Meet Xia Freeman

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

Xia, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

I would be an advocate for advocating for oneself and developing a treatment team that you trust and can build a healthy sounding board for decisions. Ensuring that involvement is mutual in importance and can be emotionally progressive as challenges and accomplishments take place. Very often the stigma of mental health can weigh on a person just learning to cope with early or repeated signs of a disability. To have a team to fall back on that is separate from family and friends allows for a natural balance.

What has also helped me is a willingness to seek support from the resources available in the community and stay open minded to learn coping skills as faith in Elohim is so important to me. I have learned that vulnerability through creative expression is very authentic to my process and a strength in connecting with myself and with others. My music, story telling, and art direction have become powerful outlets for grief, loneliness, motherhood, and figuring out my transformation as a business woman, giving me a voice to emotions that words often can’t express the intensity of the emotions themselves. Being able to arrange sounds, have an understanding support system, and consistent advocacy for treatment, has afforded me a way to overcome and persist.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am XIANNE-XI— a multi-genre music producer, singer/songwriter, and founder of YOUNGWEALTHDC, an independent record label and creative enterprise rooted in healing, heritage, and raw expression. My music bridges experimental electronica, breakbeat, and nostalgic hip-hop with emotional storytelling, creating soundscapes that are deeply personal and universally resonant.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to turn personal experiences into sonic experiences. As a woman of color, a family member of veterans, and someone reclaiming my Indigenous roots, my music is my resistance, my prayer, and my reason. I use sound to liberate and empower—not just to entertain.

YOUNGWEALTHDC is more than a label—it’s a developing media platform designed to elevate independent artists from the Mid-Atlantic region and make them global. We’re in the early stages of expansion, with upcoming projects focused on artist development, immersive events, and a community listening series that blends live DJ sets, curated playlists, and therapeutic storytelling.

My latest EP’s— “From The Heart”, Imaginary Friends, “Moon Light EP”; and a few singles are now streaming, and can be purchased on BandCamp.com to help me directly to raise the funds needed to complete my album by May of 2026. I am working on merchandise for supporters with both YOUNGWEALTHDC and XIANNE-XI branding. I invite anyone moved by my words, my work to stream, share, or support however they can. Every listener is apart of my journey. I also have a email list for my newsletter on my United Master’s Artist Page! I send out monthly newsletters!

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?

Being able to rest, problem solve, and be resourceful has done wonders for me in my career. Also for anyone who wants to be a creative and a business owner. Doing as many free courses, reading, studying for hours and immediately putting what you are learning into practice. Helps tremendously for you, if you are doing it yourself in the beginning. Making a work/life routine while you keep some income based work coming in is vital. Do not quit your job until you can cover three-six months worth expenses in profit and can afford the basic needs!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I definitely would love a partner who is willing to invest or prepare the business further to obtain investors. I want to work with someone who has a vision for putting the well being of creatives first, has a sense of social entrepreneurial responsibilities, and wants to contribute to the community with well paying and sustainable careers. The best way to connect with me is via email on Instagram, or direct message me.

Contact Info:

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