This was the first Christmas without my Mama. I was doing way better than I had anticipated. I prepared the desserts the night before with no problems. Woke up early to start on the rest of the dinner. Watched my munchkins open their presents. Plus hosted dinner for all of my family.

But after the kids were in bed, and I was left with silence. It hit me. It's still hitting me. I'm crying as I type this post right now in hopes of some type of relief. But it's not working. AT ALL. One of my aunts got the kids a tshirt with a picture of my mom on it and it said "To my beautiful granddaughter, Love Nana" and "To my handsome grandson, Love Nana." I had to walk out of the room when they opened them. My son came up to me and said, "It's ok Mama. Nana's in heaven now." And I know this yall, but it doesn't make it hurt any less. It just hurts so much when I realize that we will never make any more memories. That my kids will never get to open a gift from her, or hear her brag on them, or be told that she loves them.

It scares me that they may forget her. I have no idea how to keep those memories alive for them when I can barely talk about her without crying.

Everyone keeps telling me that time heals all things. That's the biggest lie known to man. It doesn't heal anything, we simply learn how to disguise it better. Time makes it worse. Time is ruthless. Time keeps moving. Time doesn't stop for one second to see if your okay. Time doesn't stop to show respect/ Time doesn't care. It doesn't care that as it keeps moving memories fade,or that her voice isn't as clear to me. Days still change to night, while sometimes I'm still stuck on August 23, 2016. Like today. Right now. In this moment, all I can hear is that deafening beep saying that her heart is no longer beating. And the pain is still paralyzing...

XoXo,
Yannie

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. 

XoXo,
Yannie

Hey Lovebugs!!!!

Sorry that I've been MIA. Ya girl was sick for a week, and I had to prepare for my makeup class this past Sunday. So yeah, my apologies.

I just wanted to let yall know that I was still alive lol. I also wanted to give you a few updates on the makeup line.

Here's what's new:
1. The Logo for the line has been finalized and sent to the manufacturer. So,the next step is approving what it looks like on the products and packaging. YAYYYYY!!!

2. Beauty Basics by BIND was an absolute success. People came out to support. We had so much fun, and all of the ladies did really good on their makeup. It went so well that we will be having a class in January as well!

3. All 30 tube lipstick shades have been finalized. As soon as I get the swatches photographed, I'll post them here. I'm sure you will have a hard time deciding which ones to choose from.

4. I'm going on a blind date soon....pray for me lol.

5. I need yalls prayers that this new opportunity comes to life for me. I can't say anything more than that about it.

6. Christmas is in 5 days and we have nothing under the tree lol.

That just about covers it... I'll make another post Thursday!

XoXo, Yannie

Hey lovebugs!

You ever have that person that makes you feel guilty for trying to do better? You know, those "friends" that call you Hollywood or Bougie because your doing a little better than you used to.

Yeah. Everybody has those type of people in their lives. They come in various forms: boss, teacher, lover, coworkers, friends, and family. The crazy thing is that nowadays strangers tend to support you more than people close to you.

WHY IS THAT?

Nothing grinds my gears more than someone making me feel bad about trying to do better. Except maybe counting my pockets. I really hate that lol. But... I digress.

Back to the topic at hand. Bro, who in THE HELL are you? Why does my success bother you? And y'all this can be with anybody. It can be that ex that you constantly beef with and you have no idea why? Something you are doing isn't what was expected. Maybe you bounced back stronger/faster that they thought. Maybe you proved that their existence isn't necessary. Maybe it's that home-girl that keeps hating on you and your man. Keeps throwing shade like its the 4th of July.

WHY CAN'T FOLKS JUST BE HAPPY FOR OTHER FOLKS?!?!? Questions that need answers...

They haven't seen the amount of tears that you've cried. They didn't stay up with you those sleepless nights. They didn't help piece your heart back together. They've never dealt with your pain. They can't begin to understand the magnitude of journey. So they definitely can't comprehend the magnitude of your happiness.

And to those people, I say: FUCK YOU, with the sweetest hint of southern charm. You can take two steps to the left and have several seats while I flash this smile and sashay right past you on this here road to success.

And that my friends, should be your attitude. No, it should be your mantra for 2017 and every year after. No one owes you anything. Your are not entitled to someone being happy for you. And as sad as it may be, that pertains to everyone. Even your BFF or family. They don't have to be happy for you. They just don't.

AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO CARE!

Once we realized that, less feelings will get hurt. I mean, you don't want someone around being dead weight as you climb this ladder to success. You want someone that is going to lighten your load. So just allow them to feel how they want and move around. No bad blood, just a difference in opinion. Let them talk. Let them hate.

THROWING SALT ON MY NAME IS JUST SEASONING MY SAUCE.

Ride for who rides for you. Support those that support you. Build a circle of encouragement, trust, passion, and loyalty.

Deuces to the rest, because at the end of the day their struggles are not your burdens.

XoXo,
Yannie

Hey love bugs! 

This week I got a little overwhelmed. I was just moving too fast for my own good. Too many things gong on at once. You know what I mean? I felt like I couldn't get a grip.

My friends and family will tell you that I am a type A personality. So once I get that stressed, I tend to go a little crazy. Y'all I had so much going on!!! We laid my uncle to rest. I'm trying to get things in order for this makeup class. I needed to rework my business plan. Revamped the blog a little. I needed to decide on products. And a few more things were on my list on top of scheduling my clients.

I know, I know... its exhausting just reading this. Imagine how I felt!

So I had to take a moment. You know, recenter myself. My dream is so big. I'm extremely passionate about it. Once I start working on something, I can literally lose myself in it. That's the amazing part to me. That's how I know that I've found my purpose. But I had to tell myself, "Yannie, you keep this up and your going to burn out. Success in anything is not instant. Pace yourself babygirl."

Have y'all ever felt like that? Whether its trying to be the perfect mother, working towards a promotion, or even losing weight?

You ever get so excited when you start that you just sprint! Not realizing the finish line is like 100 miles away. And you keep running, and running, and running towards that goal. You get tired. It's hard to breath. You feel exhausted. Then you start telling yourself that you can't make it. It's too far. So.... what do you do? YOU QUIT!

But all you needed was a break! A moment to refuel and reenergize.

I hit that point this week. I felt like my dream was too big. I had too much to do and too far to go to reach that finish line. But instead of quitting, I decided to break things up. My main source of anxiety came with the makeup line. The launch date is March 31st, and I'm not budging on that. So how can I make this work? What can I do to make this happen. I'm a single mom to 3 kids. That means all of my bill/expenses/clothes/shoes are purchased by me. No help from outside sources. I don't have the money just laying around to invest in this.

So I'm thinking.....sipping of coffee and Coca Cola lol. (Don't judge me.)

I decided to start small. Instead of launching with every type of cosmetic product, I'll break things up. March 31st will launch with our liquid velvet lipsticks and 30 tube lipstick shades. We will then drop new products and add shades throughout the year. That way we can just invest our profit into production of new products. Once I took the time to map that out, my soul became at ease.

We live in an instant society and without realizing it we strive for instant success. If we have to step back or rework things, we tend to feel like it's not working. When in all actuality, it's the exact opposite. Rome wasn't built in a day.

So today love bugs, I just want you all to remember that scaling back does not equal failure. It shows that your smart enough and passionate enough about your business to fix any foundation cracks.

And because of that, you're already one step ahead of the game!

XoXo,
Yannie

Hey Lovebugs! How are y'all today? I really want y'all to answer that question. For real lol. The comment section at the bottom of this blog is not meant to be empty! Just saying lol...

So you should know that Netflix came out with the Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life! When I say I was beyond geeked y'all! I was BEYOND GEEKED. I loved that show when I was in high school.

---THIS IS WHERE YOU STOP READING IF YOU DON'T WANT ANY SPOILER ALERTS---

It starts in WINTER...
     Rory come home to visit Stars Hollow. She's 32. (How?!?!) Seems to be doing well in journalism. (Expected.) Has a boyfriend, Paul, of 2 years. (OK....OK) Travels back and forth to London to see her friend DeeDee and work on her book project. (Boss Up Rory, I see you!)

Then in SPRING...
     We realize she's kinda screwing up her life. She has nowhere to stay. No job. A lot of interviews that result in nothing. She keeps forgetting she has a boyfriend. Dee Dee is actually...wait for it...
LOGAN FREAKING HUNTZBERGER. Yes Logan from Chilton. (His glo up was oh so real.) We see Rory broke, still in love with Logan (who's engaged to a Parisian Heiress), jobless, and feeling like she is making a career out of sucking at life. SN: We all can relate to this season.

So SUMMER...
     Rory has ended things with Logan. She realized that she wants to write a book about her and Lorilei (her mom). Lorilei completely rejects the idea. They have a huge fight. (Emily and Lorilei type of blowup) Lorilei goes to do "WILD". The book not the movie. Rory takes over the Stars Hollow Gazette. Logan comes to town randomly to reconcile with her. He takes Rory to do "WILD". The movie not the book. It was fun. I smiled watching it. I felt their love. He gave Rory the perfect night, but the sun had to rise. And with the morning, came a very harsh reality. Ace and Logan came to a needed but unwanted end.

FALL
     Rory finishes the first 3 chapters of her book and asks Lorilei to read it before she rejects it again. Lorilei and Luke get married and it was absolute perfection. The Gilmore Girls have come full circle. Things are looking a little more normal. And it ends with Rory telling her mom that she is PREGNANT! Yes, with child. One could only assume that Logan is the baby daddy lol. And just like that the season is over.  THE END.

Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”– Joshua J. Marine
YANNIE'S THOUGHTS
Too many times we let our doubt take over. Too many times we try to rush this thing called life. Too many times we never fly because we fail to leap. We let our mind and/or logic talk us out of it. 

But think about this, if our mind is strong enough to STOP us from pursuing our dreams; why can't it be strong enough to make us accomplish them instead.  All it takes is a little REDIRECTION. Your brain believed whatever you tell it. So make sure your are filling it with CONVICTION rather than DOUBT. 

Make the conscious decision that you WILL accomplish your goal. Make the decision to sacrifice. Make the decision to have late nights and early mornings that have nothing to do with Marsha Ambrosious song. Make the decision to stress, cry, hurt, and go crazy. Make the decision the SUCCEED. 

I did! And although I'm just at the beginning of my journey, I gave myself my word that I would do whatever it takes to make BIND all that I imagined it would be. My word is bond. After all, only what you water grows. The fruits of my labor WILL flow abundantly.

Why? Because I said so.

XoXo,
Yannie

Hey love bugs!

Let's talk love today! Yes. I am that woman that wants it all... success in work, love, and life. I would assume most of us want that right?

Well, today I have come to the conclusion that I am failing HORRIBLY at love. And I kinda sorta like it.

Let me explain....

I've always been in a relationship. My first "boyfriend" was for 5 years, and we started dating in kindergarten lol. I met my ex husband in 9th grade and literally spent the next 8 years of my life with him. Our first and only break was our divorce. I then fell for "Firefighter" this past year. We never made it official (not for my lack of trying), but I loved him and so did the munchkins.
But.... we became stuck. I wanted more than he wanted to give. I wanted a relationship and he wanted to be friends. So I cut it off. Ya'll it was THE MOST dramatic breakup for two people who were "not" in a relationship.

The most recent MOI (man of interest) was "Verizon." Now he had potential.

• fine
• no kids=no baby mama
• job
• wanted a relationship
• smart
• a few more accolades 😊

HEY LOVEBUGS!!!

So, I'm going to show you guys previews of the products before we launch! As soon as I finalize colors, packaging, etc... you will be the next to know!

How exciting right? It's like your BUILDING BIND with me!



After what seems like forever and 10 days, I can proudly say that BIND Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lips are officially "smooch approved." The velvety texture, deep pigments, and lasting formula make such an AMAZING combination y'all. I cannot wait for you to try them.

Please let me know which shades you are dying to try in the comments!

XoXo,
Yannie

Hey lovebugs! 

I think the hardest thing to do when starting your own business is ACTUALLY STARTING and remaining consistent! I know that has been one of my biggest hurdles since deciding to start BIND!

The consistency!!!

That was one of the main reasons why I started blogging this journey! I needed a way to hold myself more accountable. The launch of the cosmetics line will be March 31, 2017! I have sooooooo much to get done from today until we launch. So, this post will serve two purposes: listing a few of the major goals and ways to remain consistent/hold myself accountable.

SHIT TO GET DONE:

• finalize product list
• do tentative budget for the first year in business
• finish website
• raise capital (the goal is to launch with 0 debt)
• have initial inventory meeting with manufacturer

First thought: Damn, I'm really about to do this?!?!?!



So if I have to do it, I'm dragging ya'll along for the ride. Who knows? Maybe I'll find love, my soulmate, my happily ever after....but if not, at least we'll get some entertaining stories for me to share with you guys!

In a perfect world it would be a little bit of both! I'll do a weekly date life post to keep you guys updated.

Here goes nothing!

XoXo, Yannie

Said every entrepreneur EVER!!!! But let me not be rude, so....

HEY LOVEBUGS!!!

How are y'all today? It's all sunshine and rainbows over here. (can you hear the sarcasm?)
But seriously today was one of those days when I just would rather a have 9-5.
KINDA....SORTA....NOT REALLY lol. So to boost my spirits, today's post is to remind myself why THE FUCK I'm doing this! (Oh, I should have warned y'all that I can have a little bit of a potty mouth)

Why did I decide to jump into entrepreneurship and start my own cosmetics line?

1. Certain type of people just don't make good employees. They want to question everything, never feel like the pay is enough, want too much flexibility in their schedule, etc. Yeah, I fall into that category. I have yet to find a company that values me as much as I value myself lol.

2. Joshua. Raelyn. Ryleigh. My munchkins.

3. TRS. My beautiful mommy. May she rest in love. Always pushed me to do better. My grind is stronger for her.

4. I wouldn't say it's AAALLL about the benjamins....but uh

5. To inspire....even if its just one person in a small way. I want someone to see that no matter the circumstances, coming out on top is always a choice. Some people just have a rockier road.

6. FREEDOM. Freedom to experience this thing called life and not just live it.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.



This blog therapy actually helped. If your doubting yourself or your dreams, DO THIS RIGHT NOW! Post some of your reasons in the comments. We can definitely do this.

XoXo, Yannie

Hello World!!! 

Welcome to my blog and thanks for reading my very first official post. :-) I'm super geeked to be sharing this journey with you guys.

So to get things started, allow me to introduce myself...my name is Yannie (unofficially) and Royanna  (officially lol). I am 28 years old. Single. Mother. Dream Chaser. Entrepreneur. Hairstylist. Makeup Artist.


So now that you know the basics about me, I'm sure your wondering what my blog will be about.

My blog will document my road from rags to riches lol. But seriously, my goal is to have it all... successful business, family, love, and everything else my pretty little heart desires.

So subscribe and stay tuned!!! This should be one hell of a ride.

                       XOXO, Yannie