HausofMYA: Empowering Black Female Excellence in Germany
In an inspiring interview, Maryan and Yuki, the visionary co-founders of HausofMYA, shared their journey of building a platform dedicated to celebrating and supporting Black female excellence and creators in Germany.
Their conversation sheds light on the challenges faced by Black creators in Europe and the power of community, collaboration, and a positive mindset in overcoming them.
The Genesis of Haus of MYA
HausofMYA is an acronym representing its three founders: Maryan, Yuki, and Amnesia (who was not present for the interview). Maryan, a 30-year-old from Kenya with a business background and an MBA, has resided in Germany for three years. Yuki, originally from Nigeria, has been in Germany for five years and holds a postgraduate degree in food quality, safety, and sciences.
The founders met through their shared experiences in content creation and quickly identified a significant gap: the lack of visibility and support for Black creators in Germany, particularly on emerging platforms like TikTok Shop. This realization sparked the creation of Haus of MYA, a platform with a multifaceted mission:
- To cultivate a supportive community for Black women and creators.
- To bridge the divide between brands and creators.
- To empower creators and businesses to monetize their social media presence through e-commerce strategies and professional networking.
Key to Success: Mindset, Resourcefulness, and Professionalism
Maryan and Yuki recounted their rapid success, including orchestrating two major events in their first year and attracting top-tier sponsors. They attribute this remarkable achievement to several core principles:
- A Positive Mindset: A firm belief that “if one says yes, then ten can say yes” fuels their ambition and resilience.
- Resourcefulness: They adeptly leveraged their existing networks, transforming connections into opportunities and support systems.
- Professionalism: The founders consciously evolved from being “ordinary people” to confidently pitching their innovative ideas in corporate boardrooms, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in every interaction.
The Indispensable Power of Community
A central theme woven throughout the interview was the profound importance of collaboration over competition. Yuki eloquently articulated this sentiment, stating, “You can achieve a lot by yourself, but when you come together as a team… You will definitely achieve more.” This ethos has been instrumental in shaping HausofMYA, fostering a collective mindset where nothing is deemed impossible. They emphasized that the pursuit of perfection should never delay the act of starting.
A Vision for Global Expansion
The co-founders harbor ambitious plans for HausofMYA over the next two to three years:
- Global Expansion: Their vision extends beyond Germany, aiming to connect with creators and brands across Europe and, eventually, the world.
- Event Series: They plan a diverse series of events, including dinners, brunches, and large-scale gatherings, to continuously expand and strengthen their community.
- Brand Storytelling: HausofMYA aspires to become a premier “house of creators,” renowned for telling brand stories that are both locally rooted and globally resonant.
Empowering Advice for Black Women in Germany
The interview concluded with powerful and practical advice for other Black women navigating life and career in Germany, particularly those who might feel “behind” or struggle with integration:
- “You are not behind”: A crucial reminder that everyone’s journey is unique and unfolds at its own pace.
- Find Your Community: The importance of seeking out individuals with similar experiences and strengths for inspiration and support.
- “Do it scared”: A call to action to embrace courage and initiate endeavors even when fear is present, rather than waiting for an elusive moment of perfect readiness.
- Trust Yourself: Maryan underscored the vital role of self-trust, especially when confronting the dual challenges of being an immigrant and an entrepreneur.
- Open-Mindedness: Maryan shared a poignant anecdote about her 63-year-old German neighbor being one of her staunchest supporters, advocating for connecting with people on a human level, transcending racial or cultural barriers.
Conclusion
HausofMYA, under the leadership of Maryan and Yuki, stands as a beacon of empowerment for Black female creators in Germany and beyond. Their journey exemplifies that with a clear vision, unwavering belief, strategic collaboration, and a willingness to “do it scared,” significant impact and global reach are not just aspirations but achievable realities. As Maryan wisely stated, “If you limit your mind, your mind can limit you.” The sky, indeed, is just the starting point for HausofMYA.
