Today we’d like to introduce you to Yahne’ Jackson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Yahne’. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started as a young creative. Around the age of seven, I started taking pictures, writing poetry and short stories. I used to keep a lot of my work to myself. As I grew older, I would help my friends and family with creative direction before I even knew what it was. I didn’t see my passions as a career at the time because of the lack in “creative” role models in my personal life both of my parents held lead positions in very serious professions. So when I graduated high school, I took a couple of years off because I didn’t want to waste money being so undecided. I went to cosmetology school, something that I felt would always be useful, and as soon as I got in the thick of it, I grew a strong dislike for doing hair. Soon after, my dreams came back. I began college as a Mass Media major with the intent to become a news anchor. The more I spoke to my academic advisor the more I realized that I liked to be a part of the creative team and work behind the scenes. I always spoke in scenarios that placed me in the media industry and I always used real-life examples and explained in so much detail how I could change their strategies to improve their turnout. I love being in front of the camera but I get so much more out of helping others succeed. I just have always had a natural skill in making connections with people, it comes in handy with marketing, PR, and creative direction. That led me to attending Temple University for Public Relations. I started my business before graduating and have been grinding ever since.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
From the very beginning, my dream was to always be “booked up and busy.” My business started to really take-off and pick up speed in 2019. I worked for family first, then came along public figures and professional organizations. I was very excited and felt like I wanted to singlehandedly take on everything that came my way. My prices were going up but I was forgetting to pour back into myself as I would pour into others (my clients).
I found myself going MIA for days at a time, I experienced burn out a lot. My family even got worried sometimes.
It’s like my body had a moment of realization, I had to find balance. I got uninspired from my attempts to reach new grounds, I got turned down a lot, ignored, turned on, etc. I wasn’t used to any of it. I was so used to being on top of things, impressing people, and just knocking jobs out. I had a culture shock because of the new rooms I was in, different conversations I was now a part of, and insecurities sneaking their way in. I had a fear of growth and the symptoms showed in so many weird ways.
Balance meant that I had to make more time for self-care. It consisted of relaxation, prayer, and revisiting my goals. With doing this, I learned how much of a myth motivation was. Not motivation itself, but just the idea that you have to be motivated to get work done. You have to instead envision your goals or desired results and just start moving because if you don’t do it, no one will do it for you. Motivation is a by-product of it all. You’re lucky if you receive it.
With that, my surroundings changed, my company changed, and in result my mindset changed along with it. I found new ways to handle situations and made what felt so foreign at first a lifestyle.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about you and your career so far?
PYJ is a P.R. company that I created to help present brands to the public. I provide various services to help brands get featured in the media, plan events, improve their image, achieve effective marketing and build credibility.
I plan to have my own firm in the near future.
Industries that I specialize in are fashion, independent writers, corporate, entertainment, and death care — yes, you heard me correctly.
My brand consists of P.R. services, inspirational entrepreneur merchandise, and an element that I call “Living a Refreshing Life.” That aspect of my brand is expressed through my blog & IG content that explores organization/productivity, mindfulness, cooking, peace, and things that generally keep me happy. I share this to help creatives get through the stresses of being an entrepreneur.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is laying on the couch with my dad on the weekend while watching Nascar. It was always on sunny mornings with his beloved vertical gold-aluminum blinds clacking in the wind.
I loved spending time like this with my dad. I’m a huge daddy’s girl and he inspires the way that I think to this day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.YahneJackson.com
- Phone: 4844301347
- Email: yahnejackson@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msyonbon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PublicistYJ
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/msyonbon
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKKLA5h0S3Q-UbPJIl9oWwQ
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