Hey there Fab Ones!
It’s your girl Natasha here (yes, ME for real, lol). And I’ve got a wild announcement. Well, not wild in the big scheme of things. But wild for me, personally, since I’m actually doing one of the very things I’ve been dreaming of launching, yet talking myself out of doing for years.
Can you believe The YBF turns 18 next month?!?!? I for damn sure can’t. But I’m beyond grateful and thankful that it’s true. Throughout these almost two decades, we’ve expanded and grown in so many different directions that I never could foresee happening back when I first started this site in ’05.
Despite all the amazing opportunities and growth we’ve had – from becoming an authority in the black pop culture space to launching a podcast & a Political vertical, becoming official partners with The White House across TWO different Administrations to TV spots to speaking on so many stages to international press trips to collaborating and partnering with huge brands who want to reach audiences like ours, etc. – there’s something we have yet to do that you all make SURE to remind us about.
“Do y’all have merch? I want to have something that reps the brand!” And trust me, it’s been in the forefront of my mind for what feels like eons. So, today, it’s happening. THE YBF SHOP has launched! And if you’re reading the site, our original platform, you’re the first in our audience to know!
From our favorite sayings (on the way in the upcoming Summer collection!) to the brand’s signature names to items that simply rep the culture and brand, we’ve designed some minimalist, wear-with-anything items that are the perfect way to be Young, Black & Fabulous every day. Tees, hats, mugs, bags, stickers and more. It’s def a vibe. So check it out.
I sent a letter to my family & friends recently, opening up about my fears that kept me from finally getting this decade-long idea out of my head and into the world (as one of my friend’s put it). But I also shared my hopes for this new chapter as well. And now, I want to share it with you, the most bomb supporters in this media landscape. You can read it below:
Hey! Hope you’re doing well & flourishing in your first days of the summer!
For some reason, I always get a renewed sense of energy, passion, hope & creativity in the summertime – while most people feel that renewal at the top of the year or spring. So, it’s no surprise that I have a new venture launching that I want you to be one of the first to know about. You’re part of the group of people – many are Day 1’s – that I always want to divulge to first about what I’m up to. There’s a sense of trust and support (and realness!) that I know I will always have with you. So this new e-commerce venture is no different!
I’ve always wanted a touch point for The YBF brand that involved bringing it to life in a real way for supporters, readers & followers of the brand. Think of it as merch+ (lol). With input from the amazing YBF team, family & friends, I’ve designed and curated wearables & lifestyle items (and soon, digital products!) that scream Fabulous & Culture. Soon, I want to expand into an e-commerce platform that is a mix between brand merch and a marketplace carrying items from other brands that mesh with ours, and that our audience loves.
In addition to establishing an additional revenue stream in this very volatile news landscape, our new retail touch point will give us a way to expose the brand to an even larger audience. With that said –
THE YBF SHOP is live & launched! But before we start pushing it out to the masses, I wanted to give you the first look. I would LOVE to hear your thoughts (and help us spot any hiccups) before it’s pushed out to all of our platforms. CHECK IT OUT HERE!
Yes, it’s something I’ve been talking about doing for YEARS (lol), but always shied away because I had zero experience in sales, marketing & retail. It’s an entirely different beast from the content world I have been wheeling’ & dealin’ in for the past almost 18 years. But I’m taking the leap, after MUCH self doubt, imposter syndrome and just flat out stress. Y’all know I hate a learning curve lol! And this has certainly been beyond that lol!
The Shop will continue to grow more and more even post launch – from a dedicated blog page to 1-2 new collections releasing monthly to various E-book launches and more. Some of the next collections dropping soon will be SUMMER, WEDDING SZN, YBF HOME, FALL & plenty more.
So, take a dive into The YBF Shop, grab the items you love, test out the features, and have fun doing so!
Thank you SO much for all your support – past, present and future. I and this brand most definitely wouldn’t still be here – 17 years and counting – without it.
XO,
Natasha
My fellow perfectionists & imposter syndrome fighters will definitely feel me. And I hope this launch gives you the push you need to take that leap you’ve been making every good excuse to not take. I OVERstand. But Beyoncé didn’t write “Freedom” for nothing. So we’re going to do it (scared) anyway. Let’s get it!
We’ve got a few collections waiting for you to grab, and LOTS more collections are on the way. I have a feeling our Juneteenth inspired “Independence Day” Tees will catch your eye. And yes, we’re rocking Juneteenth YEAR ‘ROUND.
Since we know how many of y’all aren’t here for celebrating the 4th, rocking our Juneteenth collection is the perfect answer for that. Plenty of colors & alternate versions available. FYI: TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO POSSIBLY GET YOUR ITEMS BEFORE 4TH OF JULY!
