ABOUT
The ENVOY Guide made its debut in March 2021 when Yvette Freeman, founder and publisher, identified a lack of diversity in the publications in her area of Western North Carolina. Observing the absence of people of color and minorities on magazine covers, editorial teams, as subject matter experts, and as feature subjects, she decided to take a proactive stance and create a magazine that is inclusive in all aspects. The ENVOY Guide was created with the mission to regularly and consistently showcase, and give a voice to, diverse individuals, and to provide expert knowledge in a wide range of topics, exposure, and general inspiration. It is a platform that celebrates the accomplishments, creative talents, and unique contributions of entrepreneurs, businesses, community advocates, and artists from all walks of life, and across the U.S.; and empowers its readers with new ideas and knowledge to enhance their lives through entrepreneurship, community service, and creativity.
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
Yvette is the founder and publisher of The ENVOY Guide magazine. After working more than 20 years in both corporate and non-profit communications, Yvette opened Red Angle Photography, a mobile portrait and headshot photography studio, in 2016. Within three years, she became an award-winning photographer with 18 image competition awards. In July 2023, she received her 19th image award and became an internationally recognized photographer when she was awarded an Honorable Mention in the prestigious Prix De La Photographie Paris (PX3), an international juried image competition based in Paris, France.
A native of Winston-Salem, NC, Yvette is a magna cum laude graduate of Bennett College with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She and her husband currently live in Zirconia, NC with their Siberian Husky.
In April 2023, Yvette was also honored by the Western Women’s Business Center in Asheville, NC, with its Bubbles Griffin Award, for her dedication and years of service to women’s entrepreneurship.
