Is Black Girl Magic a Myth?

Empowered Presence™

Apr 16 2024 • 50 mins

In this very real podcast episode, Melanie chats with Dr. Nikeya Young about the power and pressure behind "Black Girl Magic." They unpack the term's evolution, touching on the resilience it represents and the high expectations it can create.

Nikeya opens up about her journey from educator to homeschooling mom, shedding light on the unique challenges black women face professionally. Together, they explore how personal branding and self-empowerment intersect, advocating for authenticity and the celebration of individuality amidst societal pressures.

GUEST BIO:

Nikeya Young is a Best-Selling Author/Certified Master Life Coach/TEDx Speaker/Keynote Speaker and Workshop Facilitator/Licensed Minister/Podcast Host, and Entertainer. She is also an experienced subject matter expert for various media outlets (you may have seen her as a recurring guest on WGN's Daytime Chicago and News Nation). Through her transformative coaching company and podcast (Victorious Living Solutions), Nikeya uses her gifts, talents, experiences, and certifications to empower leaders to CRUSH their goals, despite life's challenges, and live VICTORIOUSLY!

Nikeya’s first book “Virtue Chic: Classy Takes Center Stage” (2017) is a “must read” for Christian single women! The book includes a foreword by Minister/Author Niki Winston, & dishes out practical and spiritual advice on style, dating, pursuing your purpose, resisting the urge to compete with other women, and SO much more! Nikeya has since been a Contributing Author on two other anthologies: Masters of Marriage: A Relationship Devotional for Couples (2021), and Amazon Best-Seller, The Moms' Truth: Authentic Stories of Motherhood (2022).

Nikeya is happily married to Rodney Young Jr, and is a proud “Slay-at-Home”, homeschooling mama bear to the couple’s 3 beautiful children: Rodney III (R3), and twin girls Nalea and Nissi. The couple resides in the South suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.

LINKS:

TIMESTAMPS:

The concept of Black Girl Magic (00:02:54)

The pressure for perfection and excellence (00:09:13)

Challenges faced by Black women in the workforce (00:15:58)

Creating one's own opportunities (00:13:37)

Personal branding and finding one's magic (00:20:28)

Professional Development Goals (00:24:38)

Balancing Multiple Roles (00:26:42)

Adaptability and Identity (00:27:41)

Reevaluating Career Identity (00:30:57)

Generational Perspectives on Career (00:38:51)

Impact of Personal Energy (00:42:07)

Silencing and reclaiming our voices (00:48:08)

Challenges in the industry (00:48:28)

Empowered Presence™ program (00:48:50)

Personal representation and self-investment (00:49:25)