We meet again today for our brand new section: The projects we love! One way for us to introduce you to extraordinary people and ideas that inspire us every day!
And to start this section, we did not skimp on the means! Because today leadership is everyone's business but especially women... we had the chance to meet the pretty Yolande Libene and we asked her a few questions...
Can you introduce yourself
My name is Yolande Libene, I am 28 years old. I am the founder of Bossie Media, the first media devoted to women's leadership. I am Parisian, and addicted to personal development.
3 adjectives that describe you and why?
The words most often used to describe me are:
- wise: it's my "grandmother foliage" side. I am the guidance counselor and coach of those around me
- determined: certainly because I took great risks in life to achieve certain dreams
- tall: I still have one of the rare first names that rhyme with tall! I am 1m78 tall
What was the trigger for Bossie's initiative?
While I was in my master's, I had a pretty painful job interview – all the stereotypes about women and black people went through it. I wondered how we could fight against stereotypes and prevent them from having an influence on people's lives, and women in particular. It has become an obsession. When I left my company last September, I knew that I wanted to create a project along these lines; a project to allow women to no longer be victims of the representation that society has of them.
Can you introduce us to the magazine
This is the magazine I dreamed of. A magazine that pulls me up, that inspires me, with people I can identify with. It is a concentrate of energy on a hundred pages. We read interviews with women entrepreneurs and business leaders, exciting testimonials, surveys, advice from experts in business and leadership, personal development exercises. Everything you need to progress and become the best version of yourself.
Why did you choose to produce a magazine that is both business and women's?
Because it is the image of our lives! We spend 50% of our time at work, it's important to talk about it. But Bossie does it with a new, younger and more feminine angle. As a teenager, I really liked women's magazines, it was funny and fresh. But now that I'm older, it's become completely disconnected from my daily life and my needs. This is why the alliance of business and the feminine seems to me to correspond to the expectations of our generation.
Who is your magazine for?
To women who want it! Those who want to realize their dreams, occupy positions of responsibility in a company or create their own, launch an association, train, move abroad, those who want to live fully and fulfill themselves. If you don't have a dream, you better not read Bossie!
You are also at the initiative of “Sistas Club”, can you explain the concept to us?
As I told you, I have wanted to fight against stereotypes for a while. The Sistas Club was born from an article that said that the best way to limit their influence is not positive discrimination or mentoring, but mutual aid and collective emulation. That's why I had the idea of creating a club. I wanted to bring together young girls from the suburbs, like me, and see what we could do together. It was great, I offered job search preparation courses; We also organized events like the Sistas Good Vibes where we discussed social issues, we gave image consulting courses, we brought in entrepreneurs. A crazy adventure, which brought together hundreds of people; I loved.
What do you think of leadership today?
We need it more than ever. The world is in a leadership crisis; young people in particular have no reference point. The old-fashioned model of leadership, based on order and authority, is dying. The good news is that this is the opportunity to create a new model. I am convinced that women will contribute to the emergence of innovative ways of doing things and Bossie will be an actor in this change.
And on the beauty side, what is your top 5 in terms of natural cosmetics?
I'm a fan of natural waters (rose, blueberry) and oils (coconut, sesame), a habit I inherited from my mom. It's simple, but effective. Otherwise, I have favorite products: shea whipped cream from Secrets de Loly, cleansing foam from Nuhanciam, baobab oil hair mask from Shea Moisture.
What guides your cosmetic choices?
The experience. I have a sometimes stressful professional life, I don't want to add to it! I have very little time, so I like to keep a simple routine. It's about giving me a moment of pleasure and well-being above all. I like captivating smells, rich textures, pretty colors.
What do you think of the BeautyMix concept?
A few weeks ago, we organized a conference on cosmetics. We talked a lot about technology and personalization. BeautyMix is precisely at the intersection of these two trends. As consumers, we increasingly want to be involved in manufacturing. And then, it's fun!
What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?
"Make yourself a blueberry water mask when you're tired" - my mom
“If you want to love your hair, you have to give it love” – my sister (founder of the site labeautedigitale.fr)
The final word: what advice would you give to readers who wish to carry out a personal project?
There is no problem in life that cannot be solved with a little courage.
And you, what projects inspire you?
Do not hesitate to give us your feedback!
See you soon.
La team BeautyMix