Meet Yolanda Pigatt | Author & Owner of Abeni Publishing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yolanda Pigatt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yolanda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After being turned away by so hundreds of literary agents and publishing companies because my story wasn’t mainstream enough, and told that there’s not a huge market geared towards my topics. I decided to stop asking for others to see and understand my vision. My vision and the reasons behind my story is not to become a multimillion dollar author or even a best selling author. My number one goals is to inspire hope, provide a platform for authors to share their stories particularly in the Children’s book genre and to drive change throughout world through books. I decided to no longer seek the approval of others and to drive my vision. I truly believe that stories have the ability to change a person’s mindset, can enhance someone’s life or even save a life. Creative independence was also huge. When a person has control of their journey, and walk in their purpose they can create an undisputed space where failure is never an option, they have the ability to reach millions and get their message across.

I also wanted to fill a gap in the market: I’ve noticed that there’s a lot of niche or genres that is not adequately represented in the existing publishing industry. Stories with diverse and underrepresented characters. There isn’t alot of mainstream books with main characters that have Alopecia, vitiligo, or amputees, and people with mental and physical impairments. I want to see MORE of these stories on the shelves of Barnes & Noble, or on the front page of the NY Best sellers list.
We all come in all shapes, sizes and are all unique and I want to see more of that uniqueness on book covers, front pages of magazines and even on tv.
Lastly, I want to empower authors to share their stories. There is absolutely no need to sit on a story that could change someone’s life because a publisher or agent may not particularly be interested.

Social impact: how does your business help the community or the world?
My business helps the world by creating stories that are inspiring, impactful and meaningful. Abeni Publishing believes in creating stories that include all races and nationalities as main characters. My goal is for ever child to be able to walk into a bookstore or school library and see someone that looks just like them on the cover of a book. My business model is to change the world with one book at a time. To touch those around the world with a book that’s relatable and with an empowering message.
That message could be about loving and embracing your differences, believing in yourself and abilities despite mental or physical challenges or limitations that others placed on you.
I want to empower every child and adult that picks up a book published by Abeni Publishing.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?
I came to the realization years ago that if I wanted to embark on this journey that my vision would not come into fruition without risk. If a person is not willing to take chances, they will not reap the benefits of success. Fear will guide you off course. Taking risk is something you sign up for when starting your own business, changing careers or taking that leap of faith to pursue your dreams
You will risk money, time with family, a social life and there’s always the risk of having to change paths and start over. There’s also a risk in sharing your personal stories, being vulnerable and allowing the world into your life.
At the beginning of my journey, I was so focused on creative writing that I wanted to remain in that space and be in the background. One of my mentors inspired me to get out of my comfort zone. This meant I needed to get out in front of people, market the company, engage in net-working opportunities where I would meet with other publishers, illustrators, authors and business owners. This meant attending, conferences, seminars and attending different events and festivals. Abeni Publishing needed to be represented. There are times when we can get in our own way and become our biggest barrier. Its critical to understand that growth requires risk, consistency, resilience and a un-yielding desire to succeed.

If you are a parent, what do you think is the most important thing you’ve done as a parent in terms of the impact on your children?
Being my true self! Willpower, consistency and the desire to succeed. My child has witnessed challenges that I’ve faced on this journey, there were times that I’d fallen and had to gain the strength to get up and continue to strive. I have been able to share the good, bad and ugly of what it means to follow your dreams and to walk in your purpose. The everlasting impact that I want to leave him is to clearly see and understand that anything is possible with a vision, strategic goals, and the unyielding desire to succeed, Success does not come equip with an elevator and never let a no stop you from following your dreams and gaols.

What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?
Hard work, dedication, and the ability to create diverse stories that can connect with the readers on all levels. 


How to know whether to keep going or to give up?
Walking in your purpose is a consistent journey of determination, resilience and the refusal to give up  Life is full of endless possibilities, opportunities, blessings and surprises. You never know when your time to shine is near. To give up for me is like giving up on myself. It’s like telling myself I can’t do it.
Am I selling out books like I want to? No. I’d love to be able to reach more people. But I know in my heart that one day, that will happen. You may have to change paths, travel down different roads, find a new way around obstacles, but one should never give up
I know that continuing to walk in my purpose will give me the strength needed to persevere and continue forward.
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Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
Work life balance is critical. I’ve learned that self-care is not selfish. Mental and physical health are all extremely vital. A business owner cannot run on fumes. If you are not taking care of yourself, it will become merely impossible to consistently take care of a business or your customers. It is important to have an exit strategy, understanding when to turn off your office lights, and to disconnect from your mobile device. Prioritizing opportunities to regroup, realign your focus, and reset has allowed me to maintain and stay healthy.

What makes you happy? Why?
Elevating others – Knowing that my stories are impactful, inspirational and provide encouragement for readers to continue to elevate and strive for greatness. The idea of knowing that I made an impact in someone’s life by sharing and creating stories is what truly defines walking in my purpose!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a children’s book author and indie book publisher. My books and business create stories that are inspiring, impactful and meaningful. Abeni Publishing believes in creating stories that include all races and nationalities as main characters. My goal is for ever child to be able to walk into a bookstore or school library and see someone that looks just like them on the cover of a book. My business model is to change the world with one book at a time. To touch those around the world with a book that’s relatable and with an empowering message.
When starting a business, you will go through ups and downs and I have had so many low days. I believe in myself, my goal and my mission and that is what gets me back up and running towards my goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is hard because I love so many restaurants in Arizona. I would have to say my first choice would be a game of pickleball at Chicken N Pickle in Glendale. I absolutely love a great game of pickleball and great music. Next, I would go hangout in Scottsdale and visit the local shops off of E. 5th Ave. There’s so many lovely boutiques and shops all owned by Arizona residents.
From there, I would have a nice meal at Grassroots Kitchen & tap. The grilled miso salmon with grilled asparagus is amazing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Quilesha Hodges Mentor Talik Pigatt son

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abenipublishing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abenipub

Other: https://www.amazon.com/author/yolandapigatt

Image Credits
Sarah Huggins