Dr. Beatrice Salandy shares the inspiration behind her company Yunikuevents, how she became a chef and stylist, and how she incorporates women empowerment into her business philosophy. 

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Q. What inspired you to start Yunikuevents, and how did you first get into the world of event planning, styling, and culinary arts? 

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My inspiration stemmed from my upbringing, where numerous individuals influenced my journey. Starting with styling, my mother owned a salon, which made my transition into becoming a stylist almost inevitable, as I aspired to follow in her footsteps. My journey into the culinary world also began at a young age when I organized my sweet sixteen celebration for over 200 guests, where I styled my court's hair and prepared the food. Cooking has always been a part of my life, thanks to my godmother, mother, grandmother, and aunts, who involved me in their planning and instilled in me a profound passion for it. I believe my hands are truly blessed, as everything I create nourishes others, whether it be through hairstyling, event planning, teaching culinary skills, or cooking for my diverse clientele. I take great joy in the happiness my work brings to others.

Q. What challenges did you face in the early stages of building your business, and how did you overcome them? 

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To begin with, challenges are an inherent part of any business journey. I have experience running a hair salon, a restaurant, and a performing arts center, in addition to teaching classes, holding a pilot's license, and working as a flight attendant. Throughout these ventures, I have faced numerous ups and downs. My primary advice for overcoming obstacles is to maintain strong faith, consistency, and a commitment to continuous learning. Knowledge is indeed power; had I managed my finances more effectively from the start, I might have navigated difficulties more smoothly. It is essential not to be discouraged when things do not go as planned. Pushing through tough times has been instrumental in my growth. Learning from mistakes is crucial, as setbacks are often part of the journey. Persistence is key; even if you stumble multiple times, continuing to move forward will ultimately lead to success. The path may not always be straightforward, as it is filled with bumps, detours, stop signs, and U-turns. However, I believe that perseverance in the face of challenges is what enables one to overcome them.

Q. As a woman entrepreneur, what does women empowerment mean to you, and how do you incorporate it into your work and business philosophy?

Women's empowerment holds great significance for me, as I believe that everyone requires support and encouragement. We all encounter various traumas that shape our experiences, which is why I founded the New York Belles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening, educating, and building confidence in women of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. I am convinced that the motto of NYB, "triumphing over trauma," encourages individuals to transform their pain into purpose and growth, enabling them to achieve their fullest potential and assist others in doing the same. We offer workshops, classes, and community outreach initiatives designed to empower individuals from within. While it is often said that "hurt people hurt people," I advocate for the idea that "healed people heal people." My own experiences with multiple pregnancy losses and various forms of abuse have fueled my passion for helping others, demonstrating that it is indeed possible to overcome adversity and support those around us.