at home with loved ones. I did lose some people I thought were friends when I first started taking my arts seriously in college and that did shake me up a bit, but I’ve come far and I hope those individuals are doing well and are happy in life. Like Maya Angelou, “Still I Rise.”
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I am a Model, Caribbean Dancer, Health Coach, Photographer and Hairstylist who loves to put a smile on other’s faces. Even if you purchase one of my homemade vegetarian Lip Scrubs, you’ll have a smile on your face when you use it because you’ll feel the love it was made with. Whether I am booked for one job I’ll make sure that I bring good intentions to my work and leave an impact on whoever I come in contact with. Some people just clock in, do their job and clock out however, there is no fun in that. There’s no point in working if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing. Being miserable was never something to be proud of and that’s my reasoning behind owning what I do.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
To gain success you must never stop trying. Just because someone tells you no doesn’t mean their opinion even matters. What you put into this world is what you’ll get out and if you give effort there will be someone who will pour that same amount of force back into you. Even one of my favorite rappers, Kanye the richest rapper in the world presently, was told no but that didn’t stop him from getting to where he is today by cause of believing in himself. Even if you don’t have a support system, be your own backbone and do what you have to do to get to where you need to go. The support will come later.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success never ends and is measured by how many people I can positively impact. I always try to bring a positive atmosphere to wherever I am. Energy is very important for me and my work especially since I am a health writer. Like Biggie said, spread love, it’s the Brooklyn way. My goal is to be well rounded and have my hands in different pots so there’s never any endpoint of my success which peaks my interest and keeps me going.
What’s next for you?
I never like to let others know what I’m up to. I just let my actions speak for me, but my motto for 2022 is to do better. Better than I’ve known, better than I’m doing, eat better, and move better. My only competition is myself and what is for me will always be for me whenever the time is right. Just to hint, I may actually use my sewing skills in the near future.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more.
I can be reached on Instagram at @yanaberry for modeling and artist interview purposes. For any of my photography work you could visit @yanashotthat, @yanatresses for hair and @tunitupthursdays for all things health, also all on Instagram.