Interview With Orlando Voyager Magazine 11/02/2021

Conversations With Yvette Phillips

By Orlando Voyager Magazine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvette Phillips. 

Hi Yvette, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I am a mother, Author, Teacher, Blogger and an Entrepreneur. I was born on the island of Jamaica and then migrated to the United States of America, where I studied Business Management at Monroe College. I worked in the communications field before I started writing. I love to travel and I have a son who challenges me with that. My son being a basketball player adds to my frequent travelling adventures/ experience.

 I started writing my book in 2009, however, I would only write a page or a paragraph each time. I was working at a Fortune 500 company at the time and I was not completely focused on my writing.  My son was my inspiration for my story. I would always tell him a made-up story before bedtime each night. One night while I was telling him one of these stories, I decided to write it instead. My business coach introduced me to a publisher who worked with me to publish my book.  My business “PadyMart” was established in 2017 and this platform was very helpful when I finally published my first book “The Tale of Princess Alicia” in 2018. I have since published a second book, “The Tale of Princess Alicia Activity book” in 2019.

My business has expanded and I now have a print on demand collection. I design my own products such as mugs, backpacks, throw pillows and more to bring my story to life, and provide more gifts to my readers. I am excited to say as well that I am in the process of expanding more using characters from my books.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t really been a smooth road. There have been so many challenges along the way. Some of these challenges I welcomed because they have made me more confident, stronger and more determined to succeed. My first major challenge was when I got laid off from my job of seventeen years. I was at a loss and I thought that this was the worst thing that have ever happened to me. However, two months after I was laid off, I finished writing my book. It was during this time that I attended a seminar hosted by my business coach about starting and launching a business.

I attended with the intention to support her event, but after listening to her I realized that this was another dream that could really come to fruition. I had always dreamed of owning my own business and now that I was laid off from my job, I had the opportunity and time to pursue my dream.

I was not working, so I used this opportunity to signed up with UBER and used my income from that job to help fund my online business. I was also a caretaker for my husband who was sick for many years. He passed away last year and so this has actually been a very sad time for us. Although I experienced these struggles, the experiences have made me stronger and more determined to be successful in whatever I choose to pursue.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In addition to being a mother, author and entrepreneur, the thing I am most proud of is the fact that after being told by multiple doctors that I would not be able to have a child, I now have a seventeen year old son who I am so proud of. He is my greatest achievement.

I am currently a Teacher Assistant at a Charter Elementary school in the Bronx. This has always been a passion of mine and I am currently in the process of becoming a certified teacher. My son graduated High School this year and is now in college. I was a member of the Parent Association executive body and I was very active in his school. I’m really going to miss that, but I’m now an alumni parent. I am an active member in my church and a leader in multiple groups.

My compassion for others sets me apart. I love to see others happy. I spent over ten years caring for my sick husband and I have no regrets. I love that he was able to be a part of our son’s life for so many milestones.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I will speak about the city that I currently reside in. I love that there are so many great opportunities available. We have so much to explore and I believe that New York City is the place to be. The people are also very warm and welcoming.

The thing I like least is that New York City is very fast paced and there is too much traffic congestion.