Influenc-HER Profiles Series: Angela Young
Are there any childhood experiences that led you to where you are today?
I think everything I experienced as child has shaped and molded me into the woman I am today. When I think back on I’m very blessed and beyond thankful for it all.
Where did your passion come from?
I understand that part of my purpose is to be a service to others. I wholeheartedly believe in paying it forward. My only mission while I’m here is to help make this world a little bit better. I want to impact the lives of women. Whether I’m curating a magical experience/event, my poetry, speaking to the youth, volunteering, writing a book, selling apparel with a purpose- I have one intention: to empower women to stand in their truth, embrace their imperfections, identify their insecurities, and love themselves with no apologies.
What is the beNAKED campaign?
The beNAKED Campaign is a platform to promote self-love. The aim of the campaign is to empower a generation of women to walk in their own truth, wholeheartedly embrace their perfect imperfections, and not be ashamed of who they naturally are. Instead, celebrate real-love and be inspired to be confident and comfortable in their skin. It’s a platform for all women to grow into an unapologetic fearlessness that others can learn from.
Who do you look to as inspiration and why?
GOD! He is the source of my inspiration. I’m just the vessel.
Give us a little synopsis of Pieces of Me?
Reading poetry opens us up in a unique way. A poem on grief may remind us of our own sorrows; a poem on family may bring to mind our own loved ones. Somehow, the more personal a poem is, the more we can relate it to our own lives. In Pieces of Me, poet Angela D. Young not only recognizes that connection, but she also openly invites readers to share their reflections. Creating a conversational thread by including quotes from other authors after each of her poems, she also sets aside blank spaces throughout the book so that readers can write their own thoughts, perhaps even their own poems. There are too many divisive messages in the world today, especially toward women. But Pieces of Me stands as a beacon of sisterhood, speaking the truth about who we are and who we can be. As readers receive works of peace, love, hope, and happiness from the poet, they begin to recognize the pieces that they, too, have to offer the world. Pieces of Me is a book of poetry that should be on every woman’s shelf, reminding them that they are beautiful, amazing, and unique.
What is a quote that you live by? One of the quotes I live by is from Jermaine Moody: “When the right door opens be courageous enough to walk through it, be courteous enough to only take those who are capable with you, be swift enough to close the door afterwards, be observant enough to know that millions would never get the opportunities that you have, and be strong enough to continue while others mock you they will eventually honor you, be wise enough to build new doors, be great enough to open them for others.”
What tangible piece of advice would you give young girls who want to be where you are? Always believe in YOU. Authenticity + Self-Respect+ Hard work will get you far. Dream big and don’t allow the world to box you in. Greatness is in all of you, but it’s up to you to tap into it.
What do you love most about being a woman?
I absolutely love my resilience.
What is one of your biggest accomplishments to date?
Whew! This is a tough question because I’m so grateful for all my accomplishment. But if I had to pick one it would be that I self-published my book. It has been a dream of mine since I was fifteen years old. It’s still is so surreal for me.
Is there anything in life that you wish you could do over?
In the early years of my career I wish I would have capitalized on opportunities and relationships while being in the position I was in. But I do believe everything happens for a reason and it was such a valuable lesson. What is the key to finding balance in your personal and professional life? Prioritizing! Making time for what’s important and knowing when to say no. But it starts with making sure to take care of YOU first. No one can pour from an empty cup.
What is the gift and curse of being in your industry?
Being able to work with and meet so many dynamic women is definitely the gift. The curse would be reassuring other women I’m not out her trying to compete. There is more than room at the top for all of us. What is one thing many people do not know about you?
I’m an introvert. Our fun question: If you could be any animal what would it be and why? LOL. I would be a butterfly. “A butterfly is a magical symbol of great transformation to come. It is a reminder that our current reality is to be experienced so that we may grow to change for the better. We are to accept and embrace these changes while keeping our faith in the end results.” The butterfly is proof that you can go through a great deal of pain or darkness yet you become something beautiful. And I’m liking the woman I’m becoming because I fought so hard to be her.
What does the future hold for you?
I will be introducing my brand iAMAngelaYoung to the world which will be the home for all my current and future projects. I want to welcome everyone into my world of women empowerment, where I encourage all women to walk in their truth, share their stories, embrace their imperfections, and make valuable connections with other like-minded women. This will be my creative outlet, an authentic space to build genuine relationships and make magic with other dope women. I also want to curate magical experiences with my events. I want women to be Encouraged, Inspired, and Empowered. My website will be launching soon.
Where can people find you?
People can find me on Instagram @iam_angelayoung and @benakedcampaign