Uncrowned Community Builders

Yolanda is a true Entrepreneur, Author, Editor and President of Spitfir Productions. Yolanda was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and is the eldest child of Mrs. Eartha M. Lawson. She was raised in Brighton Beach, where she graduated from John Dewey High School with the aspirations of a career in the fashion industry. Upon graduation Yolanda attended Kingsborough Community College (KCC) and graduated as an honors student with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Fashion Merchandising. Afterwards she attended The Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T) and graduated in the upper division with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Merchandise Management.
As a youth Yolanda participated in various writing programs. In 1988 she joined the City Volunteer Corps which was a New York City program geared to promote volunteerism for the youth of New York. She completed assignments assisting the elderly who resided in adult care facilities. After graduating from college she began her career in the fashion industry and worked with various accounts such as Liz Claiborne, X.O.X.O, Wal-Mart, JC Penney, and the beginning stages of the Rocawear clothing line of hip hop artist Jay Z as Assistant Production Manager in 1999.
Yolanda's job functions in this creative and fast- paced industry engages in reviewing all production and technical aspects for specific accounts. Currently she is the Associate Product Line Manager for a major sportswear/ active-wear company with headquarters throughout the country. She has traveled overseas and worked on production concerns with factories in Hong Kong and China. She has participated in various internships that have provided her the opportunity to prepare herself for future accomplishments. She's interned with a children's rainwear company Wippette as the Assistant Designer and interned with Lerner Corporation as Production/ Technical Associate.
Throughout her years her passion for writing has materialized at different levels. She has contributed a piece in published works "All the man I need- loving expressions on the men they desire"- A Gateway Publishers production. She has also written for God's Guys and Girls Ministry as the Associate writer- 2003- 2005. Yolanda is the author of a fashion guide entitled "The ins and outs of the fashion industry- from a fashion insider" (published 2005) - www.ybrunson.com. The book is a resource for those who have an interest in working in such a complex and exciting industry. She divulges some secrets to achieving success and maintaining professionalism and sanity in the intricate world of fashion. She is also the spark that has produced The Laundry Source publication- 2003. The Laundry Source is a newsletter publication with topics that vents out concerns of young people and events surfacing the Black community. The writers vent on issues concerning community, politics, entertainment, relationships, health issues and the unity of Black people. The newsletter is marketed through a running website- www.laundrysourceonline.com and a direct mailing roster.
Along with her writing abilities, she also formed a direct mailing catalog called "Peaces by Mail" -1994-1995 which consisted of tee shirts and accessories. She has provided her expertise to companies seeking a better understanding in marketing their product such as Mon Petit Coeur (Children's apparel company) and Spence's Island (Men and Women cut and sew tee shirt line). Yolanda was the Fashion Consultant and Wardrobe Supervisor for New Breed Film Productions "Hip Hop Taskforce" and "Dysfunctional Friends and a Funeral" (Post-Production) the latter starring Stacy Dash, Tatiana Ali, Chanchez Hosea, and acting debut Terrell Owens-NFL player.

Yolanda is the Co-Founder and President of Fashion Emerge- an on-line fashion resource highlighting those in the fashion industry. Her recent efforts and more personal include being the founder and president of Mae's Breath Foundation, in memory of her mother who lost her battle with lung cancer in 2010. The foundation is an East Coast affiliate to the Bonnie J Addario Lung Cancer Foundation. Ma's Breath is about empowering and educating lung cancer patients in treatment options, and building healthy and effective relationship with healthcare providers; all while maintaining their dignity. www.maesbreath.org

Yolanda's life motto is "Life is short- Live it full". She enjoys life with her husband Richard Sarrabo.