We recently connected with Yolanda McCray and have shared our conversation below.
Yolanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
1. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build?
I want to leave a legacy rooted in faith, generosity, and compassion. A life that pointed back to God. I hope people remember me as a woman who believed deeply in the power of second chances and new beginnings no matter how your story started or what happened along the way, it’s how you finish that counts.
I’ve had my share of struggles neglecting my health, making poor financial decisions, wrestling with fear and strained relationships. At one point, I was more focused on outward appearance than inner healing. But God. Now, I’m mastering my money, caring for my body, mind, and soul, and living with intention. My silver hair era has taught me it’s never too late. I’m not just existing anymore…I’m living with purpose.
I want to be remembered as someone who championed women and others reminding them they are powerful, worthy, and deeply loved by God.
2. What do you think people will say about you after you’re gone?
I hope they say, “She never stopped dreaming.” That I loved fashion, creativity, God and people. That I was always smiling, always willing to help, and always real. That I was resourceful, faith-filled, and determined to pour into others no matter what season I was in. I want them to say I never gave up on myself and I never let others give up either.
3. What do you hope to be remembered for?
For loving God. For loving people. For loving fashion. For helping others feel seen and valued. I want to be remembered as someone who showed women that true beauty comes from the inside out. That we can still look fabulous, but not forget our spiritual health, mental health, and soul care along the way.
I hope my life reminds women and others that it’s not too late to begin again. That you can move from fear to faith, from just existing to living fully with purpose, peace, and style.
Yolanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Yolanda McCray, founder of Skyler M Style & Wellness. My business is named in honor of my dog Skyler, who was with me for 14 years and passed four months before the pandemic begin. He brought me joy and comfort, and now I hope to do the same for other women through this brand.
I launched in 2023, but the dream had been on my heart for years. I’ve always loved fashion and encouraging women, but it was the pandemic that pushed me to move. During that time, I hit a breaking point physically, mentally, and spiritually. I looked in the mirror and realized I didn’t like what I saw or how I felt. I started walking 10,000 steps a day, dressing up for myself, talking to God, and working with a counselor. I was able to move from diabetes to pre-diabetes to a healthy A1C range. That journey of healing and showing up for myself changed everything.
Now, my business is about more than clothes. I offer clothing, acessories, wellness products and self-care inspo that helps women 40+ look good and live well. What makes us different is the heart behind it…this isn’t just a products; it’s a faith-rooted mission to help women glow from the inside out.
I’m most proud of the way women respond when they realize they’re not alone, and that it’s not too late to start again.
Coming soon, I’m launching a quarterly subscription box with tools for the mind, body, and spirit plus access to a supportive community. I dream of hosting a signature event where women can dress up, connect, laugh, and feel inspired and light up from the inside out.
I’m not just building a brand I’m creating what I needed and couldn’t find. And I want every woman to know: your story’s not over. You were made to shine in the world.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
For me, it’s been word of mouth and pop-up events. There’s something powerful about face-to-face connection. At pop-ups, customers can touch and feel the products, hear the heart behind the brand, and experience the energy I bring. When they connect with me in person, they feel the passion… it’s not just about what I’m selling, it’s about how I make them feel. That connection often leads to loyal customers who then tell their friends. That kind of trust and support means everything.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
I started with my own savings and a whole lot of faith. I spent countless late nights researching, applying for grants, and learning as I went. Eventually, I was awarded a $5,000 grant and later placed 3rd in a pitch competition. That support gave me the boost I needed to invest in inventory, packaging, and tools to grow. It wasn’t easy and I didn’t have it all figured out but I was determined. I believed in the vision, and I was willing to bet on myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.skylerm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylermsc?igsh=Mzlhb2NiajNkeTV3
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JFWDEsUA1/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@skylermsc?si=sbAaI4MgvYJZtAzJ
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@skylermsc?_t=ZT-8xq9upPKp0n&_r=1
