By Tammy Reese | November 11, 2024 | 10:42 AM ET
Yvette Lloyd is a force to be reckoned with — a philanthropist, multimedia journalist, and podcast host who has dedicated her life to uplifting others. Raised by a strong network of women, Yvette’s journey into philanthropy was inspired by the powerful influence of her mother, aunts, and grandmothers, who taught her the value of community, love, and empowerment. From launching the Fadia Young Women’s Program to founding the top-ranked Life Her Podcast, Yvette’s mission is to inspire personal growth, healing, and self-improvement.
In this exclusive interview with Vision and Purpose Lifestyle Magazine, Yvette shares her journey, her passion for giving back, and her vision for the future.
Yvette, your journey has been truly inspiring. Can you take us back to the beginning and share what sparked your passion for philanthropy and multimedia journalism?
Being raised and surrounded by my mother, her sisters and my grandmothers inspired me to be and become a powerful woman. They taught me so much about the importance of uplifting other women and knowing how powerful you are. They also explained how everyone won’t understand me and agree due to them not being raised off love. So it inspired me and led me to philanthropy. I never thought about becoming a multimedia journalist, that came from me podcasting and meeting other journalists, and many publicists that encouraged me to switch my title to that because they saw something in me that I didn’t see at the time. To name a few Tammy Reese, Krystal Coleman, Brittany Miller, Brittany Mobley, Indya “Icy” Wright just to name a few.
You’ve been honored with “Yvette Lloyd Day” on December 20th in Akron. What does that recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
It means alot. I normally don’t take time out to recognize what I do daily. I feel like it’s God’s assignment and it’s what I am supposed to do. but, when I get the acknowledgement it makes me feel good because it’s like God spoke through that person for me in another form to award me.
What drives you to continuously uplift and inspire others, even in the face of personal adversity?
Seeing someone’s life change because of my words. You’ll be surprised how many people don’t hear small words like, You are amazing, I am proud of you, keep going, and any sort of affirmation. Treating people right, inspiring them when you have a huge platform is a blessing. We don’t see or hear positivity much so if I can be that outlet I will continue to be that. Also, I know my mother is in Heaven extremely proud of me.
Can you tell us about the Fadia Young Women’s Program? What was your vision when you started it, and how has it evolved over the years?
Fadia is my EVERYTHING! It shaped me into who I am today. Even though I haven’t been active for five years it still holds a special place in me. I plan on creating a website donating to families, young girls and boys in 2025. Also, have Sleepovers & workshops quarterly. When I started I just knew I wanted to create a safe space for inner city youth and share the love that I have experienced growing up. Our youth didn’t learn certain tools to prepare them for adulthood. I introduced them to College Prep, Job Readiness, Personal Development, and seeing the outside world other than the neighborhood they grew up in. I was able to take them to the Cavs Game, New York, Detroit, Georgia and many other places. We even had the mayor and other elected officials come in to speak with them about political views and their concerns as well. Now that I have Life Her Podcast I am able to have them listen through audio or on my YouTube Channel.
Congratulations on having one of the top self-improvement podcasts in the United States and internationally! What inspired you to start Life Her Podcast, and what keeps you passionate about it?
My mother encouraged me to start Life her Podcast because I didn’t have the mental capacity to continue my youth program. I was funding it out of pocket and it became financially draining for me. I still wanted to uplift and inspire the youth and especially myself. So, I started the Life Her Podcast. My mother passed and we were supposed to continue it together. But, she lives within me and it keeps me going as well as all the amazing guests that I have interviewed. My guest and I share many similarities so it helps me feel inspired and not alone as we share our entrepreneurial journeys on Life Her Podcast.
As a multimedia journalist, you’ve covered some high-profile events, such as the Super Bowl LIV and private parties with celebrities like Dwayne Bowe. How do you balance covering these glamorous events with your mission of promoting personal growth and healing?
Honestly, covering high profile events isn't my strongest point. With me being an introvert my anxiety increases at an all time high. So, when I do cover high profile events I make sure I pray and be myself at all times. Overthinking is what I do sometimes. But, having the ability to be in these rooms is a true blessing and it motivates me to keep going.
You’ve successfully built multiple learning centers and guided solopreneurs, CEOs, and executives in growing their brands. What’s your best piece of advice for someone looking to start their entrepreneurial journey?
Make sure you are ready for failing, being broke, and taking many losses. None of these are bad things, it’s the first step to elevating and becoming an extremely successful entrepreneur. It is always lonely and you will also be misunderstood by people that aren’t on your level. Just make sure you continue to pray and build a strong relationship with your higher power because you will need it. Make sure you continue to educate yourself, be teachable because you can’t never know enough.
Can you share any upcoming projects or initiatives that you’re excited about, either through Fadia Young Women’s Program or Life Her Podcast?
Life Her Podcast is currently building a Community to help entrepreneurs to build their brand and themselves mentally. I will offer podcast courses, workshops and more weekly and monthly. I have a book coming out in 2025 for entrepreneurs.
What does the concept of “purpose” mean to you, and how has it shaped the way you live your life and conduct your work?
Purpose is living life because you only get one. I protect my peace, my sanity, and set boundaries. Creating a safe space for myself and work life is so important and valuable to me. I also want my guests and people that come into my space to feel the same way when they are in my presence and leave feeling confident and good. Your character goes a long way and how you treat people. so, I make sure my purpose in other people’s lives counts as well.
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About Tammy Reese
Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, Tammy Reese is an award-winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, and so many more.
She is a proud member of ForbesBLK as well as New York Women in Film and Television.
Other articles by Tammy Reese in Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine.
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