Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvonne Ndiaye
Hi Yvonne, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My love story with waist beads and Ankara fabric began in my childhood in Senegal. These vibrant, meaningful pieces have always been part of my heritage and identity.
In 2017, I returned to school to pursue a degree in small business entrepreneurship. While working on a business project for one of my courses, it dawned on me that I could turn my passion into something real—a business of my own. When I shared this idea with my professor, he encouraged me to start building it right there in class. That’s when the name for my brand came to me, and I began drafting a business plan.
I held onto the dream, waiting until I completed my bachelor’s degree. Life had other plans—COVID hit, and I welcomed a new baby and my bachelor’s degree in 2021. Finally, in 2022, I took the leap and officially launched Afrikaanista.
The journey really began in 2020 when I started handmaking waist beads for friends and family. By 2022, I found a way to source high-quality items from Africa while keeping my products affordable. This blend of tradition, creativity, and resourcefulness is what makes Afrikaanista special.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart—it’s a journey full of highs and lows. There are great days when everything clicks, and then there are days when you feel like walking away from it all!
When I launched Afrikaanista in 2022, it wasn’t a smooth journey. I was new to the area and didn’t have the resources I needed to keep the business afloat. Unfortunately, I had to take a hiatus. Like many new entrepreneurs, I made mistakes—I over-purchased inventory, struggled with marketing, and ended up bleeding money instead of making it back.
These setbacks were tough, but they taught me valuable lessons. Every mistake became a stepping stone, helping me refine my approach and reminding me why I started in the first place: to share my love for African heritage through meaningful, handmade creations.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While I run my small business on the side, I work full-time as a fraud investigator at a bank. My journey in banking began in 2022 when I started as a customer support representative, assisting customers with general account activity. I was later promoted to work with mortgage and business accounts, which gave me a broader understanding of banking operations.
Eventually, I became interested in dispute services, and after doing some research, a coworker who had transitioned to the fraud department encouraged me to consider it. She thought it would be a great fit for me, and her advice planted the seed.
When I first applied for a position in fraud, I didn’t get it. I tried again but still didn’t land the role. On my third attempt, I prepared for the interview, gave it my best shot, and finally got the position. I officially started as a fraud investigator in January last year, and now I’m proud to say I’ve been in the role for a full year. It’s been an exciting journey full of growth and persistence.
What sets me apart is my persistence. When I set my mind on something, I will always find a way to execute it. I approach every opportunity with determination and a drive to succeed.
I naturally aim to bring 100% to the table every time, whether it’s in my business, my full-time role, or personal goals. While this “all-in” attitude can be both a strength and a challenge, it’s how I operate—and it’s what fuels my progress and resilience in everything I do.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’m a big risk-taker, and throughout my life, I’ve had to take many risks. As a first-generation U.S. citizen with parents who immigrated from different countries, there was no roadmap laid out for me. Every step I took was uncharted territory—I was the first to navigate each new path.
Navigating life in NYC, going to college, running a business, and then moving to Minnesota—all risks I’ve taken without a foundation to lean on. Each step has been a leap into the unknown, and it hasn’t always been easy. But my hunger for success doesn’t allow me to take it easy. The challenges push me forward, fueling my drive to keep striving for more and break new ground, no matter what.
Pricing:
- Bracelets 3 for 10
- Ankara earrings $10
- Waist beads 10 to 20
- Necklaces 20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://afrikaanista.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrikaanista_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Afrikaanista
