Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvette Vasquez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised here in Miami, I grew up in Kendall and lived there my entire life. I feel like that has really molded my personality and perspective of life due to our diverse community. I try to be that person you can go to and freely ask about anything, like a walking “here’s how” encyclopedia. After finishing school, I started working for hospitality companies. That really helped me start to travel and experience the finer things in life. I started sharing my photos on Instagram everything from traveling, local finds and my favorite beauty products. I’ve always felt the need to connect with others on a deeper level so I just started my website, YvetteVasquez.com where I can share all my favorite things in detail. So here I am today, years later still learning and growing, sharing my bits of wisdom.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but you know what they say “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor”. In my younger years, I noticed although I was the “go-to-girl” I felt, different and sometimes empty. I went through a lot of bullying because of my size and looks. Later on in my school years, I was diagnosed with panic disorder and major depressive disorder. When you first meet me and get to know me, you’d never imagine I struggle with mental health. That’s why I started this public journey to bring awareness to the issues and help end the stigma around it. I feel like so many of us have many questions and insecurities but we forget so does everyone else. That was probably my biggest hurdle mentally; fear of being judged or bullied. My advice to anyone out there, younger or older is, it’s never too late to start anew. You and only you determine your life, and no one can devalue you. If you know deep down that something is missing, don’t be afraid to ask and reach out for it. Start the website, make your art, stand by what you believe in and the rest will come to you. I promise it always gets better and there’s so much to learn.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your business story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m here to be your friend and someone you can come to for all sorts of advice. I feel what really sets me apart is my authentic outlook on life. I love fashion, beauty and traveling but I also know what it feels like to feel misunderstood. I’m most proud of sticking true to myself, someone who is plus size, someone who wants to inspire and share my light with the world.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I feel like the biggest barrier around women is the stigma that comes with being a female. Being told that we are just “sensitive or overreacting” usually comes when trying to express emotions. And being told what we should or shouldn’t wear based on our physical appearance. The Marketing industry has made it seem that if you don’t look, talk and act a certain way, you are disposable. We as women need to remind ourselves that we are anything but that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yvettevasquez.com
- Email: yvette@yvettevasquez.com
- Instagram: @yvettevasquez
Image Credit:
Yvette Vasquez
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