Yena’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Yena. Check out our conversation below.

Yena, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Confidence. That’s why most people walk around with a self assigned obligation to humble others.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Wassup, my name is YENA—rapper, singer, songwriter, entertainer, actor, fashion designer, and award-winning live performer. Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the name YENA is short for Hyena—the ultimate hustler, the underdog, but still the lion’s biggest problem.

My brand doesn’t glorify the struggle or “the mud,” but instead reflects what it looks like when you grind so hard, you don’t look like what you’ve been through.

I’ve earned encore performances across the country—from Texas to Chicago, New York to California, and now my current home, Arizona. I’ve been inspired by the legends—James Brown, Busta Rhymes, Field Mob, —and most recently by my Floridian sister, Doechii. It’s refreshing to see someone from where I’m from breaking barriers the way she is.

I hope to do the same for others—to show people that being yourself is more than enough. In an era of sensitive listeners and social media rappers, I refuse to stray from my roots. I have no problem being commercial, but at any moment, I can—and will—revert to my underground penmanship. That’s my core. That’s YENA.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I was a mini brainiac growing up. One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful was being just in junior high—sitting in rooms full of adults, helping create and build successful, unique brands. I was paired with a woman who had a college degree, and I was keeping up like we’d taken the same classes. I was writing business plans at 12— creating websites using HTML coding, real genius-level work. That’s when I realizes I wasn’t just smart for my age…I was built for this.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Keep following that weird feeling. You will grow up and watch 2 movies that explains your gift. “MUFASA : The Lion King” and “HARRIET”.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say that family means everything to me. And I don’t just mean blood relatives—I’m talking about the people I connect with on a soulful level. If the bond is real, you’re family to me. Loyalty, love, and energy matter more than DNA.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope they talk about my intelligence. I was the kid who walked to the library and taught myself ASL just so I didn’t have to read captions on Switched at Birth. That same curiosity and drive to learn has been with me ever since. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am in music without thinking circles around my competition. The mind has always been my sharpest tool.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/yenawildn
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yenawildn?igsh=ZWczYnFjZWx4bmw1&utm_source=qr