Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Young.
Melanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised on the South East side of Houston, TX. Growing up, I discovered my interest in technology and talents within the arts. Spending time doing all the things I loved started me on the path of entrepreneurship and choosing Prairie View A&M University to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering.
When I started school at Prarie View, I was already DJing in downtown Houston nightclubs. Engineering became too challenging for me to continue the nightlife, so I was forced to retire before it started. I began doing other things for cash, such as Photography, graphic design, and clothing design to keep change in my pocket. The hustle was rooted in making sure I had things a wanted at all times.
Somewhere between graduation and my first job, something changed. The murder of Mike Brown happened. After Mike Brown, the killings of innocent black men and women didn’t stop. It was almost as if it encouraged racist cops to continue killings us. The murders fueled a fire in me I can’t explain.
It created the Mel Young everybody loves and knows today. Pro-Black and educating our community on life, love, relationships, financial literacy, credit, and business ownership.
I currently work as an E-Commerce specialist and Digital Data Consultant for one of the world’s top and fortune 100 consulting firms. I am using my income to reinvest in my community via Real Estate.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey has NOT been a smooth road. The truth is, I have yet to meet a business owner or change maker who has had a smooth ride. My struggles included time management, building a network of people I can trust, and your everyday learning through mistakes type of approach. There’s probably not ONE day out of the month that I don’t think about giving up and just being an average employee. However, I practice gratitude during those hard days and get encouragement from my network of people that support me.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Young Community & Culture Group, LLC – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I own one company, but I have three small businesses that are within that legal structure.
– Young Community & Culture Group = Real Estate investing in low-income communities. My goal is to slow down the gentrification of South East Houston. Aiming to create more homeownership in that area. I also offer business startup strategy sessions, web development,
– My Credit Booster = Is credit repair and personal tradeline service that I own. It’s not your typical repair service. Educating clients on credit repair and lifting scores while educating is the goal. This may seem crazy for business but I don’t want repeat customers. Once a client is done with my process, they should be able to repair credit for friends, family, and whoever needs it.
– The Noun Melanin = Is a clothing company. The apparel and accessories are geared towards black empowerment. All originally designed. All proceeds are directly funneled to my anti-gentrification fund.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Lol, I actually have my future projects mapped, planned, and dated in an excel spreadsheet. I have a total of 18 projects planned from now until 2022.
The top priorities happen to be A child education app to incentivize learning, Children’s books exploring career choices for black youth that doesn’t include sports, and launching my own creative, startup and technology consulting firm.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5707 Southwind St
- Phone: 7132520659
- Email: mel.young@ycculturegroup.com
- Instagram: @ProfessorBlackk
Image Credit:
Melanie Young
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
