Today we’d like to introduce you to Enjoli Lauderdale. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Enjoli Lauderdale, (better known as ‘Enji’ to her close friends and family) is a product of her colorful environment. Born and raised in sunny California, she studied acting in NYC and survived the grit of the big city. Enji has her Bachelor’s degree in business and now resides in Atlanta, GA, where she began her current—and most important chapter as a mother. Throughout her life, Enjoli has experienced heartache in the form of familial loss.
Despite her losses, Enji remains a beacon of positivity and love to all those that she crosses paths with. She has an infectious spirit and her laugh could light up a room. Enji has always had an affinity for helping others and has decided to incorporate that mission into her latest venture, Aye Yo Sis. AYS is a space where women of different walks of life can share successes, their failures and the journeys in between. AYS is designed to bridge the gap and bond women together through their shared experiences with the focus being on motherhood, financial independence, wellness and spirituality. Enji has dedicated her life to sharing her story and the stories of the incredible women that she surrounds herself with. It’s Enji’s unwavering faith and her strong Christian belief system that has helped her maintain her strength throughout the years. And although trials and tribulations have been the catalyst for AYS, knowing that she can positively impact so many people has given her a newfound purpose; to transform the lives of others through community and sisterhood.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When it comes to struggles, I have learned that it is not always about what you go through, but how you go through them. Struggles, though uncomfortable always come with valuables lessons. One of my most prominent struggles was dealing with separating from my husband while building AYS. Though it put me in a tough spot financially, emotionally, and even spiritually, I saw a new side of myself. I learned the power that I had within me to be resilient, resourceful, and hopeful in the face of bankruptcy, rejection, and car repossession. These types of situations tend to break people, but they fueled me to keep going and keep building. Even though I am still a work in progress, I am proud to have made it as far as I have.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Your Work – I am the Founder of Aye Yo Sis, a digital and physical community that creates space for women of color to share their entrepreneurial journeys and also learn from one another. As an entrepreneur, this community I am building is very personal because I am able to not just teach but learn from my community as well. Currently, I am putting together our third annual event the WeNBloom Summit. What makes this event different from others in the past is the fact that it is going to be coed. I noticed a deficit in spaces that empower men as well and decided to fill in the gap. My hope and vision for this is to empower both sides of our community so that we can come together and build generational wealth. I feel like what sets me apart is my love and appreciation for the community around me. Even though I am the face of the brand Aye Yo Sis and WeNbloom I recognize that these are bigger than me. They have moving parts and require other people to keep it going and I’m always quick to recognize others for what they have added to what I am building. When I think of AYS and WeNbloom, I am proud that I have been able to bring my vision to life despite the setback and times when I have wanted to give up. I am also even more proud that my vision is able to provide value to people through my podcast, online resources, and events. This is a reminder that everything I am building is bigger than me.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
While most people fear risks, I embrace them. I see risks as opportunities, which are the gateways to success. When it comes to everything I am building I am realizing that fear is not an option. With putting together the WenBloom Summit, I am very aware that this is a big risk. There is no guarantee that people will show up, or even buy tickets, but this taking this risk could potentially provide a valuable opportunity for me to grow and create an environment for others to grow as well. This journey has taught me that if you never take risks, you miss out on amazing opportunities and potentially have regret. I am committed to taking very valuable opportunities despite how scary because I never want to regret anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ayeyosis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayeyosiscommunity/
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aye-yo-sis-podcast/id1506305457
Image Credits
Time Caver
