Atamelang Free uses her YALI training to become a sustainable leader while serving as an inspiration to young entrepreneurs in her country.
Atamelang is the Founder and Managing Director of Skin Free Soaps. Combining her degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship with the YALI training, Atamelang aspired to not only be a sustainable leader but also a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of young entrepreneurs in her country.
Her YALI journey was not a swift victory, but rather a display of her persistence, having applied three times before succeeding on the fourth attempt. During the waiting period, she dedicated herself to refining her entrepreneurial skills and attending various entrepreneurial training programs. She reflects on the experience as not merely being accepted into a program but, more importantly, as a period of substantial personal and professional development.
Atamelang gained a wealth of skills from the YALI program, transforming into a social change agent for community development, nation-building, and social cohesion. The program acted as a catalyst for her business acumen and leadership development, propelling her towards purposeful living and elevating her leadership skills to new heights.
YALI had a profound impact on Atamelang, who now has the ability to articulate her company’s value proposition and connect it to authentic leadership. Before the program, she struggled to define what made her business unique, but YALI pushed her to identify her distinctive selling points. Additionally, the program helped her overcome her confidence issues with public speaking by providing her with improved pitch techniques.
Atamelang found a creative outlet for her writing through YALI. From penning a brief autobiography to co-authoring a poetry anthology alongside other writers from Africa and beyond, she fully embraced the art of storytelling and self-expression.
The most impactful transformation for Atamelang occurred in her social mission. After being inspired by YALI alumni committed to creating a positive global impact, she decided to contribute through her own company by training women and children in orphanage homes on the art of soap making. This enables them to sustain themselves and improve their lives, making a meaningful difference in their communities.
Atamelang’s experience with YALI has not only helped her grow as an individual but has also provided her with a valuable network of like-minded young Africans. This network serves as a source of inspiration and support, especially during times of uncertainty. By tapping into the collective wisdom of her fellow alumni, Atamelang understands that individual efforts can culminate in waves of positive change. As she continues to pursue her dreams, she exemplifies the transformative power of YALI, a journey that not only fosters personal growth but also embraces a vision of shared success and collective impact.
