Special Edition Founder's Focus with Steven Lewis

On May 10th, we had the pleasure of hosting Founder's Focus LIVE with Steven Lewis and Joan Randall from The Boost Pad, featuring an inspiring conversation with entrepreneur Yasmeen Harris, Founder of Designs Development YH. Here’s a recap of the highlights from this enlightening session.

Who is Yasmeen Harris?

Yasmeen Harris is the visionary behind Designs Development YH, a venture revolutionizing the Airbnb experience by creating short-term rental spaces that offer more than just a place to stay. Each property is an immersive experience, thoughtfully curated to tell a unique story, ensuring guests feel connected and nurtured.

Yasmeen's Journey and Why Now

Yasmeen shared her powerful personal journey, explaining why she decided the time was now to walk in her purpose. Having faced significant challenges, including childhood abuse, depression, and self-doubt, she felt a calling to transform her pain into purpose. Her goal is to create spaces where people feel a sense of belonging and are inspired to connect.

Connection to The Boost Pad

Yasmeen connected with Joan Randall in a coffee shop, and this serendipitous meeting opened doors to invaluable opportunities. The Boost Pad provides a safe space for entrepreneurs, offering guidance and support so they don’t have to navigate the complexities of life and business alone.

The Boost Pad's Mission

Steven Lewis, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Boost Pad, emphasized the organization's focus on economic mobility through entrepreneurship. They help entrepreneurs determine if starting a business is the right path for them, offering support primarily to women and BIPOC founders.

The Importance of Entrepreneurship

Yasmeen highlighted the crucial role of entrepreneurship in creating jobs, reducing stress, and fostering economic development. She believes in the power of leaders to set examples and bring about significant change. Yasmeen is honored to be part of The Boost Pad community, which has provided her with knowledge, resources, and a supportive environment. Her ideal clients include travelers seeking unique experiences, working professionals, and families on vacation.

Yasmeen aims to build a legacy and create generational wealth through sustainable homes and better living environments. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to go all in on their ideas, believe in themselves, and focus on spiritual and mental well-being.

Steven's Vision

Steven shared his journey with Cellular Farms, an early-stage vertical farming and precision agriculture company. He underscored The Boost Pad’s mission to provide equal access to economic opportunities and support for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Impact and Future Plans

The Boost Pad has graduated over 130 entrepreneurs, raised over $300K in funding, and created 85-100 jobs. As they prepare for Cohort 9, they continue to focus on food innovations, Main Street businesses, high growth high tech, construction, and supplier diversity.

Join Us

Applications for Cohort 9 are open until September. We invite all aspiring entrepreneurs to apply and join a community dedicated to economic mobility and entrepreneurial success.

For more insights and to stay updated, read more about our journey and upcoming events at The Boost Pad.



Together, let’s make a difference.