Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Young.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Alicia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always had a passion for writing so I began blogging in 2006 on MySpace with very little direction of where I wanted my platform to go. As I progressed over the years, I finally took a dive to buy my own website in 2017 and utilize my platform to talk about the things that mattered to me. Those things included motherhood, marriage, parenting a special needs child, mental health, health and wellness, body acceptance, plus size fashion and most recently navigating life with a disability. Through my blogging journey, I developed an enthusiasm for makeup and as a result, in May of 2019, I launched my cosmetics line AP Young Beauty Collection.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say my struggles have been minimal honestly. I’ve had personal challenges such as dealing with chronic illness that takes a toll on me physically, maintaining my creativity, and learning how to collaborate with brands that align with my message. My advice to any young woman starting their journey is to be authentic. Never compromise your integrity for advancement or some misconception of what success is. Don’t follow trends, set the trends. Be the voice you want to hear.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I am a blogger who creates content on my site www.apyoungblog.com and on my social media to encourage people to find the value in caring for one’s self in the best way possible. A big part of what I do is encouraging visibility for larger bodies, advocating for mental health care, teaching larger bodies how to get fair care in a healthcare system that is prejudice against their bodies, and dismantling myths about what disability is and how it affects day to day living. I’m most proud of my ability to teach people ways to help themselves and how to see themselves in a different and more positive light. I’m also really proud of being able to transition into an entrepreneurship role with launching my cosmetics line.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I do think that the opportunities I’ve had I’ve been able to capitalize on because of being a woman. Women are of often a symbol of nurture and empowerment because of our experiences as women in society. I think being a woman gives me unique strength and that resonates with people; especially other women! And that’s who my core audience is.
Contact Info:
- Email: alicia@apyoungblog.com
- Website: www.apyoungblog.com, www.apyoungbeauty.com
- Instagram: @apybeautyllc, @apyblog
- Facebook: @apyblog
- Twitter: AP Young Blog
Image Credit:
Girl It’s Mel Photography & Ashiyra Walker
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