Chief-Angel-in-Charge: How One Woman Balances Day Job with Community Work

It only takes a kind heart to change a person’s life. Bronx, New York, native Yazmin Ramos has made it her mission to change the lives of dozens of elderly citizens each month with her organization Polished Angels. A unique charity founded by Ramos, Polished Angels is dedicated to uplifting the spirits of the elderly by offering free manicures to women at senior living centers. Some in these homes face health concerns, loneliness, and isolation. But Ramos is working to change that, and her work is making a big difference, one polished nail at a time.

Senior associate producer on the Wendy Williams Show, chief angel-in-charge for her organization, Polished Angels, as well as a contributor to NAIL IT magazine, Ramos is no stranger to the balancing act. She maintains her full-time job on the Wendy

show, producing various segments such as “Ask Wendy,” “Eye Candy,” “INSTAGlam,” and more. Ramos, who merges her passion for beauty and nail fashion with all her jobs, is a testament that if you do what you love, you will never have to ‘work’ a day in your life.

Ramos talked to BlackEnterprise.com and shared her inspiration for starting Polished Angels, career advice she’s gotten from Williams, and how she juggles her full-time job and community work.

What inspired you to start Polished Angels?

My love for seniors. Seniors are often forgotten. yet they deserve to be pampered. Most of the seniors we polish at nursing homes haven’t had a visitor in years. Our presence makes a difference in their lives, and that’s what encourages us to keep spreading love to the elderly. Plus, it’s my way of doing God’s work on earth.

How do you balance your full-time job duties with your work with the seniors?

I will admit it’s difficult, but I make it work! My secret is confidence. I believe I can pull off anything if I set my mind to it. It’s all about strategic thinking and planning.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect about working at The Wendy Williams Show is seeing my name in credits and being able to call Wendy my boss. I’ve always been a fan of Wendy, and working with her has been an extraordinary experience. I admire her work ethic. She’s taught me how to be a great producer. I also enjoy producing “Ask Wendy” and “Eye Candy,” because it gives me the opportunity to interact with our incredible audience.

What’s the best advice, if any, you’ve ever received from Wendy Williams?

The best advice I’ve received from Wendy is “Never give up on love,” and “Anything in life is possible.”

What key advice do you have for women of color interested in pursuing a similar career path?

Don’t give up. Persevere, strive for the best, and never doubt yourself. Think outside the box and share your talents with everyone.

How important have mentors been to your career success?

Mentors are extremely important. My mentors, TV producer Carlos King and Talia Parkinson—supervising producer on Wendy Williams—have had a huge impact on my life. Their guidance and affirmations have helped me tremendously. If it weren’t for my mentors I wouldn’t be successful.