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

Hi Cedrice, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
During the pandemic, I was exploring music outside of the standard repertoire of classical music. This is when I started discovering Afro-Classical composers and their repertoire. I became inspired by the history and thought to create a publishing company that specialized in creating beginner education materials on Afro-Classical composers.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
It was the summer of 2020 when I started exploring Afro-Classical composers. I recently graduated from Georgia State with my Master’s of Music degree and I was pretty burnt out. The rigorous environment of graduate school left me uninspired and unmotivated to practice. I thought back to the first African American composer I learned about in graduate school. The composer was Florence Price and from studying about Florence, I came across Margaret Bonds and so many others. This reignited my passion for the Classical genre. I became inspired and continued to research and study Black women composers. I spent two years developing my first creation, Rediscovering Black Women in Music, a coloring book about 20 Black women composers. This has been a very difficult journey for me, but I’m dedicated to building and expanding my brand. Aside from publishing, we also advocate for music education. This past semester, Fancy Fingers Publishing received the opportunity to be an after school club that provided elementary school students with piano lessons. At the conclusion of the ten-week camp, we hosted a Spring recital that was met with an amazing response from students, parents, faculty, and the surrounding community. Fancy Fingers Publishing has been invited back once again to that school for the 2023-2024 school year.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d definitely take them to Boogalou Restaurant and Lounge. I personally enjoy intimate type gatherings so we’d definitely make our way to a Nostalgia art party as well. Atlantic Station is also a good time with the right people. The High Museum of Art is also another fave.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give thanks to my community of family, friends, and supporters. I am thankful to have people who believe in me, my talents, and my dream.

Instagram: @fancyfingerspublishing_

Youtube: @MsCecethePB

Other: TikTok: @mscecethepb

Image Credits
Fancy Fingers Publishing, LLC.

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