Today we’d like to introduce you to Empress Yana.
Empress/Chef Yanaa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story started in Chicago, Illinois. My family moved to Atlanta back in 95. I have always been an artist. I remember saving my money to buy an airbrush machine to add a certain flair to my clothes & shoes. I have a BFA in Fashion Design & Marketing.
I enjoy speaking different languages. I speak English and Spanish. I am now leaning a Nigerian language Yoruba.
I love learning. After becoming a mother and wife I obtained my Masters in education. I love learning. I admire uniqueness. I flow with change.
My grandmother and father were chefs so I grew up in the kitchen smelling and tasting flavors and many different spices.
Modern & African Dance helped form me into a focused poetic model chef.
Has it been a smooth road?
My advice for any young women who are starting their journey is to start your journey on self early. The quicker you get to know how YOU are. The more grounded you are. The more focused you will become. Never give up. There will be challenges ahead because that is life. Life will come and sharpen you up. Stay focused on your end goal. Then make weekly goals to get there.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am multi-talented. I am known for my poetry. I performed poetry all around ATL before I became a mother of two. Now, I am married and a recent culinary graduate. I love to create. I really enjoy creating with words & food. I am now a personal chef and I love it. I am proud to announce my website www.ForkwithMe.org. It is a personal chef service that educates the public on the services off personal chefs. Our mission is to assist families and busy professionals in choosing cleaner healthier food options. We focus on menu planning, family budgeting & meal prep. My brand is different from the rest because we provide great customer service. We become a part of your family.
What sets me apart from other is my mind frame. I am super creative and positive. Also how many other poetic chefs can walk the runway. I also model.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I love Ralph Smart baby! He provides so much support and insight.
I am an avid reader. I love books by Sista Soilder, Iyanlza Vanzant, Toni Morrison & Maya Angelo.
I am currently reading up more on other women who added flavor to the world with their divine femininity.
I love the hoopla app. It is the app for your local library and guess what? You can borrow plenty of audiobooks, movies, and e-books for FREE.
I am naturally attracted to the moon and I devour any and all books relating to the moon. My current are:
The Magdalene Path by Claire Sierra
Moon Power by Simone Butler
Self-care for the self-aware by David Markowitz.
Sacred Woman by Queen Acura (this book changed my life) I am always referring to it.
I like to begin and end my day with Afrobeat music. Turn on some Mr. Eazi, Run town, Davido and I am good.
I love the lyrics and the vibes. I defiantly stop and make time to dance when I hear Afrobeat!
Contact Info:
- Website: EmpressLyfe.com & ForkWithMe.org
- Phone: 404-784-9512 & 678-745-5580
- Email: empressyana@empresslyfe.com & chefyanaa@forkwithme.org
- Instagram: 4Empressyana & chefyanaa
Image Credit:
My husband, daughter and I took all these pics.
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
