14 Year Entrepreneurship Portfolio Highlights
2010 – present
Project: The I am happy project – Educational consultancy
Locations: Brazil, Mali, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast
2012
Project: Child Welfare and Education project – Oumou Sangaré Fundation/ Unicef
Locations: Mali / USA
2011-2013
Enterprise: Centric (Investment Coordination/ Micro Finance)
Locations: Senegal/ Ghana/ Germany.
2017
Project: Think Tank Project –
Business innovation/ creative idea sharing.
Location: Sweden
2018
Project: Speaker/mentor at the Youth Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurship Carrousel Conference.
Location: Ivory Coast
2014-2019
Enterprise: Sunbird Enterprises
5 sub-brands:
- Sunbird Journal Publishing
- Sunbird Wear
- Sunbird Cooperative
- Sunbird World Kitchen
- Sunbird Educational Consultancy
Location: UK/ Ivory Coast/ France
2019
Project: Who Speak for Whom – Advocating to the Austrian ministry of education for the positive representation of Africa within the Austrian curriculum.
Location: Vienna, Austria
2019
Project: Engage Handover Project
- Writing for Social Change
- EU Project
Location: UK/ Spain / Poland
2019- to present
E.E.R
Enterprise: Social impact structure and brand.
Location: UK, Ivory Coast, Austria, France.
2020
Men’s mental health advocate / Open Door Men’s magazine / community
- Commercial model – Male grooming consultant
- (Lumin Skin, Aaron Wallace,Shake Up, Copenhagen grooming)
Location: UK
2021-2023
- Nuvo reforestation project
- ESG, environmental activism, conservation.
Location: Ivory Coast
Yann’s Businesses, projects and brands
Open Door Men’s Magazine: Fostering men’s mental health and wellbeing
Operational Period: 2020 to Present
Number of Issues: Five (2020- to present)
Publishing House: Sunbird Press
Overview:
Open Door Men’s Magazine, operating since 2020 and under the banner of Sunbird Press, has released 5 insightful issues from 2020 to 2022. Serving as a multicultural magazine and men’s community, Open Door is dedicated to sparking meaningful conversations on masculinity. It provides a space for men of diverse origins, races, backgrounds, and sexualities to converge, collectively reframing the definition of masculinity.
Purpose and Essence:
More than just a magazine, Open Door embodies a community, functioning as a diary and a sanctuary for mental wellness among men. Tailored for the millennial, modern man, it fosters an environment where individuals can engage in an open dialogue, explore various perspectives, and collectively contribute to reshaping the narrative of masculinity.
Explore the vibrant world of Open Door Men’s Magazine on Instagram and join the community that goes beyond the pages, encouraging a deeper understanding of contemporary masculinity.
How to Entrepreneur’s Hub: Nurturing Business Excellence
Operational Period: 2020 to Present
Overview:
The How to Entrepreneur’s Hub, in operation since 2020, is a dynamic platform designed for professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their business acumen. This hub is dedicated to enriching individuals by sharing simplified processes, emphasizing a holistic perspective on how entrepreneurs can cultivate resilience and mental strength.
Value Proposition:
Mentoring and Coaching: The hub offers personalized mentoring and coaching, guiding entrepreneurs on their journey to success.
Networking Opportunities: Through weekly webcasts and bi-annual entrepreneurs’ journals, How to Entrepreneur’s Hub provides a thriving network for professionals to connect, collaborate, and share insights.
Holistic Approach:
How to Entrepreneur’s Hub stands out by adopting a holistic approach, recognizing that success extends beyond traditional business strategies. It places a strong emphasis on mental well-being, recognizing its crucial role in the entrepreneurial journey.
Discover the keys to entrepreneurial success with How to Entrepreneur’s Hub on Instagram and join a community dedicated to nurturing resilience, fostering mental strength, and unlocking business excellence.
Men’s Grooming and commercial model
In the realm of men’s grooming and style, Yann stands out as a distinguished influencer, curating a unique space for grooming excellence.
Brand Launch:
In 2020, Yann embarked on a journey into men’s grooming and style, introducing his personal brand, I’m Every Man 2.0.
Collaborations and Representation:
As a men’s grooming and style influencer, Yann has become a representative and collaborator with esteemed brands recommended by luxury, GQ, Forbes, and Vogue. Partnerships include renowned names like Lumin Skin, ShakeUp Men, Copenhagen Grooming, Aaron Wallace, and many others.
Empowering Through Style:
Yann’s mission as a male grooming and style influencer is clear – to empower men to embrace and embody their desired identities. His platform serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for men seeking to refine their grooming routines and elevate their personal style.
Overview:
The I am Happy Project stands as the inaugural venture launched by Yann, originating in 2010 and continuing its impactful journey to the present day. With a portfolio boasting 10 projects across 5 diverse geographic locations, this initiative is more than a project—it’s a commitment to positive change on a global scale.
Mission and Educational Focus:
At its core, The I am Happy Project serves as a platform for promoting the OYOMIFAI motivational curriculum. This unique approach is designed to not only elevate academic achievement but also enhance the life aspirations and mental wellness of children and teenagers worldwide. Through innovative and targeted educational strategies, the project aims to create a positive impact on the lives of young individuals, fostering a mindset of happiness and resilience.
Latest Endeavor: ‘Every Boy an Achiever’:
A testament to its adaptability and responsiveness to societal needs, The I am Happy Project has recently launched its latest project, ‘Every Boy an Achiever.’ This initiative specifically addresses the critical aspects of mental health and academic attainment among vulnerable boys. By tailoring its focus to this demographic, the project seeks to contribute meaningfully to the well-being and success of young boys facing unique challenges.
Check out the “I am happy project” Gallery Here:
To amplify its message and reach a broader audience, The I am Happy Project maintains an active presence on Instagram. You can follow their journey and stay updated on their initiatives by connecting with them at @theiamhappyproject
Established in 2015 as Sunbird Wear, the brand underwent a transformation in 2018, adopting the rebranded identity of Ethno Street Wear. Since its inception in 2015, Ethno Street Wear has been a prominent player in the fashion industry, continually operating to the present day.
The brand received acclaim for its innovative approach, securing the title of 1 Collection Winner at the prestigious Oxford Runway Show. This recognition stands as a testament to Ethno Street Wear’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion and design.
Beyond its pursuits, Ethno Street Wear is driven by a compelling social mission. The brand actively promotes sustainable fashion by embracing the concept of upcycled garments. In doing so, it not only contributes to environmental conservation but also champions the cause of social responsibility.
A distinctive aspect of Ethno Street Wear’s mission lies in its dedication to fostering entrepreneurship opportunities for young creatives in the Ivory Coast. By providing a platform for emerging talents, the brand aims to empower and uplift the next generation of fashion innovators.
To stay connected and showcase its creations, Ethno Street Wear engages with its audience through Instagram, where you can find them at @ethnostreetwear. This digital presence reflects the brand’s commitment to sharing its vision, values, and, of course, its uniquely crafted fashion expressions with a global audience. The brand was sold in the summer of 2021.
Sunbird Press
- Original name: Sunbird Journal Publishing (2015)
- Rebranded name:Sunbird Press (2019)
- Dates of operation: 2015 to present
- Awards/ accolades: 2 books winners of the Ribéry literature prize
- Books in catalogue: 13
- Social mission: create a platform/ writer’s community that gives a voice to multicultural/ diverse narratives and voices
Founded in 2015 as Sunbird Journal Publishing, the publishing house underwent a strategic rebranding in 2019, adopting the new identity of Sunbird Press. Throughout its journey, Sunbird Press has been a steadfast presence in the literary world, maintaining its operations from 2015 to the present day.
With two of its books proudly earning the prestigious Rubery Literature Prize. This recognition underscoring the organization’s dedication to fostering quality and impactful narratives.
With a catalog comprising 13 books (including magazines and journals), Sunbird Press has curated a diverse collection of literary works that captivate readers across genres. Beyond the realm of publishing, Sunbird Press is driven by a profound social mission. The organization has carved out a space by establishing a platform and writer’s community. This community serves as a haven for multicultural and diverse narratives, providing a voice to perspectives that might otherwise go unheard.
Sunbird Press’s commitment to inclusivity and representation is woven into its very fabric. By actively creating a space for underrepresented voices, the organization seeks to contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape. Through this mission, Sunbird Press not only publishes books but becomes a catalyst for empowering writers and bringing diverse stories to the forefront.
See our catalogue here
- Original name:Grey Areas Journal (2016)
- Dates of operation: 2016 to present
- Number of issues 6 from 2016 -2020
- Publishing house: Sunbird Press
Grey Areas Journal, established in 2016 and operating under the umbrella of Sunbird Press. This journal is curation of critical perspectives that invite readers to engage with alternative views on contemporary topics and issues.
Issue Highlights (2016-2020):
Over the years, Grey Areas Journal has had six issues released from 2016 to 2020. Each issue stands offering a diverse range of perspectives on complex issues. The varied topics covered in these issues reflect the journal’s mission to be a dynamic and relevant space for intellectual exploration. The journal invites readers to question, reflect, and consider alternative viewpoints to broaden their understanding of the world. The platform thrives on being a space where ambiguity and complexity are not drawbacks but rather avenues for exploration and enlightenment.
Check out the Grey Areas Journals here >>>
- Name: SunBird World Kitchen (2015)
- Rebranded as: Sunbox Fusion Cuisine (2018)
- Operational Period: 2015 to 2018
- Mode of Operation: Pop-up restaurant in 2 locations, mobile food festival
SunBird World Kitchen, introduced by SunBird Enterprises in 2015, embarked on a culinary journey that blended diverse flavors and cultural influences. Celebrating the vibrant tapestry of global cuisines, our original name, SunBird World Kitchen, became synonymous with a multicultural culinary experience.
In 2018, we embraced a new identity as Sunbox Fusion Cuisine, a reflection of our commitment to continuously evolving and pushing the boundaries. Throughout our operational years from 2015 to 2018, SunBird World Kitchen and later Sunbox Fusion Cuisine took pride in being a culinary ambassador, bringing a fusion of tastes from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia to the table.
Our mode of operation was as dynamic as our menu. We set up pop-up restaurants in two strategic locations, creating immersive dining experiences for our patrons. Additionally, our participation in mobile food festivals allowed us to take our fusion cuisine on the road, sharing our love for diverse flavors with food enthusiasts wherever the journey led us.
While our SunBird World Kitchen chapter may have concluded in 2018, the spirit of culinary fusion lives on, defining the legacy of Sunbox Fusion Cuisine.
The NUVO Project
Project Overview:
The NUVO Project is a multi-faceted initiative focused on reforestation, agroforestry, and the rejuvenation of native flora. Situated within the tropical haven of the Ivory Coast, specifically within Kahabo Estate, Kpouebo, and Toumodi, our project seeks to create a lasting impact on the environment and the communities it serves.
Check out the full gallery here >>>
Decade-Long Commitment:
Our commitment spans from 2022 to 2032, during which we aspire to plant a remarkable total of 100,000 trees. This equates to a steady pace of 10,000 trees each year, thereby reinvigorating Kahabo Estate and extending our efforts to encompass the expansive Toumodi region of the Ivory Coast.
Reforestation and Afforestation:
Our approach combines reforestation, the revitalization of existing forested areas, and afforestation, which involves establishing new forests. This twofold strategy is integral to our mission.
Vision and Purpose:
At the heart of The NUVO Project is a visionary goal — the reconstruction and revitalization of native West African rainforest ecosystems. Our unwavering commitment is rooted in restoring these vital ecosystems to their pristine and flourishing state. We are dedicated to fostering a sustainable environment that will benefit present and future generations.
Yann W. Tanoé 