Yassi Pressman, a Filipino-British model, actress, television personality, singer, dancer celebrated nationwide known to many has ventured into a new project that involves something very close to her heart.
As a mental health advocate, Yassi was immediately drawn to Mind You’s objective: to help 1,000,000 Filipinos overcome stress, anxiety and depression by the year 2025. In March of 2021, after learning more about the mission and vision of Mind You, she decided to invest as part of the Seed Funding round, alongside other experienced angel investors at a PHP 250 million (USD 5 million) valuation. Only 10 months after investing, the valuation of Mind You increased to PHP 1.25 billion (USD 25 million) at its pre Series-A round, as a result of a surge in revenue growth and industry-leading client retention rates.
Yassi states, “I want to leave this world one day na alam kong mayroon akong nagawang maganda na hindi lang sa trabaho, kundi (knowing that I have done something good not just involving work but also) something that really touched them and I think artists like me really want to do that though our art, but this was a different space, Mind You goes beyond that.”
Yassi’s mental health journey stems back years before the conception of Mind You. She shares her experiences through the years dealing with anxiety during the podcast interview with host Liza Soberano entitled “An Open Mind with Liza Soberano.”
After nearly 5 years of work on the Philippines’ #1 daily viewed Teleserye, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” hosting her own game show “Rolling In It,” and shooting for the film “More Than Blue,” Yassi decided to take a much needed break to reset, recharge and focus on new opportunities. During her recent trip to Siargao, she shared how her first day of surfing brought her many realizations.
She mentions in her Instagram post: “I kept telling myself ‘Ugh. So much work… palpak naman… Sayang…sayang… (failed again… what a waste, what a waste…) but it’s okay, it’s okay Yass, just breathe… paddle out of the chaos. Take a couple of breaths in a spot where the waves are calmer, and when you are ready….Start paddling back…Get back to the beginning, No matter how well you do, Take the risk, Magawa mo man in the beginning o hindi (Whether you’re able to succeed or not in the beginning), Don’t give up, Kaya mo yan (You can do it), Try again. Don’t give up! Take care of yourself, your mental health, your peace, Find people and places that make you happy.’ Sharing this story, cause I felt like it did me well. Hope this story also encourages others to keep believing in themselves. Don’t give up! Take care of yourself, your mental health, your peace, Find people and places that make you happy.”
Her involvement as an investor of Mind You showcases her passion to drive forth the mission to end the stigma in the country. An avid activist for mental health, Yassi does not shy away from publicly sharing the importance and urgency of addressing the insufficient supply of mental health services in the Philippines. Yassi shared that, “People need more accessible therapists and people to talk to when they don’t know who to talk to anymore and sometimes with family you do have that problem because you don’t know how much you can tell them. You’re scared of judgement.”
Yassi has enjoyed being a part of Mind You’s journey so far, as she discloses during a recent interview, “One of the best decisions in my life with some of the best partners that I could choose in the world. And they are doing such great things they’ve sped rocketed to the sky and now we’ve got the greatest clients who have trusted in Mind You and who are helping us change peoples lives.”
Cameron Quin, VP of Mind You, says of Yassi: “She is a true role model and inspiration to many Filipinos, Pressman is a great addition to the Mind You family. With her past experiences, vast knowledge and deep intuition on mental health she plays a key role in carrying out the message of Mind You to the rest of the Filipinos nationwide. Pressman is an active investor to the company and continues to help in ensuring that Mind You’s mission and vision are headed into the right direction by constantly sharing her guidance and expertise with the rest of the Mind You family.”
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at story.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad! Get the latest news about the Philippine Entertainment industry and join the WIM Showbiz Facebook group! We also share our stories on Viber, join us!
