Yvette Rodriguez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Yvette, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
Currently, I’ve accepted that you can’t do everything on your own. Yes, I said it — sometimes you just need someone to mentor or coach you without judgment. Someone who’s been where you’re trying to go. I had to push my ego aside and admit that I wasn’t showing up 100% for what I truly wanted in my life.
I now realize that fear was part of the problem. I’ve had to do everything on my own since I was very young, and that really traumatized me — in ways I didn’t even notice until I had an accident. During my recovery, I slowed down and finally took a good look at the person in the mirror. It was painful, but oh so beautiful. I saw how close she came to losing her soul. Dreams can slip through our fingers like water if we’re not careful. Time waits on no one.
I actually joined an amazing group of intelligent, caring women and men who are all walking the path of prosperity — not just financially, but spiritually and mentally too. This group has been incredibly supportive in helping me shift my mindset in a safe and healthy way. I had researched multiple platforms, but this one membership — founded by Arlan Hamilton, called YF5K — really called my name. I’m so glad I became a member in May 2025.
Since joining the YF5K Community, my life has shifted more than it had in the previous five years combined. The mindset work alone has been a game-changer. And most importantly, I found the right coach — the divine person I needed for this stage of my journey. A huge part of success is finding the mentor who fits where you are and where you’re headed. I finally did, and it’s made all the difference.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Well, I am an artist in every step of the way, I love being creative I really enjoy learning, learning about people mostly and what makes them tick. I’m not a therapist or a psychologist, however I find people very fasinating and I learn by watching and talking to others a lot. I am now living the life of artitst/actress/writer and producer. I grew up listening to music and performing for my grandmothers customers over he weekends in Detroit. I knew earlier on that I was born to dance, sing and act, now I want to direct and produce.
Because of my love for people, especially younger people who are or have been shut out of society for various reasons, I founded a non-profit organization to coach girls and boys from 12-21 who are or were incarerated or just going down the wrong road of life, the name of the foundation is SILENCE THE TEARS.
I was very blessed to have several organizations support me as a young person like Silence The Tears and now funding has been reduced and cut in our schools and now is the time such programs are greatly in needed in a major way!
Silence the Tears is different from a lot of programs, because now we have it online and no one has to commute. I created Silence the tears out of my experience from working with boys at Camp Holden in Sunland California. It was always a great pleasure to see how some of these young men came out of the system and actually changed their mind-sets to succeed in a society that can intimidate even the strongest of us. Currently I am in the process of preparing for my first in-person workshop for all ages, September 13th and 20th 2025 at the PCC EXTENSION PROGRAM. The program was designed to help people Step up and Stand Out in life.
As a child who wanted to be an entertainer, I struggled with shyness and it held me back from being considered for many opportunities in spite of my talent. I am excited to be able to help others avoid this issue no matter what profession their in, life is a journey and we all need a map! Step up and Stand Out is going to be a sheer blessing to students that are ready to move forward in life in a positive and uplifting way.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I’m not sure if this part of me ever really served a purpose, but for many years, I would sometimes avoid asking questions — even when I wasn’t sure about something — just to avoid conflict, especially with people in authority. I wasted a lot of time and energy trying not to “bother” others, even when it was literally their job to inform or guide me. Since I didn’t ask, they didn’t offer. That passiveness held me back.
I’ve since learned that when I don’t ask questions upfront, I usually find out the answers too late — when things have already spiraled or gotten too complicated to fix easily. I now see that as a form of emotional procrastination, and it’s something I’ve worked hard to overcome. It’s a day by day process.
It’s such a big shift that I actually made it part of my coaching program. When I work with students in my Shobizconnection Workshop, I guide them through building personal and professional confidence — including how to ask the right questions early and clearly.
Working on confidence is still a day-by-day challenge. But I keep checking in with myself — with patience and grace — and I can honestly say it’s getting easier. And the results? They’re showing up in every part of my life. ✨
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Honestly, giving up has never been an option for me. I say that with total humility, knowing some people may find it hard to believe — but it’s true.
When I was just 7 years old, something incredibly traumatic happened that left me completely alone — emotionally, physically, spiritually. In that dark moment, I made a promise to myself: I will never let MYSELF down.
That experience broke me in ways I couldn’t fully understand at the time, but it also taught me that whatever I wanted in life, I would have to be the force behind it. I became my own best friend, cheerleader, protector, and source of strength — for life. I just knew I had to, and I’ve been keeping that promise with all my might ever since. No, it hasn’t been easy but well worth it. Hard choices and a gentle hard is not for the faint of heart.:)
I’ll go deeper into this story in my book, to help others understand how I got to this point. It was a defining moment — one that shaped how I move through the world as an adult. That promise? It’s more than a vow. It’s my foundation.
Yes, some people think I take promises “too seriously,” but this one has kept me alive — literally and emotionally. Whenever life feels like it’s coming at me hard, I remember that 7-year-old girl. I remember the second I made that promise. And something inside of me rises up, gives me the strength to get back up, start over, and face the dragon head-on — with as much grace and grit as I can.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I rely on my Godmother’s values, even though she’s no longer with me physically. This lady was simply TIMELESS — that’s the only way to describe her. She was the hardest critic I’ve ever had, yet also my best cheerleader, friend, and mother all wrapped into one.
She may have come in a small package physically, but she was mighty in heart and soul. Her wisdom wasn’t always delivered in a kind or gentle way, but it always landed. She had a way of making her point that left no doubt in my mind there is a force greater than us — something far beyond our human existence.
I often make decisions based on what she would do or say if she were here. And because I choose to be honest with myself, I usually go with her decision. It still hurts that she’s not here, but in the end… she’s mostly right.
I didn’t understand her harsh choices at the time, but I get it now. As hard as it is to admit, I pull out my “emotional notepad” and ask myself: What would she do?
In my book, I talk about our relationship and how it shaped so many of the decisions I’m grateful to have made — all because of her love and leadership as a parent, friend, and confidant.
When I hear parents say, “You can’t be your child’s friend,” I have to disagree. If that’s a rule, then I was blessed with the exception. She proved that you can be both parent and friend. I respected her because she kept her word 90% of the time and practiced what she preached.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Because of my passion for life — and for what I do — there’s really no other option if I want to stay in the game of life, especially as an artist or creative person. Remeber, at the end of the day, the one person you will always have is yourself.
Very early on, I realized that trying to please other people would be one of my biggest lifelong challenges. And I was right. I’ve struggled — and still sometimes struggle — with people-pleasing. And just to add more drama to the mix, I’ve always loved performing and dreamed of being in the industry.
Talk about drama! This journey has felt, at times, like being in an abusive relationship I couldn’t walk away from. And yet, I keep coming back. I always joke: if past lives are real, I must’ve been a female boxer — or a cat. ���� I just can’t stay out of the ring! Even after losing teeth (figuratively, of course), I keep stepping back in. And when I think about it, I have to laugh.
Because no matter what, I keep showing up. Not for the applause — but for the fight, the art, the calling. It’s the Lioness in me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https:.//shobizconnect.carrd.co or https://silencethetears.carrd.co
- Instagram: Yvette Rodriguez @shobizconnection547/
- Youtube: @TheVette
Image Credits
Photography by: Paul Gregory.
