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

Unique, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

During the summer of 2020, when I finally made up my mind to launch the brand, I stayed awake until 2 in the morning brainstorming names. I sat right on the couch in my aunt’s living room with only the light coming from the television (I have this odd habit of trying to work with faint lighting) and just started writing everything that came to my mind. I wanted the world to see or hear the name and immediately become intrigued. I sought out ideas on Google, looked up synonyms for specific words, and even explored Instagram for inspiration. Hours of probing led me to the realization that I wanted my brand to not only focus on education but also empowerment. Then it all became clear: MY NAME. I knew it couldn’t be spelled exactly as my name though. That felt too self centered. This brand is for everyone. And the goal is for everyone to feel like they are apart of it. So I wrote YOU then added my name, UNIQUE which made YOUUNIQUE. I literally sat there for minutes mesmerized because I knew there was no need to write down anything else. I honestly couldn’t believe it. It was perfect. And from there, YOUUNIQUE was born.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Unique Watkins and I am delighted to share a bit about myself and YOUUNIQUE LLC, an education brand based in Miami, Florida. I am a noble product of MDCPS and a graduate of University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I possess an immense amount of passion for youth and education, as I have made it my mission to work with several valuable programs over the years that focus on education and fine arts for adolescents.
Being a former first grade teacher and now an Academic Support member who provides explicit reading intervention to struggling readers at a Title 1 public school, I witness firsthand how minority children are not afforded the same opportunities as children in affluent communities. Our brand was founded in 2020 on the premise that youth in disadvantaged communities deserve to be provided with the tools needed to succeed. Quality education, valuable resources and constructive outlets are not easily accessible to many children in low-income areas. This directly impacts their academics as well as their behavior and social skills. It is vital that all children have equal opportunity to learn, grow and create their own path.

Here at YOUUNIQUE, we strive to help bridge the achievement gap by providing educational resources such as flashcards, books, and tutoring services. Despite their circumstances, children deserve to feel valued, supported and confident in their ability to succeed. Our apparel and school supplies serve as a constant reminder that every child is unique in their own special way.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Before YOUUNIQUE was even thought of, I’ve had a passion for youth and education. In high school, I was a dance instructor at Dance Integrity Dance Performing Arts Theatre under the direction of Taranika Gordon. Ms.Gordon, who now has a beautiful dance studio in the Magic City Innovation District, started her company at Charles Hadley Park. This community park granted her the space to bring the art of dance to young dancers at an affordable price. With her guidance, I was apart of a program that molded incredible dancers who ventured off to schools such as New World School of the Arts and Miami Arts Charter then ultimately took their talents to various universities.

I then ventured off to the University of South Florida where I was apart of several programs such Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, Tutor A Bull, Project Reach and Achieve Success (RAAS), and SOAR. In 2016, I was blessed with an unbelievable opportunity when USF partnered with the New York Mets. I lived in Boca Chica, Dominican Republican for 3 months teaching prospects English and about the American culture as they prepared to transition to play in the United States.

Two years later, I walked into my own classroom. And there is where the magic truly began happening. Everyone would witness the interactive lessons, parties, happiness and teachable moments taking place within those 4 walls as I began sharing clips on Instagram and Facebook.

Those who have known me over the years have witnessed the seeds I’ve planted along the way. I truly believe they know this is not something that I am doing for money or recognition. I am constantly learning and gaining experience which in turn allows those who support the brand to trust me.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My business partner actually knew of me before I knew of him. He noticed the light I carried within myself before I realized it. The dynamic of our business relationship is so unique because he doesn’t care for any recognition. I’m sure he doesn’t even view himself as my business partner but the amount of energy, effort, advice and money that he contributes won’t ever go unnoticed. I know this journey wouldn’t be as smooth if I didn’t have this person by my side. This person is alway sure to tell me that the ultimate decision is mine and that he supports any direction I decide to go in. Special shout out to my dad for being 1000% in my dreams!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iamyouunique.com/
• Instagram: _youunique
• Facebook: YOUUNIQUE LLC

Image Credits
Personal photo taken by Dion “DaPiq” Photographer IG: @diondapiq