Exclusive Interview With Yana Bean

When did you start your journey?

I started this journey back in 2019 when I was cast on BET American Gangster: Trap Queens series.  I wanted to make sure that I created a positive foundation that reflected who I am and not what I had done in the past that placed me on the show. So I began doing the work of giving back by sharing my story and helping others detour off the wrong path.

Did you get any time to reflect on how far you have come?

Recently after one of my Beyond The Bars Workshops, I was able to reflect on how far away from my past and the beginning of my new philanthropic journey.  I’m not quite where I want to be, but I’m far beyond where I started.

What’s the hardest part of your job?

The hardest part of the job is that although you can’t be in three places at once, you can definitely wear multiple hats in one place. Just like anything else, there is never enough time in one day to get it all done.

Do you have anything new to tell the upcoming professionals who do what do?

The best advice I can tell upcoming professionals is not to give up.  There will be days that it seems nothing is going right or things won’t happen, be even more patient in those times.

What does collaborating mean to you and how does it relate to you and your brand today?

Collaborating means everything to me, it’s how solid partnerships are created. Partnerships are the most valuable tool you will have that will push your brand further.

Why did you get into your niche?

My passion for helping people landed me here.  There is no greater reward to me.

Where do you see yourself/brand in the next 5 years?

Within the next five years, I see my brand on a solid foundation, thriving and creating more opportunities for the world to share.