Yahalia Franklin has been a good friend and supporter of the Own Your Power movement! She’s based in South Florida and I’ve even done a workshop with her students last year,  teaching them about energy and meditation. What fun! 

I love how she works with teens to uplift and educate them. Now I’d love share her good works with you all. Get to meet her and see how you can spread the word or possibly work with her! 

Coach Simone Kelly

Describe your business. Include Main services/product:

Boundless & Beyond™ After School Program serves inner-city teens ages 13-19 years old. Our mission is to transform the mindset of our youth to discover their magic. We are a nonprofit organization that aims to empower our teens to believe they are “Better than the hype” creating successful and productive citizens. We provide a safe space for communication with trauma healing discussions, encouraging self-awareness, character building and community involvement, minimizing high risk behaviors such as substance abuse, school drop-out and violence.

What inspired you to start it?

I was inspired to start the program based on a need I observed while working with inner-city youths. Not only did I recognize the need, but they asked for help, and I did just that. I created a safe place for them to talk about their experiences, goals, and desires in life, and soon after expanded into providing additional services that will help them in the process. Hence building a team.

What have been some of the challenges?

Some of the challenges have been teens emotional imbalances based on their home dynamics. Some parents/guardians are supportive and interactive within the program; however, unfortunately, some are resentful from observing progress. Additionally, self-esteem is the #1 setback for advancement.

What skills have you used to pull it all together? 

I have a natural ability to reach teenagers; as well as I actively listen to what they are sharing, then engage to create a solution. I am a trained trauma informed specialist, certified Life Coach, certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and these training skills have assisted me in the growth and development of the youths in our program. I am also a no-nonsense leader with a playful heart, and they understand that there is a time for everything.

What are main keys to being successful in business? 

Do not give up! Some day are better than others and at times you’ll want to throw in the towel, but whatever you do, do not give up on your purpose.

Be authentic! It is a necessity to be YOU in whatever it is that you choose to do. The world needs more authenticity.

Pace yourself and enjoy the downtime. Being extremely busy is not going to get you to the finish line any quicker.

Favorite Me Time Escape? 

Ahh… My favorite Me Time Escape is going to the beach alone to meditate, reflect and reload. It’s truly my sanctuary. I also enjoy traveling… my favorite vacation spot is the Bahamas. They have the most beautiful warm blue waters and delicious fresh seafood. I also enjoy getting massages by my angelic masseur, he has the best hands ever! LOL

What would you like your legacy to be? How do you want to be remembered? 

I would like my legacy to be transformative. I am passionate about helping our youths find their purpose and fulfill it without getting caught up into the madness of this matrix. Black and Brown children are targeted for the school to prison pipeline and I’m here to curve it, one teen at a time.

I want people to remember me as a passionate, fearless Solutionist. I can’t save the world, but I can help save somebody.

Any words of advice for anyone getting into your industry?

My advice to anyone getting into my industry is be genuine and authentic to the children you choose to serve because if you are not, they will not open up and you will definitely waste your time. Be patient and nonjudgmental.

For more information, please visit us at www.bboundless.org

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