Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Young.
Hi Angela, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My NAKED Truth
Years ago, I found myself in a desolate place. I wasn’t motivated to do anything. I didn’t want to leave my house nor talk to anyone. I would literally eat and sleep all day. I didn’t know what was wrong, but I knew something was amiss. I was not my happy, vibrant self. In fact, I was very unhappy and uninspired. It felt like a dark cloud hovered over me. Inevitably, days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, and then one day I looked up and didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror staring back at me.
It was in that moment I realized I was battling depression, and it had me so weighed down. I was in denial for a long time. I kept it from my friends and family because I was so ashamed and embarrassed. Ultimately, I suffered in silence. I knew it had to be a lesson in it all. Honestly, God’s mercy is what kept me. I had to learn to dance in the rain. And smile in the midst of my pain.
I was completely stripped down and NAKED! All of my insecurities were exposed, and I was very vulnerable. I started to realize the importance of getting back to living a purpose-driven life, and not merely existing. I decided not to let my struggle become my identity or deter me from living a full life. I was able to rediscover myself, to unconditionally love the woman in the mirror, and find my happy place. My mental health and my peace are now my top priority and can never be sacrificed. It was during this dark time in my life that the beNAKED Brand was born.
I realized the importance of sharing our truth with other women. Not only does it encourage them to share their truth, but it also shows how much we have in common. The art of storytelling is healing and empowering.
The beNAKED Brand was created because I don’t want other women to suffer in silence. No matter your position or how well put together you are. It’s okay to admit when you’re not okay. It’s okay to ask for and seek help. This is a safe space to share, to connect, and to unapologetically be yourself. It’s a place of peace, a place of hope and support.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In my opinion, healing is a journey not a destination. The journey has been a beautiful mess that has turned into my message. The road wasn’t smooth nor straight but led me right to where and who I’m becoming. I often tell people you’re so much more than your lowest moment.
“A woman who lives well is a woman who is brave enough to change her course when/if she realizes she is headed in a direction that she doesn’t want to go or doesn’t need to go.”
When we free ourselves from any guilt connected to our struggles and tell our stories of how we overcame, this will be someone else’s survival map. There is just as much honor in falling apart as in coming together. Sharing your story can be as healing for you as it is for other women who will need to know they can overcome it too. I believe freedom comes from our ability to be open, and not just for us, but for others. And that’s what I like to call living a NAKED life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I attended Richardson High School, where I developed my love for the arts. I went on to attend college at Clark Atlanta University, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts, with a concentration in TV, radio, and film. Upon graduation, I was immediately offered a job as the manager at the renowned Patchwerk Recording Studios. During my tenure there, I had the opportunity to work with some of the most prominent Hip Hop and R&B artists in the industry. It was there that I came into my own and learned how to be a businesswoman.
My love for music runs deep. I understand that part of my purpose is to be of service to others. A few years ago, I turned my passion for giving back into reality by creating the ‘Little Black Box Project’. The goal of this annual project is to give hope during the holiday season to women and children in need; by providing personal items in a loving and compassionate way. Over the past few years, I’ve donated hundreds of gift boxes to shelters such as the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, Covenant House Georgia, and Solomon’s Temple Foundation Inc.
In 2017, I combined my love for music and giving back by creating the More Than Music Benefit concert. MORE THAN MUSIC is an intimate event series meant to champion the arts and provide a platform for women to touch souls by sharing their raw talents. For three years, we’ve curated a magical music experience for all guests while supporting the dynamic artists that grace the stage. More Than Music is a space for women to connect, celebrate, and bask in the glory of each other.
This female-centric empowerment event is designed to celebrate the work ethic, unwavering courage, and commitment of select industry leaders and emerging artists. This is our way of showing appreciation of their life’s work and the impact it continues to have on their generation, the generations to follow, the culture, and the community. All proceeds benefit the ‘Little Black Box Project’.
This year, we will be partnering with Bloom Our Youth. The concert will take place Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Patchwerk Recording Studios. For more information, click to be placed on the waitlist to be first to know when tickets go on sale.
Lastly, the passion that drives me is my desire to make women feel empowered, beautiful, and confident. This passion serves as the motivating force behind my brand and events I curate specially with women in mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamangelayoung.com
- Instagram: @iam_angelayoung
- Other: https://mailchi.mp/0e03c99f5747/morethanmusic2023
Image Credits
The first five pictures were taken by Genesis Trofort
