Bianca McKinnon
Bianca McKinnon is the visionary Founder and CEO of DBYA Enterprises LLC, a purpose-driven brand centered on unity, empowerment, and story telling through apparel, consulting, and community impact. Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2009 when she launched DBYA (Different But Yet Alike) as an inspirational poetry book inspired by her life long passion for writing. She began writing poetry at the age of 15, discovering writing as a natural but unexpected talent that allowed her to express hope, resilience, and emotional strength. In 2016, she expanded DBYA into an inspirational clothing line after recognizing that people often read messages on clothing before they would open a book. By December 2022, she transformed DBYA into a fully functioning e-commerce and consulting business focused on brand growth, strategic partnerships, and global community impact. The DBYA logo was inspired by an original hand-carved woodcut art piece she created, representing individuality, resilience, and the idea that while we are all different, we share common humanity — Different But Yet Alike.The art piece, became the visual representation of her unity movement, symbolizing togetherness for individuals impacted by conditions such as vitiligo, autism, cancer and etc. Beyond entrepreneurship, Bianca is a multi-faceted professional dedicated to service, healing, and education. She works as a herbalist and advocates for natural and holistic medicine, believing in supporting wellness through natural, spiritual, and lifestyle-based approaches. She also operates a logistics business that specializes in delivering medical supplies and specimens, reinforcing her commitment to supporting healthcare and community needs. Bianca regularly provides guidance to individuals and small businesses, offering consulting services that include business strategy development, financial guidance, and implementation planning to help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. She also considers herself a life coach, as she is deeply passionate about inspiring others to discover their purpose, build confidence, and move forward in their personal and professional journeys. Currently, Bianca is advancing her academic and professional credentials in health and wellness. She is completing a nutritionist program with plans to graduate in May and is continuing her education to become a holistic doctor in five specialized areas to further her mission of helping people heal naturally and spiritually. Her work is driven by the belief that business, health, and personal development are interconnected, and she strives to create impact through education, mentorship, and community leadership. Through DBYA Enterprises LLC and her other ventures, Bianca remains committed to building a movement that reminds the world that despite our differences, we are more alike than we realize, living by her guiding message: unity, inspiration, and shared strength. DBYA, short for “Different But Yet Alike,” represents a movement of unity, reminding the world that despite our differences, we are all connected.
• • Founder & CEO – DBYA Enterprises LLC
• Entrepreneur & Small Business Consultant
• Holistic Health & Nutrition Practitio
• Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University - MBA
• Honors Graduate – Master’s Degree (3.6 GPA)
• Member, National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
• Academic Excellence Recognition – Graduate Studies
• Founder & CEO, DBYA Enterprises – Community Impact Leadership
• Member, National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my children. They are my reason for continuing to push forward every day and never giving up. Everything I do is about paving the way to build generational wealth and creating opportunities that will make life better for them and the generations that follow. Over the years, I’ve learned that true fulfillment comes from doing what you are passionate about. When people work only to make ends meet, it often lacks purpose and happiness, and it becomes difficult to truly pour your heart into it. I choose to pursue things that keep a smile on my face and allow me to help others. I discovered that my true purpose in life is serving and uplifting people, so everything I do revolves around that mission.
What many people don’t realize is that this purpose started revealing itself early in my life as a hidden talent. I began writing at the age of 15, and when I go back and read the things I wrote back then, it amazes me. One of my poems, “God Hears You,” which I wrote over 20 years ago, still resonates with people today in the same powerful way it did back then. Seeing that connection reminds me that I’m walking in the path I was meant to follow and confirms that I’m doing exactly what I’m called to do.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to pursue what truly makes you happy, rather than trying to please other people. Many individuals overlook that principle when choosing what they do in life. Over the years, I’ve learned that real success comes from doing things you are genuinely passionate about. When you work solely to make ends meet, it often lacks fulfillment, and it becomes difficult to fully invest your heart and energy into it. I believe in choosing work that keeps a smile on my face and allows me to positively impact others. Discovering my purpose has been a defining moment in my life—I realized that I’m meant to help people. Because of that, everything I pursue is centered around uplifting, empowering, and supporting others.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this space is to believe in your worth and never limit what you feel called to accomplish. Go above and beyond in everything you do, love yourself fully, and trust God to guide your path even when the journey feels uncertain. Always prioritize your well-being and your family, especially your children, because they are part of your purpose and motivation. Don’t let doubt, fear, depression, or any other obstacle stop you from becoming the great woman you were created to be. Stay focused, remain resilient, and remember that anything you set your mind and heart to can be achieved through faith, discipline, and perseverance.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges, I see in my field right now is that many women are often placed in environments or systems that unintentionally keep them at certain levels, limiting their growth, voice, and advancement. Too many talented and capable women are made to feel like they must settle or wait for permission to step into leadership or pursue their purpose. However, this challenge also creates a powerful opportunity. More women are beginning to recognize their value, step outside of limiting spaces, and create their own paths through entrepreneurship, education, and community leadership. When women choose to believe in themselves, trust God, and refuse to let fear or doubt hold them back, they not only change their own lives but also open doors for the next generation of women to rise even higher.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is the most important value in my life. Outside of work, my greatest joy comes from spending time with my children, my nieces, and my God children, and helping guide them as they grow and develop their futures. My children are my biggest motivation. Everything I do is driven by my desire to build generational wealth and create a better path for them.
Beyond family, helping people is at the core of who I am. Whether it’s assisting someone with their finances, their health, or their business, I am passionate about guiding people in the right direction and helping them overcome the challenges they face. Over time, I realized that my true purpose in life is to help others, and that purpose is reflected in everything I do.
Unity is also a value that means a great deal to me. My brand, DBYA—short for Different But Yet Alike—represents the idea that despite our illnesses, race, or life circumstances, we are all connected. It serves as a reminder that even though we may appear different, at our core we are all one. In a world that often feels divided, I believe unity and understanding are more important than ever.