November 14, 2011
Entertainment Manager Yandy Smith Explains the Business of ‘Love & Hip-Hop’
Many young people romanticize the glamor and glitz–parties and perks–of being in the music industry. What are the realities of some of the other aspects people don’t see?
It’s absolutely a glamorous lifestyle–if that’s what you want–but to get to that, it takes a lot of hard work. It’s two-fold for me: a plus and a negative. I’ve given up so much time and energy. I haven’t had time to start a family or have a consistent relationship that flourished because I’m always on the road, always traveling… It’s hard, and it’s a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week job. There’s no vacation. My phones are attached to my hip even when I’m trying to vacation.
You do balance it out with a lot of the perks, like going to the great parties or traveling all over the world, but there comes a point in time when it’s, what’s more important– family or career–and that’s where I am now.
You’ve extended your brand into an online boutique and lifestyle blog, Everything Girls Love. Why did you start this venture?
When I decided to do the show, I knew how much the show aired and looked at it as a great branding opportunity. It’s like a commercial for whatever it is you have going on. I thought, What is something that I’d like to promote? I’m a businesswoman, first and foremost, and when I looked around my room and saw all these rings, necklaces and pendants, I said, “I got it. I’m going to get into the accessories business.”
What does the collection offer?
Right now, the collection consists of about 30 pieces, including earrings, rings, bracelets and pendants. What sets us apart from everyone else is that every one of our pieces are bold, strong while still feminine and beautiful. Also, not only are we an accessories line, we’re also starting a loungewear line featuring rhinestone and sequin accents that are very edgy, but cute. Our ultimate goal is to be the one-stop-shop for ladies before you go out, go on a date, or just hang out and do your girly things you like to do–all the little feminine things that you love. And we’ll also have a blog section discussing trends, beauty tips and [there’ll be a] Rock Candy section, featuring handsome men you should be looking out for.
Where do you ultimately see yourself in 10 years?
A year ago I would’ve answered this question completely different and eight years ago, when I was graduating college, I would’ve answered it completely different. I never, in a million years, would’ve thought I’d be in front of a camera, so the sky’s the limit. I’m just open and willing to do whatever it takes to further my brand and my career, while empowering women and showing them we can do everything on our own if we need to.
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