Arnetta Yardbourgh is a successful American businesswoman and life coach who became famous for her relationship with basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. However, she has built her own successful career helping others improve their lives through coaching and wellness programs. Today, she runs her own business and inspires many people to reach their goals.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Arnetta Marie Yardbourgh |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 10, 1971 |
| Age | 53 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Education | Master of Liberal Arts, Doctorate in Psychology |
| Profession | Life Coach, Wellness Consultant, Businesswoman |
| Company | AY & Associates, LLC (Founder & President) |
| Known For | Ex-girlfriend of NBA star Shaquille O’Neal |
| Children | 1 daughter (Taahirah O’Neal) |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (180 cm) |
Introduction
Early Life and Education
Arnetta was born and raised in Houston, Texas, on December 10, 1971. She grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. Her mother, Cheryl Richardson, works as a health educator and master stylist. Her sister, Kinika Richardson, spent 20 years in the aviation industry before starting her own business.
Arnetta attended Judson High School in San Antonio, Texas, where she graduated in 1990. This is where she first met Shaquille O’Neal, who was also a student there. After high school, she continued her education at several universities.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications from the University of Houston. Later, she received a Master of Liberal Arts in General Studies from Schreiner University in 1992. She also got a Master’s degree in Graduate Studies and Humanities from Houston Christian University. In 2014, she completed her Doctorate in Psychology from Walden University. Additionally, she earned a CPCC certification in Co-Active Coaching from the Coaches Training Institute.
Relationship with Shaquille O’Neal
Arnetta and Shaquille O’Neal started dating in 1992, the same year Shaq was drafted into the NBA. They were together for four years, from 1992 to 1996. Their relationship began when they were both young and attending the same high school in Texas.
The couple never got married, but they shared a special bond during their time together. Arnetta was with Shaq during important moments in his early basketball career, including his NBA draft day in 1992.
In early January 1996, Arnetta and Shaquille ended their relationship. However, their story didn’t end there. On July 18, 1996, Arnetta gave birth to their daughter, Taahirah O’Neal. Even though they were no longer together as a couple, both parents made an agreement to raise their daughter with love and support.
Shaquille moved to Los Angeles to play for the Lakers, while Arnetta stayed in Houston with their daughter. He suggested this arrangement because people in Orlando, where he played before, didn’t treat Arnetta well during her pregnancy. Some people wrongly thought she only wanted his money or spread false stories about how they met.
The former NBA star later admitted in interviews that he made mistakes in their relationship. He said Arnetta was “a perfect woman” and that he “messed it up” by being young and making poor choices. Despite the breakup, they have maintained a good relationship over the years, focusing on being good parents to their daughter.
Career as a Life Coach and Businesswoman
After her relationship with Shaquille ended, Arnetta focused on building her own successful career. She used the time to complete her education and develop her skills in coaching and wellness.
Today, Arnetta is the Founder and President of AY & Associates, LLC, a coaching, wellness, and consulting company. She has worked in the coaching industry for over 14 years. Her company helps small business owners, entrepreneurs, and organizations achieve their goals through professional coaching services.
As a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), Arnetta works with people to help them make positive changes in their lives. She describes herself as a “change facilitator” because she helps people move forward and grow. On her LinkedIn profile, she says, “I essentially become their advocate, which I am known for.”
Her business also offers wellness programs to help fight obesity and promote healthy living. She creates customized wellness programs for small businesses that include mindfulness activities. These programs help employees feel better and work more effectively.
Arnetta is also active in supporting women in business. She served as Chapter President of FemCity® Houston, an organization that connects and supports women professionals. As a Certified Woman-Owned Business (WBE), she works to help other women succeed in their business goals.
Besides her coaching work, Arnetta also runs AYA Micro Scalp & More, a permanent makeup studio. This business specializes in scalp micropigmentation, microblading, ombré shading, and other beauty services.
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Life as a Mother
Arnetta’s daughter, Taahirah O’Neal, was born in 1996. Arnetta raised her daughter in Houston while Shaquille provided financial support. According to their arrangement, Arnetta had custody of Taahirah until she turned 18 years old.
Arnetta and Taahirah share a very close relationship. On social media, Taahirah often posts loving messages about her mother. On Mother’s Day, she wrote: “Happy Mother’s Day to the life of the party. I love you Mommy.”
Taahirah graduated from Oglethorpe University in 2019 and now works as a communications associate analyst for PepsiCo. She also works part-time for her father’s entertainment company, Mine O Mine. Interestingly, unlike her famous basketball player father, Taahirah is not interested in sports. She prefers outdoor activities and has said she wants to own a farm in the future.
Personal Life and Interests
Arnetta maintains a relatively private life away from the spotlight. She is a Christian and her faith plays an important role in her life and work. Currently, she is presumed to be single and focuses on her career and her daughter.
She is active on social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn, where she shares insights about coaching, wellness, and business. Her approach to helping others comes from her own life experiences and her extensive education in psychology and coaching.
Legacy and Impact
Arnetta Yardbourgh shows that a person can create their own success story beyond being known as someone’s ex-girlfriend. While many people first learned about her through her relationship with Shaquille O’Neal, she has built a respected career helping others through coaching and wellness services.
She has turned her life experiences into valuable lessons that benefit her clients. Through her company, she continues to inspire small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals to reach their full potential. Her work with women’s business organizations also shows her commitment to helping others succeed.
Conclusion
Arnetta Yardbourgh is more than just Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-girlfriend. She is a highly educated professional, successful businesswoman, devoted mother, and skilled life coach. Her journey from being a young woman in a high-profile relationship to becoming an independent entrepreneur shows strength and determination.
Today, at 53 years old, Arnetta continues to make a positive impact through her coaching and wellness business. She maintains a good relationship with her ex-partner and has raised a successful daughter. Her story reminds us that everyone can write their own success story with education, hard work, and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Arnetta Yardbourgh?
Arnetta Yardbourgh is an American life coach, wellness consultant, and businesswoman. She is the founder of AY & Associates, LLC and is known for being Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-girlfriend and the mother of his first daughter.
2. How long did Arnetta Yardbourgh date Shaquille O’Neal?
Arnetta and Shaquille O’Neal dated for four years, from 1992 to 1996. They met in high school in Texas and started their relationship around the time Shaq was drafted into the NBA.
3. Does Arnetta Yardbourgh have children?
Yes, Arnetta has one daughter named Taahirah O’Neal, who was born on July 18, 1996. Taahirah is her daughter with Shaquille O’Neal and currently works as a communications analyst for PepsiCo.
4. What does Arnetta Yardbourgh do for work?
Arnetta is a professional life coach and wellness consultant. She owns and runs AY & Associates, LLC, where she helps small business owners, entrepreneurs, and organizations through coaching services and wellness programs.
5. Is Arnetta Yardbourgh married?
No, Arnetta Yardbourgh is not married. She was never married to Shaquille O’Neal, and she is currently presumed to be single, focusing on her career and her daughter.
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