Meet Ayana Bean | Entrepreneur & Author

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

Hi Ayana, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
To know whether to keep going or to give up takes knowing what direction your going in and mapping out the route. Once you have an idea of what you want to do, take the time to do the research, have patience with yourself and know that giving up on yourself is not an option. It’s not an easy journey to reach your goals but continue on with determination and you will succeed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently I am in a new space of the non profit world as a Founder and Executive Director of my own non profit, A Year And A Day Foundation which provides resources for returning citizens from incarceration and those that are justice impacted. Ending mass incarceration and recidivism is the goal and although I am not trying to reinvent the wheel, as there are many great organizations doing awesome work. Being a woman who has been formerly incarcerated sets me apart from other organizations because I know what it is like first hand. I’m fortunate enough to have survived my own circumstance and use the experience to serve the justice impacted community. It is not an easy and there are many challenges to overcome, the greater reward for me is being able to give back the support I received. The most important lesson out of all that I have learned is to continue to move forward and face challenges. I want the world to know that I have the courage and strength to succeed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow we would have us some good fun! One of the greatest things about Atlanta which is so different from Boston where I’m from is that there is something to do for everyone and something to eat everywhere. If your into the arts, music, fine dining and adventure its the place to be, but I would definitely have to call my homegrown ATL friends to get that itinerary going. They have NOBU now so its a must to put that on the itinerary, any party that Mr. Ruggs has going on, We would just start on peachtree and see whats poppin along the way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Over the years I have received so much support, love and encouragement by so many great people. I would love to give a big Shoutout to my two heart beats DeVaughn and Malik Bean, my mom Sherry Bean, my sister Charita Bean, my cousin and bestfriend Kizzy Jackson, one of my greatest mentors and close friend Gazelle Alexander who believed in me and gave me my first shot in the music industry, my mentor and spiritual mother Dr, Jemeker Hairston who has been opening doors for me from since the first day we met. These are just a few of many who have been so supportive of me and I truly love and appreciate all of them.

Website: www.ayearandadayfoundation.org

Instagram: @ms.yanabean

Twitter: Ms. Yana bean

Facebook: Ms. Yana Bean

Image Credits
Photo Credits Bred Hampton