Erika Whitney Young shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Erika Whitney, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Hmmm, that’s a good one! I’m definitely doing both. I’m moving with purpose, yet I’m open to discovery. I love learning and exploring new ideas and perspectives. Life is definitely all about the journey- so I’m cool with walking and wandering.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Indeed! I’m Erika Whitney Young, freelance photographer, writer, educator and advocate. I have a lot of interests and a few more titles! But ultimately my goal is to help empower others through the use of creative self expression. I’m rooted in the knowing that better is always possible. I like to think that I’m mastering the art of capturing many views whether it’s from behind a camera or pen or in front of a class.
In addition to exhibiting my work and doing various freelance projects, I’ve been holding small workshops in photography, writing and civic engagement. This led me to create my business, Poetics Parable Arts Integration LLC. It’s so important that we all are able to express ourselves and control our own narratives. I love this part of the journey. It’s allowed me collaborate with all types of people and to travel beyond Baltimore City. And what I’ve realized is although places or people may seem different- but, at the heart of things, I know that we have more commonalities.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My father. He poured so much into me. It’s funny because sometimes I didn’t understand what he was teaching me as a child but it all makes sense now. It’s like he gave me a roadmap years in advance of me realizing that I was ever lost. I always looked to him reassurance. I always had someone to clap for me growing up. When he died I was eleven, I began using art, especially photography and writing, to fill that void.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
That’s deep. Suffering taught me two things: the power of forgiveness and the power of letting go. Unforgiveness and holding on to unfruitful things, like unfavorable experiences or unhealthy bonds, is equal to sentencing yourself to life in a prison with no walls. Go free yourself!
For me, I know that most of my success was attained after dealing with setbacks and failure. Suffering serves the purpose building character and preparing us for future success.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’m always myself. You may experience different aspects or parts of me depending on the environment or circumstance. But it’s all me, all the time. Just Erika!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I’m most at peace at home with family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://erikawhitneyyoung.com
- Instagram: @eyoungpoetic
Image Credits
Erika Whitney Young
