Meet Yolanda Lewis | Avid Jewelry lover & Auditor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yolanda Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yolanda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It was just an idea, for about three years and honestly wasn’t sure it would come to fruition. When I thought of the idea; I was a single mother and I had a very active daughter. Additionally, I was working a full time job and had other obligations so it would have been very difficult to start a business, work full time, support my daughter and keep up with other obligations.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
After graduating high school, I attended college at Dillard University, a historically black college; located in New Orleans, Louisiana. I knew I wanted to attend college and experience campus life but I didn’t want to go too far away. I wanted to be close enough to my family so that if something happened, I was able to get home without the stress of transportation expense, such purchasing an airline ticket. While attending college, I also worked a part time job off campus and participated in the work study program. My family supported me, however, I felt they’d made enough of a sacrifice for me, up to this point. With a partial scholarship, work study, a part time job and family; I was able to successfully graduate with a Bachelors degree in Accounting. It was a challenge attending classes, studying and working but it also inspired me to push myself beyond, what I thought, was my limit. It was my opportunity to make my family proud, to persevere as the women in my family had and to be an example to my cousins (as I am the oldest grandchild). Although I did not work in accounting immediately upon graduation, I was able to sustain myself and that was an achievement for me as I’d watched my grandmother, mother and aunt; three strong, nurturing black women, who were all independent. Although I knew what I wanted and what was necessary to get it, there were times I was ready to throw in the towel. Sometimes my days and nights seemed to run together and I was tired but I couldn’t stop and wouldn’t stop.

My first life altering experience was while I was in my first year of college. After taking my final exams and feeling like I’d blown them out of the water (I’d studied alone and with study groups to ensure I was prepared but I was ready for a break), I returned to my dorm. My plan was to go home (there’s no place like home) and not have to even think about school for a while. However, after getting to my room I was informed my grandmother had passed. She was my heart, my everything; she had a heart of gold and did not meet a stranger. That was heart breaking and devastating; a very hard pill to swallow and I could not figure out why God took her away from me. I was old enough to know what death meant but it felt unreal and that any moment she would appear. This was the first time I’d experienced the death of someone who was very near and dear to my heart. My first cup of coffee was with her. When she would cook, I cut all the seasoning. Every Easter she would bake a “Bunny” cake, we all looked forward to that. She loved to go, it didn’t matter where, just grab the keys and tell her you’re going somewhere, she would almost beat you to the car. She loved God, loved church and loved her family.

In time, it has gotten easier because I know she’s pain free and will forever be a part of me but there are days when everything seems to be going wrong and I’ll feel her sweet presence in some small way. I’ve had dreams about her and they seem so real but when I wake I realize it was dream. It’s those occasions when I feel she’s checking on me and it brings a smile to my face.

In life there are many curves in the road, there are speed bumps and detours but I know God has a purpose for my life. He has planted many awesome people along the way; to teach, inspire, motivate and pray for/with me. I’ve learned to ask Him to order my steps and I always seek His counsel in all decision making. He has proven to me He is faithful and I can always rely on Him, in spite of me, He loves me and will always do what’s in my best interest.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’re currently in a pandemic but my itinerary is created based on normal terms. If my best friend was visiting we would explore the city together and would have an itinerary full. We both love Pappadeauxs so our first eating establishment would be there. A weekend in San Antonio would be on the agenda because I love going to the Riverwalk and all of the places, within walking distance, we can visit. Although I love to eat, I also try to get some physical movement in so we can walk down those calories. We would visit the Dallas Museum, in Downtown Dallas and the African American Museum as well. One night we’d attend a zumba class; zumba is a fun way for me to workout and I believe she would enjoy it as well. One of those days has to be a day of shopping and going to the spa. The spa mentally takes you to another place and the massage is amazing. After all of the outings, we’d have a night at the house where I’d prepare a few dishes, have a couple of bottles of wine, talk, perhaps play a game and just enjoy the ambiance. I am an avid smooth jazz fan so we’d have to have jazz in the background. What kind of night would it be without me showing off amazing statement jewelry sets…lol. Yes, my jewelry would be set up so they can shop, sip and enjoy the fellowship.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout is to God, my amazing daughter, Rayven; my late grandmother, Helen; my mother, Barbara; my aunt Gay, my little brother, Kevin and all of my family. From a child, until now, my family has played a major role in my life. From a young child to adulthood, my family has been my support system. My grandmother was always the glue that held everything and everyone together. She was the epitome of love, perseverance, faith, encouragement and the importance of family. Although she’s no longer here in the physical from, her spirit lives on through each of us. She instilled in us that family is everything and we are a unit; all for one and one for all. In spite of the challenges of being a single mother, my mom did an awesome job raising my brother and I. Though I didn’t realize it until young adulthood, she made many sacrifices for us to have the opportunities we had. Hats off to Nanny Gay who always assisted my mother in raising us. She was single and had no children, at that time, so my brother and I were oftentimes with her. I remember her working two jobs but she still found time for my brother and I. I remember the very first concert I attended; it was with my Nanny Gay and Uncle Joe. That was the first time I saw Frankie Beverly and Maze and to this day, that is my all time favorite group. Thus, my family has played an integral part of the woman I am today. Where one was lacking, the other picked up the slack. I know without a doubt, God has blessed me with a close knit family. I am extremely grateful for all of their love, inspiration, support, words of wisdom and sacrifices. It is because of their guidance and unconditional love I am a successful black woman with a “can do” attitude, they have inspired me believe and you can achieve.

Rayven, my mini me, she is the absolute best gift/loaner God has given me. She’s smart, has a sense of humor, knows what she wants and is very compassionate. She has loved me at my best and at my absolute worst; I didn’t know unconditional love until God blessed me with my “bundle of joy.” I am extremely proud of her achievements and all that she’s doing to create the life she wants. She graduated with an Associate’s degree before getting her high school diploma and now attends Southern University, also a historically black college. I tried to convince her to attend a Texas college (so she could be closer to me) but she was determined to go out of state and of course I had to support her decision. I’ve always tried to instill in her that she can accomplish whatever it is she wants; with prayer, hard work, commitment, sacrifice and a “can do” mentality.

Additionally, I am shouting out all who have been with me since the onset of this journey. Without a loyal, supportive and eager client base RAYV would not exist. God has never failed me and He continues to enlarge my tribe with some amazing people. Their prayers, encouragement, loyalty and confidence in the products I sell humble me and reminds me that family is not just those related by blood. I love what I do and it brings me joy when I receive testimonials and messages that my clients love their statement pieces. It’s humbling to think that I can bless someone with such a simple act of providing jewelry. Grateful, humble and thankful that God blesses me to be a blessing to others!!

I cannot end without thanking Janice Carter and “Shoutout” publication for the interview. Words alone cannot describe my appreciation. God bless!!

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