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Meet Author and Mentor, Ayana Bean

Ayana Bean, whose life is chronicled on the American Gangster: Trap Queens series on BET, travels the world telling her story in hopes of making a difference and helping young women and girls with similar backgrounds not go down the path she did.

Boston, MA native Ayana Bean has to lead a life worthy of a movie, with a preview of her story being shared through her episode of Black Entertainment Television’s reboot of the highly acclaimed American Gangster series. Her hustle spanned from the streets of Boston to the entire country as she became a vital music presence in Boston and worked as the regional liaison for several major record labels, including Def Jam, Sony, Eone, formerly Koch Records, Interscope, to name a few. 

However, the battles in her personal life — which consisted of raising two young sons and the disease of drug addiction in the home led her down a path of fiscal ruin. After serving time on state & Federal convictions for fraud, Ayana chose to become an advocate of at-risk women and talks to those in or transitioning from prison. 

Her music career, crimes against the government, and ultimate redemption will be told to the world in the series and her new book, “A Year And A Day.” What makes Ayana unique is her magnetically charming personality & impeccable style that makes her not only a champion for women but a tastemaker whose personal style influences trends, making her the ultimate ambassador for any brands that complement her style. She is making an impact every day and defines what it is to change your life and pay it forward.

 

Tammi: What defines your swag?

Ayana: My patience and understanding are a clear definition of my swag. Knowing that all things take time and the best results come with time.

Tammy: On your website, it states, “One of your greatest powers is the power to choose yourself.” We love that quote. What does that quote mean for you?

Ayana: This is a powerful and personal quote for me. It means to stop counting yourself out and looking elsewhere because you are it! You are worthy, you are great, you are the answer, and all you have to do is choose yourself.

Tammy: You have traveled the world telling your story in hopes of making a difference and helping young women and girls with similar backgrounds not to go down the path you did. Can you share with us a success story of a woman or young girl you have made an impact on?

Ayana: I have so many success stories, and I want to thank each one of the women who I consider success stories just because of the courage they used to take the step to reach out to me. It takes a lot for someone to share the pain. I appreciate these women, and they are all my success stories.

Tammy: Your autobiography “A Year and A Day” is out now. We salute you for your determination and resilience as you live your life with purpose. What did you feel when the book was finished, and you read it for the first time?

Ayana: I felt relief. It’s like the healing has just begun. Writing the book was a therapy session with myself and, at the same time, forgiveness. Shame and embarrassment lifted with the purpose connected.

Tammy: We understand that you provide one on one mentoring calls. What can a mentee expect on the call?

Ayana: Mentees can expect a guilt-free support system, encouragement, and resources. The most important thing is that they will no longer feel alone and need to hide themselves.

Tammy: What other projects or endeavors are you currently working on or involved with?

Ayana: My biggest project is to launch my nonprofit organization, A Year And A Day Foundation. The foundation is a transitional program for those in need of support for housing, financial literacy, job search, Family reunification, and re-entering back into society. The name is significant to my federal prison sentence, which was my wake-up call to a new life.

Tammy: What do you believe is your sole purpose in life?

Ayana: I believe my sole purpose in life is to be a vessel, be an example, and use my experience to help others move ahead.

Tammy: What are you most excited about in this next chapter of your life?

Ayana: Moving forward.

Keep up-to-date by connecting on Instagram @ms.yanabean

-Tammy Reese @tammyreesemedia

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