Yandy Smith at a Glance
Yandy Smith’s Net Worth: A Look at Her Career and Life
Introduction: Who is Yandy Smith?
Yandy Smith-Harris, often simply known as Yandy Smith, is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her roles as a music producer, reality television star, and businesswoman. With a net worth of $12 million, she has carved a successful career, transitioning from behind-the-scenes executive roles to a recognized personality on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop. This article delves into her life, exploring her career milestones, business ventures, personal life, and public image.
Early Life and Education
Yandy Smith was born on March 19, 1982, in Harlem, New York. Growing up in the vibrant cultural hub of Harlem shaped her early experiences and ambitions. Demonstrating a commitment to education, Yandy pursued higher learning and graduated from Howard University in 2004, laying the foundation for her future career endeavors. This academic background would prove valuable as she navigated the complex world of entertainment.
Career Beginnings: From Executive Assistant to Manager
Yandy’s professional journey commenced with a position as an Executive Assistant at Violator Management, a leading entertainment company. This role provided her with invaluable exposure to the music industry, allowing her to work closely with high-profile artists. Her clients included musical icons like Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, and LL Cool J. A pivotal moment in her career came in 2005 when she met rapper Jim Jones on a private jet chartered by Russell Simmons. This encounter led her to leave Violator Management and become Jones’ full-time manager, a move that significantly altered the trajectory of her career.

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Love & Hip Hop: Reality TV Stardom
In 2006, VH1 considered a reality show focused on Jim Jones. Although an 11-minute trailer, “Keeping Up with the Joneses,” was produced, the network was unconvinced. Yandy, leveraging her industry connections, approached Mona Scott-Young, her mentor from Violator Management, who then revamped the concept, incorporating Jones’ girlfriend, Chrissy, and her friends, which led to the creation of Love & Hip Hop. Yandy initially made an uncredited cameo appearance during the first season, when Chrissy and Jim got engaged. However, she joined the main cast of Love & Hip Hop: New York in season two, and became a central figure in the show, with her role as Jim Jones’ manager driving many of the plotlines. Her professional relationship with Jones reached a breaking point during the season, resulting in a physical altercation with Chrissy at a Miami nightclub. Consequently, Jones and Chrissy ended their professional and personal association with Yandy.
Following her departure from Jones’ management, Yandy expanded her professional reach, consulting for prominent record labels such as Warner Music Group, Atlantic Records, and Columbia. She then partnered with her former boss, Mona Scott-Young, to form Monami Entertainment, where she serves as a talent agent. Her contributions were recognized in 2008 when Billboard magazine named her one of the “Top 30 Executives Under 30.” In addition to her work on Love & Hip Hop, she also made guest appearances in various spin-off shows and specials, including “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta: After Party Live!” and “Remy & Papoose: Meet the Mackies.”

(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship
Beyond her television career, Yandy is involved in several entrepreneurial ventures. Notably, she is a part-owner, President, and Brand Manager of Everything Girls Love, a lifestyle brand. This underscores her business acumen and her ability to leverage her public persona into successful commercial enterprises. Her involvement with the brand highlights her desire to create a platform for female empowerment and cater to a specific demographic with products and services tailored to their interests.
Personal Life and Family
Yandy Smith’s personal life is characterized by her family. She has two children with real estate developer Mendeecees Harris – a son, Omare Harris, born on July 16, 2012, and a daughter, Skylar Harris, born on January 26, 2015. Yandy and Mendeecees married on May 25, 2015. Demonstrating her nurturing side, Yandy fostered a young girl named Infinity Gilyard, whom she later officially adopted, adding to her family’s growing dynamic. The details of her husband’s past relationships, including the complexities with his other children and their mothers, have also played out in the media.
Controversies and Public Incidents
Yandy and her family have faced a series of public and private challenges. One of the most significant involved her husband, Mendeecees Harris, who was arrested in January 2013 on charges related to drug trafficking. He was sentenced to eight-to-ten years in prison in 2016. Yandy publicly defended her fiancé, even criticizing what she perceived as unfair reporting by various media outlets. Mendeecees was released from prison in January 2020. In July 2020, Yandy was arrested during a protest in Louisville, Kentucky, against the death of Breonna Taylor. The incident drew further attention to her activism and her commitment to social justice issues.
In the same month, Yandy shared personal insights via social media about her anxieties and the challenges she faced as a Black mother during that time. She described nightmares about federal agents breaking into her home, highlighting the emotional toll of the social climate and the need for mental health awareness.
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Yandy Smith Today
Yandy Smith continues to be a significant presence in the entertainment world and is active on social media, often sharing updates about her life, family, and business ventures. She remains involved in various projects, maintaining her position as a businesswoman and influencer. Yandy is often seen championing social causes and using her platform to advocate for change.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Yandy Smith
Yandy Smith’s journey is a testament to resilience and ambition. From her roots in Harlem to her success in the entertainment industry and her entrepreneurial endeavors, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to evolve and adapt. Her story reflects a blend of business acumen, dedication to family, and a commitment to using her platform for social good. Yandy Smith’s legacy is one of empowerment, achievement, and influence, making her a notable figure in contemporary popular culture.