We had the good fortune of connecting with Shakira Yodora and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shakira, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Being from Detroit, Michigan born and raised, I grew up amongst family who were hardworking people. I enjoy challenging myself to be the best at whatever it is I set my mind to. In August 2020 I began juggling ideas on ways to contribute to COVID-19 (a global disaster which limited essentials). I introduced my brand “Yodora LLC” which was pulled from my mother and I’s middle name. The name Yodora, is the perfect match with it’s unique and eye catching logo setting the tone. We have created an audience in Detroit, MI selling undergarment essentials such as men’s boxer briefs and women’s sports bra & Panty sets. In April 2021, we expanded to Atlanta, GA capturing the attention of a more broader audience. In due time, we will be the next hottest undergarment brand in your favorite department store.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have been in business almost one year now. I wake up daily to market and promote my business. I am most proud of my focus and dedication when it comes to branding and and networking for my brand. All business owners and entrepreneurs could agree that running a business can be difficult. I would say that getting support from family and friends is a huge motivator. It isnt easy to continue daily without any support. Running a business becomes discouraging and humiliating when you make post on social media and no one likes it or no one reposts your feed or when for a week or maybe even a month straight you have no sales. All it takes is for the person with the vision to focus and continue marketing and believing that the business is worth the time and energy invested. Sometimes it takes others to see you believing in yourself in order for them to support and recognize you as the hardworking person you are. My advice is to never get discouraged or stop believing because others dont acknowledge you. I want the world to know that even if I dont get acknowledged I will never stop trying and one day I will be able to teach classes and seminars about how my brand Yodora and I survived the pandemic and so could others.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sunday VVS restaurant and Bar -Brunch
Georgia Aquarium
Monday
The real milk & honey- Breakfast
Lakepointe Station
Tuesday
Harolds Icebar on Edgewood
Tiger Tiger
Wednesday
VVS restaurant and Bar- R&B day
Cru Lounge
Thursday
The Hyde Lounge
Candy-topia
Friday
Toast-Breakfast/Brunch
Andretti indoor go kart racing
Saturday
Ubar – Brunch
Blue Martini
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout my mother Tawana Yodora for supporting and helping me from Detroit to Atlanta . Thank you Ma !
Website: www.shopyodora.com
Instagram: yodora__
Facebook: yodora yodora
Other: Personal IG: Shakirayodora__
Image Credits
Photographersz @morrokali @q11photography Models @veedot_major @samsonthetrainer @dont.dani.me_ @cupofcourt