#and it’s used as a genuine therapeutic outlet for girls & young women

[twistedappletree]

yall really got me defending hobby horse girl on tiktok bc you weird ass cringey adults think it’s normal to bully a literal child for doing something they enjoy lmao

[skweird-vision]

MEET : MILA KNIGHT

Name: Mila Knight

Where you’re from:

New Jersey by way of Trinidad & Tobago

Surviving Cancer: As a first generation college graduate and immigrant, Mila was intent on breaking the cycle of poverty in her family, but never planned for a cancer diagnosis throwing a huge wrench in her plans. With no prior symptoms, no breast cancer history in her family, and not having the BRCA gene mutation herself, Mila was diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with lymph node involvement at a relatively young age. Losing her closest Aunt to pancreatic cancer 5 months earlier, and having a toddler at the time, didn’t make it any easier.

Luckily, through doing her own breast self-exam, she found a lump and vocalized her concern to her doctors. Mila credits these actions to giving her a fighting chance, finding the lump early enough and bravely advocating for herself. In the fight for her life, she he underwent intravenous chemo, double mastectomy, radiation, pill chemo, opted for reconstruction, and is now under hormone therapy treatment.

The battle was long and hard, and many do not understand that surviving comes with its own challenges and quality of life issues, which is rarely ever talked about and doctors don’t prepare you for the mental, emotional and physical scars and trauma. But Mila is grateful to be given another chance at life and continues to fight.

Music: Part of this fight includes Mila’s use of music as a coping mechanism. She has always managed to find solace through her profound love of music, which led to using music as therapy during her cancer battle. Mila then turned her pain and passion for music into charity. While going through chemo, she held a fundraising concert, with all funds raised being donated to breast cancer awareness and accessibility programs for women of color and immigrants. The true embodiment of a patient advocate, continuing on her path to merge music and service to others.

The heart of Mila's music lies in its transformative power. In 2016, driven by the profound experience of becoming a mother, she found newfound purpose in her artistry. However, it was the subsequent diagnosis of breast cancer in 2019 that transformed her music into a therapeutic outlet, allowing her to channel pain into power, passion, and purpose. Now, in 2024, Mila is poised to unveil her debut single—a poignant soundtrack of hope in the midst of adversity, and living each day intentionally. Her music, characterized by down-to-earth lyrics and a genuine connection to her audience, becomes not just a melody but a companion through life's highs and lows.

Mila’s music resonates with the shared human experience, offering solace, bravery, and self-love. In her own words, "Music is my therapy," and as you immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of Mila Knight, you'll find that her music is not just heard; it's felt—a testament to the healing power of authentic storytelling.

Life: In her own words “I’m more than cancer” but cancer sure did make me realize how fleeting life is and you need to follow your dreams and live with purpose. Mila deferred her dream of music to fit the traditional career mold to be the shining success story and support for her family. A second chance at life reignited that desire within her to pursue her music dream and she’s now on a serious path singing and songwriting, which brings her such joy.

Mila enjoys being of service to others as evidenced by her breast cancer fundraising concerts, using music to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, assistance, and accessibility programs for women of color and immigrants. She also loves mentoring and educating girls to give them a leg up, a way out, a fighting chance to break negative generational cycles.

She loves spending time with her family and tells her daughter how much she loves her every day. Mila enjoys a good belly laugh and is focused now more than ever on prioritizing joy, living each day intentionally and pursuing her dreams.

Follow: IG: @milaknightsings www.milaknight.com

[midnight-paragraphs]

NOBODY SAID IT WAS EASY..

A year has passed, and my fingers feel home typing through these words, with music in the background, and keyboard clicking at every letter, every word, every feeling that comes with it. I miss the feeling of having an outlet for my thoughts. So here I am, trying to go back to what I once loved and had a passion for. Writing.

A lot has happened since the last year that I touched this space on the internet. I have lost myself a lot of times and when I thought I had it all back together, I was wrong. It took me a while before I was able to back read each post at this blog, trying to remember how it felt during those times, before I eventually deleted it one by one to start fresh, with this post.

I have changed.

The person typing these words down has finally matured and found her purpose in life. She does not worry about petty boy problems, and moving on from them. Instead, she now has a family, a husband and a young son.

You might think that everything finally went well for her. Some days, it did. But there are days wherein her heart feels heavy. As it does now. A lot of things have changed, and unlike before, a stick of cigarette cannot be of any help anymore. It’s frightening knowing that she feels alone despite of the number of people around her, knowing that her own head is causing all her distress and there’s nothing she could do about it.

What do I do?

I decided to open this account again, not for the same reason as I did before. I just wanted to turn whatever fucked up emotion that I am feeling into something good. Perhaps, try to write more sensible things that I could use in the future? I don’t know.

Years ago I was writing about a boy who I thought was the love of my life, but broke my heart completely, shattered into a million pieces and the reason why it never trusted again. I got over it, somehow, and loved again. There were a couple of flings that I had and one night’s but there are only 5 people who stood out.

I was played by a man, left hanging and used as a trophy that he went around bragging to people. I got over it and moved on. The next man was perfect, but he belonged to someone else. We shared great memories together. I had to get over it, and I had to move on. The next person, was different. By different, I meant, she’s a girl. For once, I felt the love and and care I yearned for. Even though it was a big risk, I took it, but she failed me. I was a decoy. Someone she turns to when the other doesn’t work out. I was stupid for coming back whenever she needs me. I got over her a couple of times, but I needed someone new to move on from the whole thing. Then came the next one, out of nowhere. He felt like someone I could have fun with, someone I knew would be very light for me. I thought I was in love with him, the very reason why I became his. I did not feel lonely. I felt that finally, somebody was there for me until less than a month, after getting what men wanted from women, he left. I once again felt broken, worthless and unlovable. But then, I got over it, and I moved on.

I knew that it was going to be hard for me. But part of me kept telling myself that this is just the beginning. That I’m still bound for more hurt and pain before I reach a point in life wherein I could say that I am genuinely happy with or without a man. I decided to finally follow what I have always told myself, which was to just go with the flow and stop falling in love. I have done it before, maybe it was just right to do it again.

And I did. I had the chance to spend time with a man that I first liked when I was a little girl. We met again and had a lot of fun until it had to stop. Out of nowhere again. But this time, it was okay. I did not care. I focused all my energy at work and it started to pay off. I was awarded several times as the best among my colleagues. My team started loving me more than I deserved. I earned the trust of my bosses. It was perfect. I knew that I was finally on the right track.    

While I was on that journey. I knew that I was content. I know that we can’t have it all. And since I was having so much positivity at work, I wasn’t expecting anything to be given to my healing heart.

I was wrong. Again.

I didn’t know that he will be given to me. My husband. He was there all along. From the first man to the last. He was just there, with his own life, his own list of women. We were both doing our trials and errors until we find each other and realize that we’re meant to be.

The moment we became together, the firsts, the i love you’s, I felt that that was it. He is the one. And hopefully I am not wrong. We are going through some things that’s making my heart heavy most of the time, but I have to fight it, since I have faith in our marriage. I trust that everything will be fine.

Just a week ago, I gave birth to a beautiful boy. Our beautiful boy. And just like any new mom, I have so many emotions over flowing every single day. This is the main reason why I had to re-open this blog. It’s therapeutic.

This is another beginning of a wonderful blogging journey. Nobody said it was easy, but now that I’m back with a computer and this blog, my mind finally feels home again.

[damnnngirl-things-blog]

Angela Young- Author, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

1. What made you write the book Pieces of Me in 2014?

For me as a little girl, writing, it has always been my dream to publish my work. Growing up, I was always in pageants and conferences and I was on the program. So, every time I was able to perform one of my original pieces...just to see the reaction of the audience or have other young girls come up to me and tell me how the poem inspired and touched them..I really wanted to do that on a larger scale. Pieces of Me is an honest glimpse into my heart and my soul and the things that i have experienced and what inspired me in a way. I really poured everything into this book.

2. I love the concept of inviting your readers to share their thoughts with you what made you think of that?

For me, writing and music, those are my go-tos. Writing is therapeutic and music soothes my soul. So those two things are my creative outlet and they provoke so many different thoughts and emotions for me. I wanted my poetry to do the same thing for the reader. I wanted to provide a space for them to release and be creative based on their emotions or whatever they were experiencing after reading the poem.

3. I remember trying to move into the Music scene in Atlanta while in college and thinking about a tough it was, did you have any trouble during your time?

The music industry itself is a difficult industry to break into and it really is about who you know. We go to college and get the education, but what I did learn is it's not about what you know it's about who you know. And making those valuable connections and building these relationships with people. That gets you in the door. Your work ethic is what keeps you there. Being in college we are required to have an internship as a communications major and I knew that in order to get into the entertainment industry I had to strategically position myself and that's what I did. I just went for it. I was very new to this city. I knew Grand Hustle and Patchwerk were both hiring, I just applied. When I got the internship at Patchwerk I told myself I was going to work, work, work. I always  tell people you have to work hard even when you think no one's looking because that’s the most valuable lesson that I learned. I was put in so many situations as an intern where I had the opportunity to go home or stay and finish up a project. I was doing it because that is just me. I wanted to make sure my work was done. Not thinking that I was doing this to impress someone. So when I got promoted to manager it became a true testament to that. The studio manager and I didn’t even have a real relationship because of our schedules. It's funny that talking to him during that interview, he was watching me the whole time and I had no idea.

4. Do you think women have hard time being taken serious in the world of mass media?

Yes, specifically the music industry is a male dominated industry so you have to come with your A-game. You have to be on your game and you have to demand respect. You have always be like five steps ahead of everyone else and pushing the barriers. There will always be situations where men don’t want to take you seriously.  Personally, I showed them my work ethic. It was definitely difficult for me in the beginning especially because I was young. Once you allow your work to speak for you it gets easier to deal with and they can’t ignore you.

5. Tell me more about the Little Black Box Project.

It started as a passion project/labor of love project. I have always loved doing community service and my passion has always been to help women and children. A couple years ago I slowed down with community service, this was the year that the Ray Rice scandal happened and I was thinking about what I could do to give back. We know that domestic violence happens all time, but during that time it was brought to the forefront so I decided to give back to a domestic violence shelter. I did some research and I learned that many women don’t make it out alive. Personally, it was never something that I have experienced, but I wanted to help those that have. So that is how the Little Black Box Project started. I created this box full of toiletry items for women and children to have during the holidays because I know that is a difficult time for people. I wanted to bring joy to people and I have been doing it ever since.

6. Did you start this project alone?

I didn’t have a team. I did reach out to U-Line shipping supplies and I told them my vision. I was blessed because they actually supply the boxes. The first year I had another company sponsor the boxes and the second year they sponsored the boxes. My network of family and friends donated money and items too.

7. What are some of the challenges that you have faced while pushing the Little black box project?

In the beginning I didn’t know what I was doing at first so I was doing all of the leg work. I had to do the research and doing it alone was hard sometimes.

8. What is one goal that you have for the project?

My goal is to see the project grow. The first year was to get 25 boxes for at least 16 people. This year my goal is 100 and I just want it to continue to grow. I also want to raise more awareness around this issue. This year I have some some exciting things planned so it will be bigger. So the main goal is to help as many people that I can and get more people involved in the initiative

9. Who are some women that you admire?

My mother, I am who I am because of her. I strive to be at least half the woman she is. Her strength, her love, her patience, and her compassion for people are all things I admire. I want to continue her legacy to touch people’s lives the way she has. Someone else that I admire is Tracee Ellis Ross. I love her work ethic. She really is a phenomenal woman. She owns who she is and I love the fact that she embraces her imperfections. She stands in her truth with her art of acting and she loves being herself.

10. What advice would you give your 21 year old self?

There are a couple things I would tell her, one being never stop believing in you. We all experience fear and question ourselves at times. The most important thing is believing. Your mind has to arrive at that destination first. You have to put things into the universe. I would also say step outside your comfort zone because that is where the magic happens. When I was younger I liked to play it safe. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable because when amazing things start to happen. Lastly, I would tell her the world needs your gift. Go out into the world and give the world your talent. God gave us all a special gift and no else can do what you do. So you have to share your gift with the world.

11. Give us one quote that you live by?

" When the right door opens be courageous enough to walk through it, be courteous enough to only take those who are capable with you, be swift enough to close the door afterwards, be observant enough to know that millions would never get the opportunities that you have, and be strong enough to continue while others mock you they will eventually honor you, be wise enough to build new doors, be great enough to open them for others."  -- Jermaine Moody

12. What do you have coming next?

I created the beNAKED Campaign. The aim of the campaign is to empower a generation of women to walk in their own truth, wholeheartedly embrace their perfect imperfections, and not be ashamed of who they naturally are.  Instead, celebrate real love and be inspired to be confident and comfortable in their skin. It’s a platform for all women to grow into an unapologetic fearlessness that others can learn from. With the campaign, I just launched the beNAKED Traveling Journal. Which is an actual journal that’s traveling around the world giving women the opportunity to connect through the art of storytelling. We all have a story to tell, experiences to share, and love to give. We are born with the need for human connection pulsing through our veins. When we choose vulnerability over comfort by allowing ourselves to be seen-really seen- we give others a chance to find us. When we choose to be seen, we empower others to be seen, and that is how community is born. This is the sole purpose of the Traveling Journal to give women a chance to create a deeper bond with themselves and other women through the art of storytelling. It gives all the women an opportunity to set themselves free. Free of all guilt, hurt, regret, jealousy, and any other insecurity they have allowed to weigh them down. This is a safe place for anonymity, vulnerability, understanding, acceptance, self-awareness, and reflection. I encourage them to let it all go amongst the pages in the journal. Then turn the page to their new chapter and a fresh start. We have our one year anniversary celebration coming up next month. If you're in Atlanta, I would love for you to come.

Lastly, I will be introducing my iAmAngelaYoung brand to the world, which will be the home for all my current projects. I want to welcome everyone into my world of women empowerment, where I encourage all women to walk in their truth, share their stories, embrace their perfect imperfections, and make valuable connections with other like-minded women. This will be my creative outlet, an authentic space to build genuine relationships and make magic with other dope women. I want women to be Encouraged, Inspired, and Empowered. My website will be launching soon.

Connect Socially: @iam_angelayoung and @benakedcampaign

[obsidianarchives]

Black Woman Creator: Asa Todd

Asa is a 31 year old Black woman, born and raised in New Jersey. She was first diagnosed with a mental illness at 12 years old and has spent the past 19 years learning to live her life to the fullest, even with her limitations. We spoke to Asa about her blog Makeup and Mania, where she discusses mental health and her passion for makeup.

Black Girls Create: What do you create (in your own words)?

I create a blog about two of of my main passions: makeup and mental health. The overall mission for my blog is to show the general public that people living with a mental illness are more than their illness. My take on it is that I’m showing my hobby, which is makeup enthusiasm and pretty much all things beauty, from natural hair to skin care. I do it to get people out of looking at people with mental illnesses as just their illness. And on the other side, it’s to help other black women, women of color, and people of color in general who are living with a mental illness know that they’re not alone, that their experiences are not out there, and that there is hope to have a productive and fulfilling life.

BGC: How did you come up with the idea to merge the two topics of makeup and mental health together?

It was a lot of influence from friends, just because one, they’re like, “you have a lot to say.” Also that I’m really good with make up for someone who’s never taken a class and doing it on my own, and it would help other people who are new to it. They said that it’s a very new and different concept to merge the two just because you don’t see that, you either see one or the other. There’s definitely a lot of influence from my friends to merge them.

BGC: Why do you create?

I do it because while it helps others, it also helps me. Being able to be a part of and build a community where you can share some things that you can’t share with others. It really helps me to process some of my own thoughts when I’m writing about my own journey in mental illness, so with me being able to process my own that I’m hoping it helps others process theirs as well. I definitely do want for me as a therapeutic thing, but also because I want to help others who are trying to find themselves or haven’t really reached out to anyone.

BGC: Have you been able to build a community through your writing and through your blog?

I have a couple people who reach out and say “what you wrote about really hit home for me,” or “I really relate to it,” when it comes to mental health or there are people who with make up they’re like “I’ve always wanted to try this, can you give me some more tips and pointers?” I’m hoping that the longer I do it I can build a community where I’m not the only outlet for support but the other people that read my blog can support each other.

BGC: Who or what inspires you to do what you do?

I have a ton of friends who are creatives and just seeing the joy they get from creating is a motivator. Also, they push me to be my best and to go after what I want. There’s a ton of people - way too many to name - I have a circle of people who push me and motivate me and are inspiring in their own rights.

BGC: How do you balance creating with the rest of your life?

It’s definitely a challenge. It’s gotten easier because I quit my full time job, for issues with my own depression and complications with medical issues, but with that I’m then able to focus on creative stuff for myself but also doing some freelance work where I write and guest blog or ghost write for other blogs as well.

BGC: How has the freelancing process been for you?

It’s very difficult to get started, that’s one thing I have to say. I’m still very new to freelancing, so  getting my client roster up is where it’s difficult because you need a portfolio of experience to start to really get people interested in you, but you have to build a portfolio. Getting that ball rolling is difficult, I have to take lower paying gigs and what not, but it’s something I enjoy and and every little bit of money helps. It’s great because you get to do what you want to do, there’s nothing you’re obligated to do. If you’re reading a proposal and it’s not what you want to do, you can skip it. One resource that’s I’ve find very helpful to get me started and keep me motivated is BlackFreelance.com. It’s a community of black freelancers that give you tips on where to go to start. Just like there are job boards for regular jobs, there are job boards for freelance positions. That’s really helped me.

BGC: Why is it important as a black person to create?

I feel that it’s definitely important because mainstream media and places that display creative talents don’t always really focus on our stories or our voices. As far as we’ve come, it’s still very much lacking. We have so much to say and so many feelings that aren’t being heard. In order to not feel like you’re voiceless and have it all just bottled up in you, creating helps you get it all out, whether or not you’re doing it to share with the world or just to keep to yourself. It’s a way of venting and expressing yourself in many different forms whether the written word or visual or music or anything, it’s something that is so important to keep us grounded and feeling good.

BGC: Where do you see your blog going?

I am hoping to really get it to reach a bigger audience, that’s my main goal. With building a bigger audience hopefully I can partially monetize it. I’ve put so much money into it, I want to hopefully get some of it back at some point. I really want my blog to help me become a better advocate for people with mental illnesses and hopefully be able to use public speaking engagements where I can talk to consumers of mental health services, physicians and clinicians, and also the general public who are either not informed or misinformed about it.

BGC: Do you have any advice for young creators or people who are just starting out?

My advice is really just to do it. I wanted to do this blog for so long, but there’s always the what-ifs and worries. Just do it, go for it. Whether or not it becomes what you envisioned isn’t the point. It’s that you did it and that you gave it that try. It doesn’t matter how it turns out, just keep going and genuinely do it for yourself. Don’t do it to try and keep up with anybody else, or because it looks like the thing to do. Do it for yourself, because once you start doing it to try and keep up with other people it really becomes work as opposed to something that fulfills you.

BGC: Do you have any future projects or things you want to do in the future?

2017 is my year of travel. I have about three overseas trips that are either booked or in the works. So I’m putting that into the part about mental health, because a big barrier to me traveling and a lot of other people traveling is fear, anxiety, depression, and really not having the confidence to do it. It took me a long time to be able to build up that confidence - and the funds - to do it. I’m trying to make it another part of my blog, where I talk about the difficulties of traveling but also how rewarding it is as well. Hopefully it will encourage people who have the means but not the confidence to get out there and see the world or not even just the world, just the country we live in.