Hidden Gems: Meet Imani Yorker of Mani B. Media

Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Yorker. 

Hi Imani, 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.
Originally Mani B. Media was a brainchild of mine until I decided to take some action and put it out in the atmosphere. In spring 2020, I was furloughed from my full-time job (due to COVID-19), but my grad school coursework at Georgetown University continued (remotely). I noticed how everything was turning virtual, not based on desire, but instead based on need in order to try to keep everyone healthy. 

There hasn’t historically been a lot of instruction on how to market, promote and create content for small business owners, but specifically small business owners of color. 

I was born and raised in Prince George’s County, MD – so I grew up around Black excellence, but I saw these same businesses, doctors, schools, and churches struggling with how to switch to a virtual platform. I was learning a lot in grad school during this time about digital marketing, branding, and more, but since I wasn’t working full time, I had all this information in my head without an outlet for it. 

So, with that observation, I decided to use my time towards something good and started with Instagram Lives to talk about marketing, communications, and content creation tips/tricks. I started on my personal account, and my first live video went viral. From there, I was like, “oh people really want to know and learn about this?!” so I continued lives as free game for whoever wanted to listen but also started to freelance when people reached out to me about needing help with marketing their businesses during this tumultuous time. 

Eventually, I saved up enough from freelancing and was able to purchase my LLC. From there, I paid for a fellow Black business to build my website and create my logo. Each new milestone I met, I made sure to reach back and support another Black business. Eventually, I returned to my full-time job and dually launched my business officially in July 2020 on the 16th anniversary of my father’s passing. It meant a lot to me, and I’m sure he is looking down and proud of me. 

The past 2 years and some change have been a pleasure as a business owner. Since my start almost 2 years ago, I have been blessed to Reach Back™ and help over 50 Black small business owners through my service offerings and informational series. 

In addition to these humble beginnings, I have hosted 2 annual winter coat drives. The first year was amazing; I collected over $750 and 200+ coats and winter gear that was donated to local charities to help those in need during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The second year I was able to match monetary donations to the ones I received, which was truly a full circle moment for me – thanks to the support of my parents, friends, family, clients, and more. 

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?
The first year in business was pretty smooth for me. Once I got to year 2, I started to learn a lot more about the balance of being a business owner, socializing, and also managing a full-time job and workload. 

About a year into starting my business, COVID restrictions started to lift, so I had to really learn how to juggle the client work while also regaining my social life back. 

My mother always enforced having time for myself, taking breaks, and not working too much to burn myself out. She would literally come into my office sometimes past midnight and flash the lights to get my attention (LOL) as I was engrossed in my laptop screen. That was her way of telling me, “Girl go to bed,” she always reminded me that the work would be there tomorrow. 

As Black women, we grow up often thinking we have to overwork or overexert ourselves to demonstrate our levels of productivity, but we have to remember to take care of ourselves first because you can’t pour from an empty cup. It is still a lesson I’m actively learning; rest is needed as a break from the grind – in order to be successful holistically. 

As a business owner, the grind is glorified, but you can’t perform at your fullest potential if you don’t take breaks. Doing everything yourself from being the service provider, content creator, customer service specialist, and financial advisor – you can easily get burnt out. I just wish people talked more about that side of entrepreneurship and not strictly the glitz and glamour. 

Another obstacle that I had was restarting when I relocated to Charlotte at the end of April 2022. Majority of my clients, customers, and fellow creatives in my network were back in the DMV or located on the northern East Coast. I’ve had to be open-minded in order to meet new people and challenge myself to get out of my shell a bit in this new environment. I’m still pretty new and getting to know my way around the city, but I’ve met a few awesome individuals who have become a great support system, and look forward to meeting more! 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mani B. Media, LLC.?
As a branding, marketing, and strategy consultant, I specialize in social strategy and content management. I really like to think of myself as the brains behind the actual campaigns that launch – the behind-the-scenes girl. I love to create content and creative direct as well, but think my ability to ideate, map out campaigns, and give a game plan for how it will be executed is my secret sauce. 

I specialize in personal branding and digital marketing services, so anything from a LinkedIn and resume revamp all the way to creating and executing content calendars for clients – managing both business and personal accounts. I am most known for my content calendar packages. At one point, I had a handful of clients on a monthly rotation for this service, and I had to close my books for new customers simply because folks loved it so much. I wanted to make sure I was able to give each client the support they needed, and you can’t do that overbooked and overworked! 

I believe my passion for the work I do, tied with being ingrained in the culture and trends, is what sets my expertise apart from others. In this industry, you are always learning and evolving, it’s ever-changing so you have to be able to be a sponge and humble yourself because there is always something new to learn! I tell my clients all the time you don’t have to try everything, but once you set your foundation, you’re good to go from there. 

Brand-wise, I am most proud of the number of lives I’ve been able to impact, whether you found me through a referral, a listing, an Instagram live, my coat drives, a training course, or even just through hashtags. 

I just want your readers to know that I’m always open to working with new individuals in a variety of industries, and if you don’t see a specific service or offering listed on my site, that doesn’t mean I don’t do it! I create a lot of hybrid packages based on the needs of each individual client, so just reach out, and we’ll see what works. 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people who know me, my work, or brand might not know about me is that I enjoy my alone time. 

I’m a very bubbly, social, and extroverted person because I like to have fun – but I grew up as an only child! I still very much have those tendencies and times where I just like to be alone in some peace and quiet. 

I look forward to the times once the workday is done, all client content is posted, and emails/texts are responded to because that means nobody is looking for me or needing anything from me! 

Being able to spend time alone and be comfortable with yourself is an important skill for personal growth! 

Contact Info:

• Website: manibmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manibmedia/