Today we’d like to introduce you to Yakiri Thomas.
Yakiri, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2008, I found myself at a crossroads with my career. The mortgage industry had just collapsed and I had no idea what to do. I started to pray and I asked GOD to direct my path. A few weeks later I began writing and before I realized it, I had created my first novel, “Black Socialite” and my second novel “T00 Far To Turn Back; Tales of A Preacher’s Kid” shortly after.
One year later in 2009, my oldest son became a high school football player and I found myself becoming a football mom. It was then that I fell in love with football and addicted to the world of sports. I also became intrigued with the stories. I realized that sports is more than stats. Some athletes have interesting stories.
I noticed quickly the lacking of women that enjoyed sports, maybe because it is considered “A MAN”S WORLD”, some women have not had opportunities to experience sports in the same way as men, and or they just don’t know enough about sports to become interested. It was because of this I created Chicks Into Sports, and launched www.chicksintosports.com website a platform for women to learn and understand sports and also become informed with the who’s who, the what’s, and why’s of the sports world from a woman’s perspective while highlighting interviews of athletes, their families and coaches.
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?
The idea and dream of Chicks Into Sports was great, The uphill struggle to prove myself and keep my dream alive in an industry that is disproportionately male was dreadful.
Starting my own business and breaking into a male-dominated industry was extremely hard in the beginning. I had many challenges and three strikes against me. I was a newbie in the sports industry, I am a woman, and I was not affiliated with any of the larger sports companies.
A lot of people did not know what to expect from a new brand named “Chicks Into Sports.” I had countless rejections. Requests for sponsorship requests to cover sporting events, requests to cover charity events, request to interview celebrities and athletes all came with denials. NO’s became a daily part of my life and the NO’s eventually became my motivation.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about CN2S Inc. (Chicks Into Sports) – what should we know?
Chicks into Sports is a sports blog and podcasts in Atlanta. We are the only ALL WOMEN SPORTS GROUP in Atlanta that is made up of diverse women journalists, sportscasters, writers and bloggers who enjoy covering the World of Sports from a Woman’s Perspective. Listeners can also find us on iHeart Radio and TuneIn.
Our goal is to inspire, intrigue, invigorate and inform women and men with the who’s who, the what’s, the why’s and everything that pertains to the World of Sports.
As the creator of Chicks into Sports, I am known as “The Self Proclaimed Sportsnista”, who delivers intoxicating sports entertainment news, and interviews!
I am most proud of everyone who believed in Chicks Into Sports from the past to present; it’s because of their hard work and effort Chicks Into Sports has made major strides and accomplishment as women in a male-dominated industry.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My Go-Getter, Never Give up, and Positive attitude is essential to my success. Every single day I am working, creating and thinking of how to re-invent, and recreate intriguing content and interviews for our loyal followers.
In this industry, you must have thick skin. Over time I’ve learned to use my power as a female to my advantage. While I constantly have to prove myself to my male counterparts, with a positive mindset I know I can and will win. I am only defeated if I think I am. It took me nine years to get to this place I am at now. Many of my days come with sleepless nights. I had to work hard and continue to push forward even on the days I wanted to give up. I had many resets, and setbacks, but it was setting me up for a stronger comeback!
Instead of being discouraged by the disappointment. I always use disparity as motivation to achieve greatness. I’ve learned that if you continue to have a positive attitude even through the No’s, the obstacles and problems, you will reach not only your goals but other unexpected doors and opportunities will open up for you!
“A dream delayed is never a dream denied. God never forgets our aspirations in life that are in line with His purpose for us. Finding your true passion and living your dream is being able to smile precipitously when speaking about your brand, in the good, bad and hard times. 😉 ”
Contact Info:
- Website: Chicksintosports.com
- Email: cn2sinc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @chicksintosports
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicksintosports
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chicksintosport/
Image Credit:
Michael Vick interview photo and SunTust Stadium Chop On photo courtesy of Carlita Duran
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