We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Briana Means a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Briana, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Yard Culture Co. was born out of observation of the inequality in the availability of products catering to the diverse needs of each of the divine nine organizations. The founder, Briana, was deeply involved in her Greek organization and regularly found herself frustrated by the limited and unequal options for expressing pride through Greek paraphernalia.

As a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., she drew inspiration from the rich history of her own organization. The founding story of Sigma Gamma Rho, where the KKK lived across the street from the sorority’s founding univeristy, added an extra layer of significance. The founders of Sigma Gamma Rho faced adversity, prejudice, and hatred as they navigated their daily lives. This background of resilience and determination fueled the founder’s passion to create a platform showcased unity, equality, and pride for all divine nine organizations.

The logic behind Yard Culture Co. was grounded in the belief that every member of a Divine Nine organization deserved high-quality, stylish, and representative apparel. The founder recognized the need for unparalleled apparel that would not exclude anyone, a brand that would bring together sisterhood and brotherhood in a way that celebrated the diversity of these organizations.
The commitment to inclusivity and unity became the driving force, creating a unique approach that set Yard Culture Co. apart.

In essence, Yard Culture Co. was conceived not just as a business venture but as a movement –
a movement to redefine the landscape of Greek paraphernalia, to tell a story of unity and equality through clothing, and to leave a lasting impact on the Greek community.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Briana Means, the creative mind and CEO behind Yard Culture Co. graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and proudly wears the colors of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. As the founder, She is deeply involved in every aspect of Yard Culture Co., from design creation to printing, production, and distribution. Yard Culture Co. is more than a brand; it’s a passion project that emerged from a keen observation of the inequality in products available for divine nine organizations. Greek paraphernalia to me, is a powerful means of expressing oneself through unique styles and pride associated with each organization. It’s a statement of unity and equality that goes beyond just clothing.
Our mission at Yard Culture is clear – to enhance sisterhood and brotherhood through unparalleled apparel where no one is excluded. This isn’t just about providing products; it’s about creating a space where individuals from all divine nine organizations can find representation and celebrate their shared sense of pride. I personally develop all Yard Culture Co. designs to ensure they resonate with the authenticity and uniqueness of each organization.
One of the aspects I’m most proud of is successfully creating and growing Yard Culture Co. during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the hurdles, we’ve not only maintained our target audience but have also continued to thrive. This resilience is a testament to the dedication and passion behind Yard Culture Co.
What sets Yard Culture Co. apart is the personal touch that comes with every design and product. Each piece is crafted with a deep understanding of the history and significance of the divine nine organizations. We solve the problem of inequality in the market by providing inclusive, high-quality apparel that celebrates the diversity of these organizations.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Two notable books that have played a pivotal role in shaping my mindset are “Woman Evolve” by Sarah Jakes Roberts and “The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires” by Dennis Kimbro. “Woman Evolve” by Sarah Jakes Roberts has been transformative read for me. This book goes beyond the conventional self-help genre and speaks directly to women of faith, overcoming self-doubt, and navigating the challenges of personal and professional growth. It encourages breaking free from limiting beliefs and embracing a mindset that propels you forward. As a woman in the entrepreneurial space, this book has helped me overcome mental hurdles and step into my potential with confidence. “The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires” by Dennis Kimbro is another impactful work that has influenced my entrepreneurial thinking. This book provides key insights into the success stories of black millionaires, offering practical advice and strategies for financial empowerment. It encourages readers to dream bigger and challenges societal norms, particularly those that may hinder the progress of individuals striving for success.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In the early stages of building Yard Culture Co., I was determined to offer the highest quality Greek paraphernalia to our customers. I embarked on a mission to find materials that not only met our standards but also resonated with the authenticity and pride of each divine nine organization. This journey, however, was far from smooth. During this process, there were instances where I faced setbacks and made mistakes in choosing materials that didn’t meet the high standards I had set for Yard Culture Co. It was a tough lesson, but these experiences became invaluable learning opportunities. Each mistake served as a stepping stone toward refining our sourcing strategies, improving our understanding of materials, and establishing relationships with trusted suppliers. Additionally, customer feedback played a crucial role in shaping our approach. Every hiccup in the supply chain or quality concern was an opportunity to listen to our customers, understand their expectations, and make necessary adjustments. This process not only improved the quality of our products, but also strengthened the bond with our customer base. Through these experiences, I realized that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from setbacks; it’s about adapting, learning, and constantly improving. The willingness to acknowledge mistakes, seek solutions, and remain committed to our vision for Yard Culture Co. became the driving force.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yardcultureco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yardcultureco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YardCultureCo
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/yardcultureco
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yardcultureco

Image Credits
Image Credit @Giftedtcooks