We recently had the chance to connect with Adrienne Carter and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Adrienne, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My family has really been bringing me joy. Watching them flourish and grow up has been an amazing feeling being a parent.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Adrienne Carter, better known as Carter, and I’m the founder of Youthful Radiance Mentoring Corp, a nonprofit organization I proudly lead alongside my co-founder, Courtney Butler-Legare, and our amazing team. Together, we are committed to helping youth redirect their life stories through mentorship, conflict resolution, and proactive learning strategies.
What makes Youthful Radiance truly special is our hands-on, heart-led approach. As a professional barber and the creator of a custom clothing line, I use my experiences to teach youth about entrepreneurship, showing them that even at a young age, they can turn their passion into purpose. Through barbering, fashion, and other creative outlets, we help young people explore their potential and build confidence in their future.
This work means everything to us. Our youth are our future, and helping them grow into their full potential is the driving force behind everything we do. Youthful Radiance isn’t just a program, it’s a movement powered by purpose, passion, and people who care.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
If I had to choose one person who saw me before I could fully see myself and the potential I carried, it would have to be my “SHERO” my mother. She has always been by my side, constantly pushing me to reach my highest potential. Even during the moments when I felt like giving up, she would remind me of who I am and encourage me to keep going. She’d always say how proud she was to see me back on my A game and hearing that fueled me.
I’d also have to give flowers to my granny. From the time I was young, she would look at me with so much love and say, “You’re going to be something special, girl.” And to this day, she still says it. Those words have stuck with me, and every time I hear them, they make me want to push even harder. Their belief in me helped shape the woman I am today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been times when I didn’t just almost give up, I actually did. I’ve had moments where I said, “I’m done.” Times when it felt like nothing was happening the way I wanted, and everything around me was becoming too overwhelming. It was like the weight of the world was crashing down, and no matter how many steps I took, they never felt good enough.
I convinced myself that if I just gave up, maybe the stress, the pressure, and the constant uphill battle would stop. It felt easier to walk away than to keep fighting for something that didn’t seem to be working. But those moments, as painful as they were, taught me the importance of rest and not quitting. And slowly, I found my way back.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
One thing about me is I never change or switch up. The public version of me is the real me. I’m the same person no matter where I am or who I’m around. People always tell me, “You’re still the same person from when I first met you,” and I take pride in that. I don’t believe in changing who you are just to fit in or impress others.
To me, staying humble is everything. Some people let success change them, but I’ve always believed that the same way you got it is the same way you can lose it. That’s why I stay grounded, stay true, and always remain solid no matter what. Always BE YOU!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people remember me as someone who was humble and full of heart who loved to laugh and have a great time. I want to be known as a woman who would give the shirt off her back without hesitation, someone who helped others, even when I didn’t have much to give.
I hope they tell people that I had a genuine spirit, that my kindness was real, and that I never turned my back on those in need. More than anything, I want to be remembered as a great woman who deeply valued her family because everything I did, every move I made, was for them. That’s the story I hope lives on.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: youthfulradiancementoring/kutzbycarter
- Facebook: Youthful Radiance Mentoring
