Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Youngblood.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started on this journey of self-healing and becoming a life coach and author about five years ago. I lost my mother at the age of 21 which were crucial years going into adulthood. I found myself lost and not knowing what to do with my life. I had no fire or desire to reach for anything bigger because all I knew what to do at that time was to just survive. After growing through the life cycles that tend to be not the easiest for some; in my case I was one of those people. Everything that was happening to me was for sure preparing me to where my mind, my spirit, my self-worth, my passion to live and work hard for the purpose that I was created for. So that brings me to the woman that I am today and my motivation to continue to strive to be the best that I can be, not only to and for myself but for others. I am the Co-Founder of Leecy’s Daughters along with my sister Brittiny and we began this organization named after our mother to help women and girls. The goal is to help women and girls to have resources to other women to motivate and encourage them to become and be the best part of themselves. In my life learning things along the way has encouraged me to be a life coach and motived me to taking my writing seriously. I became an author with children’s books being the first published. With my children’s books, I focus on encouraging children and all that reads my books while bringing social awareness to help children understand. I simply live by the quote: Life is about learning, if you’re not learning you’re not living.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not been an easy or a smooth road getting to the place that I am in emotionally and mentally today. I had the ideal of starting Leecy’s Daughters many years ago and I just wasn’t in the mental place to encourage others because I was having such a hard time encouraging myself. I was holding onto a lot of emotional baggage and toxic relationships that was weighing me down and stopping me from progressing to move forward. I was being toxic to myself and I had to get out of my own way if I wanted to grow into the woman that I was destined to be. Writing came so natural to me at a very young age but to write a book was just a thought that I never thought would come true because of my self-doubts. I’m glad that changed!!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been in the accounting sector for many years and I’ve always pride myself on being a good working and employee. I knew that I wanted to always do something that was giving back to the community and doing something that helps to encourage people. Working in Corporate America I would always have that one or two co-workers that would encourage me to become a life coach or counselor. I was always willing to help and if a person was having a bad day, I would make them smile and laugh to turn their day around. When someone just needed to hear some encouraging words and needed someone to just listen; I would be there for them. I’m always known as the one to make people laugh and encourage and I’m proud that I can be the cause of bringing a little sunshine into somebody’s life.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Of course, I love Cali’s weather!! I love that we have beaches and hiking areas and trendy spots all around. I love you can do just about anything here. This is where I was born and raised and this is what I know. I love that more people are making an effort to be business owners and grind for more in life here because the cost of living pushes you to level up. Now the CONS!!!! The traffic is the worst, the cost of living is too high and people aren’t that friendly at times. The crime in the inner city is getting out of control and the gang violence needs to cease.
Contact Info:
- Email: ryoungblood76@gmail.com
- Website: www.mynaomibooks.com
- Instagram: ur_purple_heart
- Facebook: Nae Ray Youngblood
Image Credits:
Breana Otey Photography Shawn Ellis
