On today’s show Rosetta chats with Patrice Grell Yursik, founder of Afrobella. She’s a passionate entrepreneur and part of the Happy Black Woman tribe. With a flourishing business celebrating its 10th year, Patrice is the perfect person to share tips and inspiration to help you follow your passion and purpose. With a background in creative writing, Patrice spent many years working for large newspapers. While she enjoyed her work, she came face to face with a noticeable void in the media - one shaped like her. Patrice sought positivity in the media and so she decided to pursue her passion and create Afrobella. She’s been featured in Essence, Ebony, Glamour, and many other major media outlets. In her chat with Rosetta, Patrice offers great insight into how she turned her passion into a full time job.
[Tweet "How Patrice Grell Yursik Took @Afrobella From a Part-Time Passion to a Full-Time Business"]
The evolution of Afrobella from part-time passion pursuit to full-time career.
Patrice was working full-time in a career she enjoyed. But when she noticed what was truly lacking in the media, Patrice was inspired to take action. With the urging of a close friend, she came up with her brand and (thanks in part to her husband) the name “Afrobella” was born. Patrice’s mission: to empower women to love themselves, live their best lives, and embrace their beauty on their own terms. From its whimsical beginnings, Afrobella has truly evolved into a flourishing business and to go-to source for beauty tips. Called by many as the “Godmother of Brown Beauty Blogging” Patrice has become a public figure and has received accolades for her work including being included in the list of Ebony Magazine’s Power 100. Since its launch 10 years ago, Afrobella.com has seen over 11 million page views.
Finding your niche and letting it shine.
Although Patrice didn’t start out as a beauty expert, her platform and brand have certainly established her as one. She shares how you too can find your niche and let your skills shine. It’s all about believing in yourself and going after your passion with everything you’ve got. Patrice explains how the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” has played a key role in her journey. After starting Afrobella in 2006, Patrice was able to quit her job just 3 years later. As she shares her inspiring journey, she points out that if she can do it, you can too.
A perpetual act of rising to the occasion.
As Patrice takes us through the process of launching her website and eventually becoming a public figure, she shares insight into the steps you can take to turn your passion into a career. Patrice delves into the process of establishing yourself as an expert in your field and how that can translate into much success - in any niche. As she strives to balance a busy business and family life, Patrice uses productivity tools to keep herself focused and makes sure to start her day centered and grounded.
Embrace a spirit of community instead of a spirit of competition.
In her journey as Afrobella, Patrice Grell Yursik certainly faced obstacles, fear, and uncertainty. In spite of - and sometimes because of - those things, she found success in a career that fulfills her and brings her happiness. As Rosetta closes her conversation with Patrice, they discuss the importance of maintaining balance, finding inspiration around you, and following your passion - even when it scares you. Patrice’s story is the stuff happy black women are made of. She’s found her way to happiness - and you can too. You’ll find inspiration and empowerment on this episode of Happy Black Woman.
[Tweet "It's important to embrace a spirit of community instead of a spirit of competition." ~ @Afrobella"]
Outline of this great episode:
- [0:37] Rosetta’s introduction of her guest, Patrice Grell Yursik.
- [2:02] Rosetta’s mission of empowering women to love themselves, live their best lives, and embrace their beauty on their own terms through her website Afrobella.
- [4:01] How Rosetta and Patrice met.
- [6:16] The inspiration behind her brand and how she left her job to pursue her passion.
- [11:00] Afrobella’s evolution from a personal blog to a full time business.
- [16:15] Patrice’s advice to aspiring bloggers and entrepreneurs.
- [22:07] How to establish yourself as an expert in your niche.
- [23:02] What are some strategies you incorporate that keep you focused and productive?
- [28:59] How Patrice maintains balance in her life and makes time for her personal priorities.
- [31:21] What makes Patrice a Happy Black Woman?
- [35:03] Do you have a favorite book that has inspired you in your journey?
- [37:44] What’s your number one piece of advice for other women starting their journey?
- [40:49] How to connect with Patrice.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Wunderlist
- Evernote
- BOOK: “Stephen King: On Writing”
- BOOK: “The Four Agreements”
- BOOK: “Bullshit or Fertilizer”
- Patrice’s website: www.Afrobella.com
Tweets you can use to share this episode:
[Tweet "How Patrice Grell Yursik Took @Afrobella From a Part-Time Passion to a Full-Time Business"]
[Tweet ""A lot of opportunity comes from being first and being best." - @Afrobella"]
Tweet ""It's important to embrace a spirit of community instead of a spirit of competition." ~ @Afrobella"]
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