We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process about starting my own business was I do not want to work for anyone else ever again! I wanted to have the flexibility to create my own schedule, create my own narrative, control my own fate, and make my own decisions. While I do work more than a typical 40 hour week now, I get to pick and choose what and who I represent.

What should our readers know about your business?
Growing up I wanted to be a lawyer. While in college, I received a position with Nike as an Ambassador. This lead me to focus on marketing and public relations. I decided to shift majors and then I wanted to be a publicist, but I wanted a firm that does everything at one place. So, I completed multiple minors to be able to stand out to potential clients. I messed up because I did not intern or network enough during college or even after college! I made my career hard on myself by neglecting meeting others and learning from others in the beginning. Now I tell everyone, get out and meet new people, go to the mix & mingles, go to your school or work events. You never know who you will meet and impact.

PR is a tough industry, convincing people/brands you can help them with their public image/perception is tough. Some people do not recognize what PR even is and why it is valuable. I encourage people to create a portfolio of events and volunteer efforts. Also, please have a clean social media page! Social media is now the new resume. This goes for whatever industry you are in.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think professionally there are two people I would like to recognize for years of not only support, but friendship. The first person I want to shout out is Brandon Robinson, known as Scoop B, has been a true motivation to me and I inspire to impact our culture and community like him. He so effortlessly leaves a footprint in anyone life he came in contact with. He has done amazing work interviewing legends like George Foreman, Master P, Jesse Jackson, and more. He defies the odds daily as not just a reporter but an influencer. He has continued to give me advice and put me in the right direction of success.

The second person I want to shout out is Lawayne Cherry, known as DJ WayneinDisThang, is a celebrity DJ, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and my first client. He took a chance on me and years later we still have a work relationship and now we are extended family. DJ WayneInDisThang has worked with Ray J, Kevin Gates, Vedo & more. Even though he is constantly on tour, he still finds time to do backpack giveaway, toy drives, and mentor the community. He continues to trust my guidance without question, for that I am grateful. His hustle & drive inspires me. Also, his love for his city and community is to be admired.

Faith wise, my forever pastor, Pastor Vernon Graves (Laurel, MS) has been a key component in my success with his continued prayers and support. When I am overwhelmed, he has a scripture and words of encouragement for me.

Of course I have great support from my family, but my Uncle Rod has always been my best friend and the person I confide in!

Website: www.collectivelye.com

Instagram: @collectivelye

Facebook: Erica Young

Image Credits
@landonsmoote on IG

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