Her Goal is to Teach Each Student the Essential Skills to Become a Thriving Entrepreneur. Meet Yolanda Joiner, Co-Founder of Legendary Institute

df77e84f56dad1d2d694a45017d8786d.jpgQ: For those in our audience not familiar with Legendary Institute, can you tell us about it?
YJ:
Legendary Institute, is a state-of-the-art barber college, located on 400 N. Bowman Rd, Little Rock, AR. We specialize in educating the latest techniques for forward thinking individuals and servicing clients with grooming and hair care needs. We were established in 2019 however, our doors did not open up until May 19, 2020. We offer certificate programs for barbers, barber instructors, and cosmetology crossovers. We also offer entrepreneur training for our student professionals, so that they will be better equipped to start and manage their own business. 

Q: What was your mission at the outset?
YJ:
Our mission was to become the premiere barber college in the state focusing on “Sculpting highly motivated individuals into innovative successful professionals.” We knew we wanted to build an organization that would provide quality education as well as develop our student professionals into thriving business owners. We wanted to establish a business with sustainability that will ultimately lead to financial wealth.

Q: What does your typical day look like?
YJ:
A typical day for me is getting up at 6:00 am. Prayer and a smoothie or fruit. Arrive at Legendary Institute 8:30 a.m. Checking emails and greeting students and taking temperatures as they enter. Since we are a new school, hiring employees was not in the budget so my husband and I have to wear many hats in our business. I wear my administrative hat most of day as I’m planning, organizing, and scheduling appointments. 

Q: Can you share with us your future plans for the Legendary Institute?
YJ:
Our future plans for Legendary Institute is to become nationally accredited and to become the premier barber college in the state of Arkansas opening several locations by year five.  

Q: How has Covid-19 affected your business?
YJ:
It’s funny how things work out. We actually opened our doors during the pandemic. Covid -19 just reenforced our daily sanitation to be of the utmost importance, ensuring the safety of our students and clients. We do not accept walk in clients. Legendary is by appointment only school, clients are not sitting around waiting for services. We are on track with our forecast as far as student enrollment and client services. Our Institution have been blessed through this pandemic not to have to close our doors.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to purse their dream and start a business? 
YJ:
My advice to young women would be to dream BIG and never let anyone put limits on them not even themselves. Keep setting goals and deadlines. Never stop growing and learning Build relationships and utilize their resources, connect with the people around them. 

Starting your own business is definitely rewarding but it also comes with a lot of sacrificing. You have to prioritize. Being an entrepreneur is more than just being your own Boss it takes persistence, discipline, putting in long hours, overtime. Definitely pursue your passion. Do something you love. One of my favorite quotes is by Marc Anthony, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” 

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? 
YJ:
No matter how many times I tried to take short cuts; they always seem to set me back. I learned to there are no short cuts, do things right from the start. 

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
YJ:
Robin Roberts News Anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. She represents strength and bravery, She’s a survivor and thriver; an overcomer. I love her spirit.

Five Things About Yolanda Joiner

1. If you could talk to one famous person past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could talk to one famous person it would be Madame CJ Walker, she was the first black female millionaire. Madame CJ Walker came up an era that was not only difficult for women but especially women of color and she persevered in spite of and gave opportunity to other women to become self-sufficient.

2. Favorite movie? 
Black Panther

3. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
1999

4. Favorite city? 
London

5. Who is your favorite author?
Terry McMillan

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