Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sequoia Youngblood. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sequoia , appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
I’d say my parents definitely got it right with me by instilling a CAN-DO attitude, the willingness to be a community servant and a resilient mindset. I’m the BOUNCE BACK QUEEN. No matter what life throws, I’m a creature of learning from it, working through it and trucking right along. My mom is a therapist and I have learned to be a listener; that’s important especially as we journey through this life. In order to lead, you must be a good follower and in order to hear what your purpose is, you must LISTEN to it! My dad, although deceased now, was a director of the Boys and Girls Club in Manhattan, New York. He was always seeking to provide a way to help and uplift our future up until his untimely passing. My parents are the epitome of why I am uber-focused and am the Renaissance woman I am today. Without them there’s no me or my legacy or there’s. I’m truly grateful for who God chose to birth and shepherd me into this world.
Sequoia , 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 am Sequoia Youngblood. I was born and raised in Long Island, New York, but now reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia. My life’s goal is to leave this world empty! And by empty I mean a life fulfilled with no regrets. My motto, “I am pregnant with purpose, and birthing my dreams.” As a Lupus Warrior I’ve found that finding the positive even when life gives you a negative, helps to bring things all into perspective. I choose to use my diagnosis to help educate others and raise awareness. Some days are bad, but I focus on the good ones, because those are what keep me going!
An extremely busy woman: Active-duty service member (23 years), wife, mother of three, model, aspiring author, actor and entrepreneur amongst so many other things. It doesn’t stop there. I am also an advocate for Autism awareness as a parent of a child who is affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. My goal is to raise awareness while helping to cultivate a place where my child and every other child with Autism is loved and accepted. I love fashion, beauty, fitness, playing my flute, reading, traveling, makeup, beauty and good discussion. My newest venture is Co-Founder of a Social Media group, Not Your Grandma’s Wigs (NYGW). A platform that motivates women to love themselves from the inside and out by Empowering, Uplifting, Encouraging and inspiring them. As an active member for America’s Big Sister’s Foundation, she is seeking to help young girls across the Nation. America’s Big Sister’s Foundation founded by the legendary Basketball Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade’s sister, Tragil Wade-Johnson seeks to provide girls with an opportunity for ALL girls to unite despite their environmental, personal, and socioeconomic differences by obtaining strategies to overcome the world’s stereotypes and negative influences. So, stay tuned as she embarks on a new journey discovering and discussing all things old and new, touching the lives of many one day at a time.
At the end of the day I’m all about a nice glass of wine, as I try to unlock the treasures for all the things that aren’t in the owner’s manual of this thing called Life. I believe we should empower, uplift, encourage and inspire one another. There’s definitely enough room for us all to learn, grow, and build the life we deserve! So why not bring everyone along as we all strive to be men and women of purpose!
“We are Warriors and it’s ok to smile as one!”
Please check out the website, America’s Big Sisters (americasbigsisters.com) if you’re interested in donating your time, want to sponsor or just learn about the foundation.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I will say that my journey has been one of reinventing oneself and bouncing back. I’ve learned to NEVER let a diagnosis define you, EVER! When I was diagnosed with Lupus over 8 years ago, while still Active Duty nonetheless, I could’ve let it defeat me. I decided to take that diagnosis and state, “I may have Lupus, but it doesn’t have me!” Since then, I have gone on to be a multi-faceted renaissance woman. I write poetry, play the flute and even have begun to delve into acting. You are the author of your own destiny; choose to write it with the downs and highlight every “UP”. We are BOUNCE QUEENS and KINGS, we just have to dig deep and remember that we are built for this life, and we can ride any wave that tries to knock us down. Never be afraid to be a C.E.O. of your life – Conquer Every Obstacle!
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
One book that recently has significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking philosophy is: The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires: How to Achieve Financial Independence Faster and Easier than You Ever Thought Possible by Brian Tracy. What really stuck out is we have to learn to “Get around the right people”. You will be the same person in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read. That is more assuredly a ‘life hack”.
Contact Info:
- Website: America’s Big Sisters (americasbigsisters.com)
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/yb_sequoia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sequoia.youngblood/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sequoia-youngblood-b5563152
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FYB_Sequoia
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2072597712824429
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