Conversations with Glenikia Young

Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenikia Young.

Hi Glenikia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I struggled with hyperpigmentation skin and I found it hard to find a product that would help my skin. Also, as a child my mother instilled in me the importance of using herbs so I took my knowledge of different herb and organic products and used that to create products that was going to give my skin types like mine three key benefits which is hydration, moisture and the ability to even my skin tone.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the beginning, I struggled with certain friends not supporting my vision. And in it was hard, I have to admit that I took it personal until I changed my perspective.

I stop focusing on who didn’t support me the way I preferred and channeled my attention on who did. You have to realize that Developing products and being vulnerable with sharing something your passionate about with the world is never an easy thing. Mainly because now you’re exposing yourself to other people’s opinions, criticism from others or maybe yourself and maybe people not receiving the products at all. So support from those who are close to you becomes really important, But what I had to do for myself was to do it afraid and do it regardless. I had to Be brave enough to give my vision an opportunity to succeed in spite of my fears of the unknown, who didn’t support me or etc. eliminated the outside noise and gave myself an opportunity to win by believing in what I brought to the world and being intentional on delivering what I wanted others to receive from my products.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Well, now I work as a Program Manager for a shelter located in Los Angeles. I’ve been working in the human services field mainly servicing the homeless population for almost six years now and I love it. One reason why I enjoy my work is because I’m passionate about it and I know that this is a part of my purpose of being on earth. I’m Known for my heart for my community. I have been a part of so many committees and done some amazing work with organizations based in LA County from assisting victims of human trafficking, domestic violence survivors to walking the river beds providing services to homeless veterans and youth. I have worked directly with at-risk/ homeless youth, created programs that have been utilized in two LAUSDS schools providing kids meals and school supplies, started a food drive within a local church to support families during the pandemic. I’m most proud of myself and seeing how far I’ve come in life. I was born a crack baby, became a foster youth, grew up very rough and exposed to unfortunate circumstances. I have been homeless, survived an abusive relationship but never thought or knew I would be where I am now as a business owner, having a great career helping people who look like me to overcome life’s disadvantages like I did- I most definitely beat the odds.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Umm that’s a great question. I hear this a lot.

You can always follow me on my social media page at @unblemishedbynikki and see different pop up shops That I will be attending in the near future. Also, if you interested in purchasing any products, you can always click on my website at www.ubnikki.com or shout me out on your page.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ubnikki.com
• Instagram: @unblemishedbynikki
• Facebook: UnblemishedbyNikki

Image Credits:
Scorpio Jackson