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Grind On The Go's Brittany Yates Is Unapologetically All About The Hustle That Leads To Fulfillment
We all hear and see a lot about the "soft life," as the concept dominates social and news media. The prospect of grinding for success seems taboo, almost as if hard work is something to loathe or avoid. However, as many of us know, it still takes deliberate effort, experience, and a bit of grit to reach higher levels of success, especially in business. And for Brittany Yates, a serial entrepreneur who prides herself in always thinking about how she can apply her skills to win in launching new platforms and enterprises, it's something she finds joy in doing, within reason.
Yates balances a 9-to-5 in communications and working to expand her business, all while pursuing a Ph.D. "There's nothing wrong with the soft life, but that life can look different for different people," she tells xoNecole. She was able to land investors for Grind On The Go through her network, and it helped that— even after putting a pitch deck together to map out the concept and funds needed— she'd already started other businesses that showed she had a go-getter spark. "They were like, we're in," Yates says. "I plan to do this full-time and I plan for expansion."
With about $56,000, she said, she was able to get the ball rolling. She also contacted a lawyer, got an accountant and consultant, tapped into Facebook groups for support and information, and from there, the coffee-centered brand and community came to life. The brand now has its own online retail portal, offers wholesale opportunities, and has a growing community of supporters and customers after launching during the pandemic.
Arleshia McGirt/Authorized Shot Photography
xoNecole: What was the inspiration behind Grind On The Go?
Brittany Yates: It comes from my love for hard work and my love for coffee. When I was getting my undergrad education, I would always go to a French bakery and it was [open] 24 hours. As I was in there, I'd see all these people on their laptops. Just being in a room full of people working motivated me to keep going. It just made me feel like, 'We all have a common goal. We're all working toward something.'
I kept working from there doing my schoolwork, and I said, 'You know what? I want to create a collaborative space where people can come and do what I love most, which is hard work—grind—and then coffee, which is the coffee grind.' It just came about with me being in a room of people who were grinding and I just wanted to create a community out of that.
xoN: Everybody's talking about pursuing the "soft life," which seems to be the antithesis of the "grind." You mentioned "hard work," so, as an entrepreneur, what's your take on how people see "grinding" as the opposite of the soft life?
Yates: People who are into the soft life mentality, I feel like that's fine. I don't feel like you have to choose between the two. I like living the soft life in that I like living the soft life in terms of how I like being pampered, I like vacationing, but I do like hard work, too. Regardless of how much I like being pampered, how much I like chilling, it's something in me that won't let me just do nothing. And not that the soft life is doing nothing, but I don't think you have to choose. You can have a soft life and a life where you work hard. Just because you work hard, doesn't mean you're not working smart.
xoN: With so many coffee companies out here, how have you been able to gain a foothold and build a community along with your brand?
Yates: For me, it's a couple of things. I always tell people, we're a coffee company but we're not just a coffee company. We encourage you to pursue your grind, whatever that grind might be, whether it's a stay-at-home mom or a student, an entrepreneur, or [a] 9-to-5 professional. While other coffee companies might have a mission, I haven't [come] across a coffee company that simply promotes [that]. We're launching a community called Girl on the Grind, a community aspect.
When you talk about a business meeting, people always meet over a cup of coffee. A coffee shop is where there's that common ground between people, where people come to meet, to have conversations. You can people-watch. Coffee is like comfort.
xoN: You're a professional, entrepreneur and student, how do you balance it all?
Yates: My mindset is that if it's something I really want to do, I can do it. [Some people would say] that's over-simplified, but for me, if I want to do something, I'm doing it. Another thing is time management. I time block, in a sense, so I'll say I'm working a certain amount [of time] on this, and a certain amount of time on that. I live in Google, and so I use the Suites for meetings, emails, calendars, [and] tasks. And my third thing is to just stay organized. For example, I have my Tasks lists [and] my Google Drive with different folders for different tasks for school, work, and my business. Organization is definitely key.
xoN: How are you measuring success for your business?
Yates: For me, customer feedback is a really big thing. I pride myself on exceptional customer service. It can literally make or break your business. [So, it's] hearing customer reviews [and] customer stories, saying, 'This coffee is so good,' or 'I referred to this person and that person.'
Also, the revenue portion. We started at the start of the pandemic, so it was like 'Oh my goodness.' We had so much happen. We originally started with a food truck. The food truck was stolen. We had to rebrand because then there was an issue with the original name we had. It was just a lot of things that we had to through at the beginning. So aside from the revenue, was our resilience. We didn't quit. I think that's a good measure of success because some people quit and you don't even know if you could do it because you stopped.
Also, what you get out of it (as the entrepreneur). I don't [go] in doing things just to do it, so I would say, your health and wellness is a measure of success. Am I happy just doing this? Am I still getting something out of what I'm doing?
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Featured image by Arleshia McGirt/Authorized Shot Photography
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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