We were lucky to catch up with Layla Young recently and have shared our conversation below.
Layla , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Having faith in God and trusting my community helped me overcome imposter syndrome. Both supplied me with words of encouragement, wisdom, direction and hope at a time when I could not see myself. At a certain point while seeking that validation, I tried saying to myself the words that the people I admired and trusted would say: I am more than a conqueror; I am an artist; Everything I need to succeed is already inside of me; My voice matters; I belong here. I started to believe what I was saying slowly but surely. Now I can navigate through spaces boldly and confidently because I do believe in myself and my abilities.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an artist and entrepreneur. I’m able to express these parts of myself by serving as the the Associate Artistic Director for StoryWorks Theater and owner of NaLa’s Harvest
StoryWorks is a documentary theater company based out of San Francisco, CA and Clarksdale, MS. We are a community of artists, educators, and journalists working together to provide quality public art rooted in investigative journalism. I have been a part of StoryWorks since 2017 and I have worn many hats, including actor, teacher, stage manager, and director. Through StoryWorks I’ve learned that theater can be a conduit for change, healing, inspiration. I’ve also learned that the power of community is much greater than any one individual. I encourage everyone to check out our website to learn more about us, and to check out our plays and open-source teaching curriculum.
NaLa’s Harvest is my family bakery. We serve gourmet treats, classic cookies, and homemade candy during holidays and special events (weddings, galas, etc.). Our story began over 30 years ago when my mother would create cookie variety boxes as gifts for the family Christmas celebration with my father’s side. Each box would have 6 – 8 different types of cookies and 4 -6 of each cookie. I grew up looking forward to assisting in the yearly cookie production whether it was picking out our boxes with my mom, shelling pecans with my father, or being trusted to mix the dough by myself. Overtime, I’ve assumed the role as lead baker and have been working to make NaLa’s Harvest a household name. You can find more information about our sweet treats by following NaLa’s Harvest on Facebook and Instagram
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Have Empathy and Communication skills
Learn how to talk to yourself as well as to others. There are times when the words we say to others are the words we need to hear ourselves. And, when we do speak to ourselves it tends to be harsher than how we would say it to others. I’ve found that when you learn how to listen and speak to yourself it can positively impact the way you listen and show up for others.
Time management skills
I’ve had to take inventory of my obligations, responsibilities, dreams, and resources to see what takes precedence and what can be accomplished over time. Journals, calendars, and the reminder app have been key in helping me stay on top of everything.
Ask for Advice
Look for people who are doing what you’re looking to do and listen to their experience. Whether you know someone you can directly connect with or if you look on Google, YouTube, and even TikTok; it’s someone out there that can encourage, advise, and inspire you.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instill in me the value of serving others. I do not believe that the skills, talents, and resources I have are solely for my own good. I believe I am a vessel here to be a light and a resource for those in my community, so we can all benefit. Even as a leader, my position isn’t just to be seen in the front, but to guide others as we move forwards.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.storyworkstheater.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nalasharvest?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nalasharvest/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
