Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ciera Young. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ciera , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
In 2018, I feel that I was on a high. I had just published my first book, I turned 30, and bought my first home. At the time I was working a job that I had been on for almost 4 years, but it ultimately did not align with where I saw my future going. One day I walked into work and was called to the office by my manager who stated that the company would be relocating, and everyone had been offered a work from home job, except for me. As anyone could imagine I was furious and more upset about the time that I had devoted to helping the company grow and felt they just didn’t value me. In that moment I realized that I did not want to figure out the next step, I quit. I literally walked out, and that was the biggest risk I have made in my life thus far.
While I was scared and had no idea on how I would pay my bills or take care of my kids, I knew that it was a necessary step because I valued myself and I knew that I had ideas that could take beyond that job. Although in the moment it was an emotional risk, that risk led me to completing my master’s program and finding my passion in the mental health field.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Recycled Energy is a mental health service provider that offers authentic, relatable, and transparent mental health services that lead to healing and activating your dopeness.
We offer a variety of services including individual and group sessions, consulting services, and availability for speaking engagements.
The combination of authenticity, transparency, and relatability, along with my personal and professional experience, gives “Homegirl Vibes,” which sets Recycled Energy apart from others. I can be myself, without the definition of professionalism that society has defined, meet people where they are in their journey, and help them get to where they want to be.
When working with Recycled Energy you learn how to disrobe from the titles you have, unpack your emotional baggage, and rebrand your life to create Your Life Aesthetics, which is the life you desire and deserve.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pivoting seems to be the story of my life. I believe that I spent much of my life after college chasing money, not longevity or sustainability. I realized shortly after graduating that I really had no idea what I wanted to do but I tried a little bit of everything from photography to even trying to become a Zumba Instructor. In all that I had to really sit with myself and understand the value in understanding my purpose. I had to look at the common denominator, and it led me to get to where I am today.
I understood then and understand now, that pivoting shows that you a willing to adjust when necessary and that sometimes it helps to get to where you want to be.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In 2008, I was arrested for a DUI. For a long time, I hid behind it, because I was ashamed of what people would say, and felt embarrassed. Eventually I realized it was my job to take control of the narrative and not allow that moment in my life define me. Although an extremely difficult lesson to learn, it was a necessary for me to experience it, because it gave me the strength I needed to really pull through dealing with depression and being codependent with alcohol. In this time, I was also able to get to know myself on a deeper level and it helped me get closer to my purpose.
My resiliency kicked into overdrive, and I continue to do the work, and I can use this as an opportunity of growth and understanding for those that I work with that you past does not define your future, but it can help shape it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.recycledenrgy.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/mynameisciera_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recycledenrgy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciera-young-9a6138150/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mynameisciera_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyKGku_ebAu0L_w3bbgm8Ig
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mynameisciera_
Image Credits
LuvJoy Studios