Dripping in Y.U.P Life featuring Yamashita Paines

My name is Yamashita Uzcher Paines, and I am from the lovely island of French St. Matrin. I’m a mother of four, wife as well as an entrepreneur. I came to America in the early 90’s, and soon attended the prestigious Duke Ellington School of Art in Washington, D.C. where I studied museum studies and visual arts. While there I enrolled in the High Skip Program allowing me to take college courses while still in High School. Soon thereafter I attended Howard University graduating with my Bachelors in Fine Arts, and interned at NPR and the famed Fisher Gallery.
I am the true definition of a real Caribbean “gyal.” We always have more than one job at a time. For example, soon after graduating I worked at the Smithsonian Museum, cooked professionally at my family’s restaurant, while modeling and being a mom and wife. What can I say…life happens.
In 2013, I came to Detroit while going through a turbulent divorce. At first it was very difficult adjusting to a new landscape but with grit, love and support, I was able to work successfully. I had numerous jobs from Sales Associate with Adam’s Meats, to Lead Coordinator at Fidelis Insurance, to Asst. Director of Activities and Hartford Nursing & Rehab Center. All the while I continued developing my business, Y.U.P, by doing hair & make-up, event catering, and selling art-inspired lifestyle products and my original art pieces.
Y.U.P., Inc. officially began in 2004 in Maryland when I started a fashion line of accessories and t-shirts. Y.U.P. stands for “Your Unique Perspective,” and is an umbrella of all things I love … Read More