Yvette Lyles is an advocate for seniors—determined to ensure that they have someone fighting in their corner. After years of working in senior health care, she witnessed how many seniors did not have an advocate to hear their concerns and support them with transitioning to a new stage of life.
Her Chicago-based business, Silver Pearls Senior Solutions, addresses that gap. Yvette advocates on a senior’s behalf to secure resources, provide placement services and offer safety assessments.
“I thought this would be my contribution to the community,” Yvette said, “giving [seniors] a helping hand and making sure their voices are heard.”
While Yvette had already built a foundation for Silver Pearls Senior Solutions when she opened in 2023, she needed help with scaling her business up to reach the next level.
Thankfully, she connected with the Cook County Small Business Source—and the no-cost business advising provided by the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (Chicago MSDC), one of The Source’s 13 Business Support Organizations.
Shyanne Tounsel, a Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) development program analyst at Chicago MSDC, has become her go-to advocate.
“I had a lot of the knowledge, but I needed someone who could help keep me accountable and provide a framework upon which to build on,” Yvette said. “She offered the technology background that I do not have and helped me put it together.”
Shyanne has leveraged her technological skills to help Yvette execute a digital marketing plan targeted at potential clients. Together, they worked on building a website for Silver Pearls Senior Solutions, designing a logo, setting up a social media page and increasing the business’ online visibility.
Currently, she and Yvette are working to certify Silver Pearls Senior Solutions as an MBE with Chicago MSDC. Certification will open the door for Silver Pearls Senior Solutions to gain more corporate contracts, attend industry events and collaborate with other small businesses.
Shyanne has also introduced Yvette to some of the other opportunities that the Chicago MSDC offers. One such event is Chicago Business Opportunity Day, an annual procurement conference connecting minority suppliers and public and private sector-buying organizations.
“It is a great way for any small business owner to connect with corporations, and it’s a great networking tool. You can also hear more business industry leaders as well to know what trends are happening,” explained Shyanne.
While Yvette appreciates everything Shyanne has provided, Shyanne is grateful for Yvette’s reception to her advice. Such a mindset is key for growing a business.
“It’s been a dream,” Shyanne said of working with Yvette. “She is my shining star. It’s so fun to see how much she’s implemented over time and how many ways that she’s built her business up from where we started.”
Asking Shyanne for feedback and support has been instrumental in growing Silver Pearls Senior Solutions.
After all, advocates don’t work alone–they need other advocates in their corner. And that is what Shyanne is to Yvette.
“Sometimes you need someone who will help mentor you and give you the encouragement that you need to build up your confidence as you build up the business,” said Yvette. “I think what Shyanne is doing for me is what I do for our seniors, and that is to extend a hand and help that person along the way.”
