Meet Lindsay Young

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lindsay Young a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

The Girl With the Broken Smile is the story of how I learned to love the very thing I once wished I could hide. Growing up with a cleft lip and palate shaped my world in ways I never expected—through surgeries, stares, and the quiet moments when I wondered if I’d ever feel “enough.”

But it also gave me a strength I didn’t know I had.

In this book, I share how I built my confidence piece by piece, not by pretending to be fearless, but by choosing to show up anyway. I talk about finding my voice, setting boundaries, embracing my differences, and learning that beauty isn’t something handed to us—it’s something we claim.

This is my journey to self-esteem, self-acceptance, and self-love. And for anyone who has ever felt different, overlooked, or not quite perfect—this story is for you. Because a broken smile can still shine the brightest.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My story starts with more than just creative dreams: I grew up navigating life with a cleft lip and palate, which shaped me in ways I couldn’t fully understand until later. That journey—full of surgeries, self-discovery, and rebuilding confidence—became the foundation for everything I do now.

What I Do Professionally

Today, I channel my voice into writing, visual art, and community-building. Whether I’m creating pieces that evoke emotion, writing about self-love and transformation, or sharing vulnerable slices of my life, I’m always creating space for healing, connection, and empowerment.

I also run a personal brand that’s rooted in authenticity. Through my Instagram @pojomaybebaby, I engage with a growing community of souls who are learning to embrace their scars (literal or emotional), reclaim their stories, and find beauty in the raw edges.

What’s Special / Exciting About My Work
• Authenticity first: What sets me apart is my willingness to be raw, real, and imperfect. My art and words don’t shy away from my past—they lean into it.
• Purpose-driven creativity: This isn’t just about making things that look good — it’s about healing, transformation, and lifting others up.
• Community + impact: I want my work to feel like a hug, a mirror, and a call to courage. For me, the biggest joy is when someone in my audience resonates deeply, or reaches out to say, “Me, too.”

What’s New / What’s Coming
• Projects & Events: I’m working on writing a feature film screenplay that celebrates resilience and vulnerability.
• Engagement: Expect more live conversations (Instagram Lives), behind-the-scenes peeks, and maybe even workshops or intimate art experiences. My goal is to turn this brand into a movement, not just a page.

Why It Matters to Me

I believe that our stories—every scar, every triumph—are powerful. When we own them, we transform them. My mission is to build a space (both online and offline) where people feel seen, heard, and inspired to heal in their own ways. If you’ve ever felt “broken,” “different,” or “not enough,” I hope my work reminds you that your mess is part of your magic.

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?

My path—from growing up with a cleft lip and palate to finding my voice, my confidence, and my creative purpose—wasn’t easy. But three qualities changed everything for me: resilience, self-compassion, and courage. They weren’t traits I was born with; they were muscles I built, slowly and intentionally. Here’s how they shaped me—and how you can start building them in your own journey.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most powerful gift my parents gave me wasn’t something they bought or fixed—it was the way they saw me. Growing up with a cleft lip and palate came with challenges that could have easily made me feel fragile or “other,” but my parents never let my differences define me.

They treated me like I was strong, capable, and worthy from day one. They showed up for every surgery, every appointment, every hard moment—but more importantly, they showed up with belief. Belief that I could handle it. Belief that I was beautiful. Belief that my story mattered long before I believed it myself.

Their constant support and unwavering normalcy taught me that my face wasn’t something to hide—it was simply part of my story, not the whole story. They made space for my feelings, celebrated my milestones, and reminded me that confidence is built from love, patience, and being truly seen.

That foundation—being raised by people who never treated me like I was broken—became the starting point of my healing, my self-esteem, and the voice I carry into my work today. Their love didn’t just protect me; it empowered me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Pojomaybebaby