ESSENCE: What do you hope your customers experience when they wear your creations?
ERICA YOUNG: I have always wanted to design a line that empowers the wearer, boosts her confidence or simply makes her feel sexier. Since my garments have a lot of stretch and fit many body types, my customers can feel comfortable as well.
ESSENCE: What’s the most challenging part of running your company?
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E.Y.: I am still an emerging brand. I’m self-funded and I do not have a partner. If it weren’t for going through the difficulties of running a business, I would never have known how strong I am. Every day when I wake up, I meditate or work out and then hit the ground running, because I have realized over the years how much I believe in myself.
ESSENCE: What is it like to have Beyoncé as a fan?
E.Y.: It is simply unreal! Not only is she one of the most talented entertainers in the world, she is also a beautiful soul. She is truly one of the kindest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.
ESSENCE: How do you like to rock your own designs?
E.Y.: I have an avant-garde Comme des Garçons jacket I’ve been putting in rotation more. I wear my tights underneath ripped jeans during the fall and winter.
ESSENCE: What’s the key to having great skin while wearing your lingerie?
E.Y.: I am obsessed with Tata Harper products, specifically the Revitalizing Body Oil. It leaves your skin moisturized without being too oily.
This feature originally appeared in the February 2017 Issue of ESSENCE Magazine.