Check Out Yonnie Griggs’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yonnie Griggs.

Hi Yonnie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a 25-year-old content creator, marketer, model, and actress from New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up, I always had a passion for performing, whether through dancing, theater, modeling, or simply being in front of a camera. I attended Clark Atlanta University before transferring to Spelman College, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts and Media Management.

I began pursuing modeling seriously at 15, but it wasn’t until I moved to Atlanta for college that I fully embraced content creation, turning a creative passion into a growing personal brand and online community. While living in Atlanta, I grew my social media platforms, worked with brands, participated in fashion shows, and built a career centered around creativity and storytelling. Over the years, I’ve also gained experience in film and television, appearing in productions such as Antebellum, Free Rayshawn, Lioness, and P-Valley.

My journey has taken me from New Orleans to Atlanta, Miami, Alabama, and now Dallas, with each city contributing to my personal and professional growth. Today, I work in sales and marketing for Alipearl Hair, where I combine my passion for content creation, branding, and connecting with people. Throughout every stage of my journey, I’ve remained resilient, adaptable, and committed to pursuing opportunities that allow me to grow creatively and professionally.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was leaving New Orleans at 18, returning home briefly during COVID, then making the decision to leave again in 2021 to finish school in Atlanta, where I’ve been creating my own path ever since. Moving to Atlanta not knowing anybody, with no family nearby and no real idea of what was waiting for me on the other side was terrifying. I was stepping into complete uncertainty, trying to build a life for myself while figuring out who I was at the same time.

Growing up, I dealt with a lot of trauma and instability in my personal life, so leaving wasn’t just about going to college, it was about creating a fresh start. Healing from your past while trying to build your future isn’t easy. There were times I felt alone, times I doubted myself, and times I questioned if I was even on the right path.

As a young creative, I also had to learn how to navigate spaces that weren’t always safe or genuine. The entertainment and content creation world can be exciting, but it can also be filled with people who have hidden motives. Learning who to trust, protecting my peace, and standing firm in my values became lessons I had to learn early.

At the same time, I was balancing college, work, content creation, relationships, friendships, and the realities of adulthood. Maintaining good grades while building my career required a level of discipline that most people don’t see. There were plenty of late nights, setbacks, disappointments, and moments when I felt like I was giving everything I had and still wasn’t seeing the results I wanted.

The hardest season of my life came during my senior year of college in 2023. I went through a devastating breakup right before graduation that completely changed my life. I lost my home, my financial stability, and had to give up things and people I loved. What should have been one of the happiest moments of my life, graduating college, was filled with heartbreak behind the scenes.

But baby, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s how to keep going.

While I was dealing with finals, uncertainty, and emotional pain, I was also finding ways to survive. I was working, DoorDashing, figuring things out day by day, and leaning on the incredible support system God placed in my life. My friends, who I truly consider my sisters, helped carry me through one of the darkest seasons I’ve ever experienced.

Looking back, every setback taught me something. Every “no,” every disappointment, and every season where things didn’t go according to plan helped shape the woman I am today. The road wasn’t smooth, but every challenge strengthened my faith, resilience, discipline, and character. Looking back now, I wouldn’t change the journey because it shaped the woman I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently work in sales, marketing, and brand development for Alipearl Hair, a luxury hair company with locations in New York, Dallas, and Atlanta. While I originally started in sales, my strengths in content creation, brand awareness, and customer engagement quickly led me into a marketing-focused role.

Today, I wear many hats within the company. I manage social media content, create marketing campaigns, host live streams, model products, represent the brand at events, and help drive customer engagement both online and in-store. I currently oversee content creation for our Dallas location and will soon be taking a more active role in developing content and marketing strategies for our Atlanta location as well.

One thing that sets me apart is my ability to be effective both in front of and behind the camera. As a content creator, model, and marketer, I understand how to connect with audiences authentically while also understanding the strategy behind building a successful brand. Whether I’m creating content, working directly with customers, managing store operations, or representing the company at events, I always focus on creating memorable experiences that strengthen the relationship between the brand and its audience.

I am most proud of my ability to adapt and grow within my career. What began as a sales position evolved into an opportunity to contribute to multiple areas of the business, including marketing, social media management, brand representation, event marketing, and store leadership. My willingness to learn, take initiative, and step into new roles has allowed me to become a valuable part of the company’s growth and expansion.

Through my work, I’ve been able to combine my passions for marketing, content creation, modeling, and relationship-building into a career that allows me to be both creative and strategic. I take pride in helping brands tell their story while creating meaningful connections with customers across multiple markets.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m naturally a hands-on learner, so some of my greatest resources aren’t necessarily books or podcasts, they’re real-life experiences. I learn best by doing, observing, and adapting to new environments. Once I can apply something in a real-world setting, it sticks with me.

My career has taught me how valuable adaptability can be. Whether it’s traveling to new cities for work, navigating unfamiliar environments, creating content, connecting with customers, or learning new marketing strategies, I’ve learned to quickly assess situations and adjust. One of my strengths is being highly observant and able to read people, patterns, and opportunities, which helps me both professionally and personally.

I also draw inspiration from successful brands, content creators, and marketing campaigns. I enjoy studying what works, understanding why it resonates with audiences, and then finding ways to make those ideas my own. While I may not be an avid book reader, I’m constantly learning through experience, creativity, and the people and environments around me. I believe some of life’s best lessons come from being willing to step outside your comfort zone and learn as you go.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/iamyonnieb
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamyonniebaby
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LmPw7CqwF/
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/modelyonnie